A self-healable, tough, and conductive hydrogel with a dynamic network ensures the long-term functionality of bioelectronics
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초록
내용
Reliable bioelectronics for future healthcare systems requires stable integration between the human body and electronics with long-term functionality. Although hydrogels have emerged as promising candidates for future bioelectronics, they are mechanically vulnerable under dynamic human body environments. Here, we report a mechanically tough hydrogel, which can even self-heal after damage (self-healing efficiency of ~90% after 5-minute healing). The fascinating mechanical properties are attributed to the dynamic network within the hydrogel. Notably, the hydrogel showed high electrical conductivity (~35 S/m), which can be maintained under ~300% strain due to the dynamic rearrangement of the network. Combining above mentioned functionalities, we applied the hydrogel to detect electromyogram signals and verified clear signals with fewer noises. Finally, we confirmed that the hydrogel is also printable so that it has a high potential to be fabricated as a diverse bioelectronic platform.