Hydrogels
Articles tagged with Hydrogels
Metabolism-inspired hydrogels replicate heartbeat-like motion and photosynthesis
Researchers design polymer networks to replicate dynamic behaviors inspired by biological systems. Self-oscillating gels exhibit rhythmic motion similar to a beating heart, while artificial photosynthetic gels convert light into chemical energy.
Carbon dots intercalated MXene for flexible organic hydrogel absorbers with synergistically enhanced dielectric loss
This innovative material combines the mechanical flexibility of an organic hydrogel with exceptional microwave absorption properties. The synergy between MXene and carbon dots provides a powerful tool for managing electromagnetic pollution in wearable electronics.
Light responsive hydrogels enable fast and precise control of soft materials
Researchers at Tampere University have developed light responsive hydrogel thin films that enable programmable surfaces with high sensitivity, rapid response, precise spatial control and reversibility. The technology opens new possibilities for tunable devices in photonics, sensing and biomedicine.
With a swipe of a magnet, microscopic “magno-bots” perform complex maneuvers
Engineers at MIT and their collaborators create a new type of soft magnetic hydrogel that can be made into complex, magnetically activated three-dimensional structures. The new gel enables the creation of microscopic, magnetically responsive robots and materials with micron-scale precision.
Biochar-powered hydrogels boost solar water evaporation efficiency for sustainable desalination
Researchers developed a hybrid material combining biochar with polyzwitterionic hydrogel, achieving an evaporation rate of 3.57 kg/m²/h under standard sunlight conditions. The biochar enhances light absorption, water transport, and energy efficiency, making it suitable for seawater desalination applications.
Aggregation‑induced‑emission luminogens functionalized MXene nanosheets for stimuli‑responsive hydrogel in pyroptosis‑mediated choroidal melanoma therapy
Researchers develop AIEgen-functionalized MXene nanosheets for stimuli-responsive hydrogel in pyroptosis-mediated choroidal melanoma therapy, overcoming limitations of traditional therapies. The platform achieves precise tumor discrimination and effective tumor eradication without enucleation.
Ultra‑stretchable anti‑freezing hydrogel electrolytes cross‑linked by liquid metal particle initiators toward soft energy storage devices
Researchers developed a novel hydrogel electrolyte that overcomes limitations of traditional hydrogels, enabling ultra-stretchability and anti-freezing capability. The material achieves high ionic conductivity and retains performance under severe deformation and extreme temperatures.
A stiff defense: Rethinking gum disease
New research demonstrates that restoring the physical stiffness of the gingival tissue can fundamentally change how cells respond to infection, potentially paving the way for new treatments. The study uses a hydrogel system to investigate how gum tissue stiffness impacts periodontal disease inflammation.
Ultra‑light poly(N‑isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels: Light weight water materials for passive thermal management via insulation and cooling
Researchers have developed ultra-lightweight water materials that retain water's inherent thermal advantages while overcoming its density constraints. These materials enable passive thermal management without energy-intensive active cooling systems, addressing the weight burden limitation of conventional hydrogels.
Rice bioengineer awarded $2.2 million for project to develop long-acting cell factory implants for HIV, malaria treatment and prevention
Rice bioengineer Omid Veiseh has been awarded a $2.2 million grant to develop implantable cell factory platforms that can deliver therapeutic antibodies over extended periods. The platform aims to reduce dosing frequency and improve access to biologic therapies in low- and middle-income countries.
Mussel adhesion meets conductivity: new bioglue for bioelectronic implants
A conductive bioglue was developed to ensure firm adhesion and stable electrical signaling within the human body. It overcomes challenges in connecting damaged tissues or attaching bioelectronic devices, promoting muscle and nerve regeneration and stable implant stability.
A novel soft biosensor with printable responsive hydrogel interfaces for detection and differentiation of blood circulation complications
A novel soft biosensor with printable responsive hydrogel interfaces was developed for precise detection and differentiation of blood circulation complications in postoperative free flaps. The biosensor achieved high adhesion and high-fidelity signal acquisition while exhibiting low adhesion after monitoring to avoid wound damage.
Bioprinting muscle that knows how to align its cells just as in the human body
A research team from Xi'an Jiaotong University has developed a method to align cells in muscle tissue using electric forces during electrohydrodynamic bioprinting. This breakthrough allows for the creation of living muscle tissues with tightly aligned cells, enabling the production of functional muscle constructs.
