[2O12-7]
Ultra-Stretchable Double-Network Green Hydrogels Incorporating Zinc-Infused Zeolites for Enhanced Antibacterial Effects
발표자양현모 (단국대학교)
연구책임자오준균 (단국대학교)
Abstract
Bio-based double-network (DN) hydrogels are promising for biomedical applications due to their strength, flexibility, and swelling capacity. Here, starch-based DN hydrogels embedded with zinc-loaded zeolites were developed to achieve high mechanical stability, water retention, and antibacterial activity. The hydrogel consisted of a double-network structure formed from starch and acrylamide, where the primary network provided structural support and the secondary network improved elasticity and swelling behavior. Zinc-loaded zeolites formed in situ enabled the slow and sustained release of Zn²⁺ ions, producing strong antibacterial effects against E. coli and S. epidermidis. The hydrogels also showed uniform particle distribution and good biocompatibility. Overall, the developed hydrogels exhibited excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, and swelling properties associated with their porous structure, highlighting their suitability for advanced biomedical applications.