Research | Multifunctional hydrogels for harsh environments: achieving broadband electromagnetic interference shielding and infrared stealth under ultra-low conductive filler content
Researchers develop a multifunctional hydrogel system with broadband electromagnetic interference shielding and infrared stealth performance, exceeding that of commercial-grade materials under various harsh conditions. The gel's mechanical robustness and environmental stability are enhanced by a synergistic MXene treatment strategy.
Smarter tissue and organ repair thanks to made in Ottawa next-gen hydrogel
Researchers from the University of Ottawa have developed a groundbreaking biomaterial that combines strength, adaptability, and biological compatibility for soft tissue repair. The hydrogel is made from synthetic peptides and can be precisely tailored through chemical design, making it an attractive alternative to existing biomaterials.
Pusan National University researchers develop light-activated tissue adhesive patch for rapid, watertight neurosurgical sealing
Researchers have developed a breakthrough light-responsive Janus dural patch using photocurable hyaluronic acid, providing strong wet adhesion and preventing unwanted tissue adhesion. The patch seals wounds within five seconds with minimal swelling and high biocompatibility.
Wearable hydrogel that tracks your body anywhere and anytime
Researchers created an ultrathin hydrogel electrode that can track vital signals without interruption, overcoming previous dehydration, freezing, and mechanical fragility issues. The new material forms a flexible layer that can withstand extreme temperatures and retain water content over time.
First optical microneedle device in the world enabling glucose quantification in ultra-trace samples
A novel optical microneedle device developed by researchers can quantify glucose levels in ultra-trace samples with high precision, offering a potential solution for blood-sampling-free clinical testing. The device features a functional hydrogel at its tip that reversibly binds to glucose, enabling accurate analysis without consuming t...
PolyU develops ultra-stable, mucus-inspired hydrogel to boost gastrointestinal wound healing
Researchers at PolyU have developed an acid-resistant, ultra-stable mucus-inspired hydrogel that significantly improves gastrointestinal wound healing in animals and outperforms a clinically approved mucosal protectant. The hydrogel's potential for commercialization is high due to its low cost, ease of production, and established safet...
New composite hydrogel shows promise for treating dental pulp infection
A new composite hydrogel containing Li-Ca-Si bioceramics particles and gelatin methacryloyl matrix has shown promise in treating dental pulp infections by facilitating innervation and odontogenic differentiation. The hydrogel promoted Schwann cell regeneration, cytocompatibility for dental pulp stem cells, and proliferation of DPSCs.
Superhydrated zwitterionic hydrogel with dedicated water channels enables nonfouling solar desalination
A superhydrated zwitterionic hydrogel with dedicated water channels has been developed for nonfouling solar desalination. The hydrogel rejects ions, proteins, bacteria, and algae while allowing water to flow at a rate of 2.35 kg m-2 h-1 under sunlight.
3D-printed hydrogel “power patches” harvest low-grade heat as wearable thermocells
A research team at Nankai University has developed soft, stretchable 'power patches' that can be printed in various shapes and worn on the body to harvest low-grade heat. The patches generate a steady voltage when exposed to a temperature difference, making them suitable for wearable thermocells.
New bioelectronics device based on hydrogel- elastomer conductive nanomembranes
Researchers developed a novel bioelectronic material that transforms from a rigid film to a soft, tissue-like interface upon hydration, enabling seamless integration with living tissues. The device, called THIN, has been shown to record biological signals with high fidelity and stability in animal experiments.
Materials that match the brain: Rice engineer earns Sontag Foundation distinction
Christina Tringides' CHAMELEON project aims to develop soft, sensor-laden brain implants that can monitor and treat glioblastoma with greater precision. Her lab creates hydrogel-based arrays with conductive electrodes to track neural signals in real-time.
Korea University researchers create hydrogel platform for high-throughput extracellular vesicle isolation
Extracellular vesicles can mediate communication between cells and tissues, influencing processes like immune signaling and cancer progression. Researchers have developed a practical, scalable EV-isolation platform that operates without preprocessing steps or specialized equipment.
Intelligent hydrogel microstructures enable the precise application of force to cellular systems
Scientists at Max Planck Institute develop a novel lab-on-a-chip system using intelligent hydrogel structures to simulate spatially and temporally controlled mechanical perturbations of biological polymer networks. The system applies precise pressure forces to cellular microenvironments, enabling research into biomechanical interaction...
Artificial tendons give muscle-powered robots a boost
MIT engineers developed artificial tendons made from hydrogel to connect lab-grown muscles with robotic skeletons. The tendons improved the robot's motion and force output by three times, enabling faster and more efficient biohybrid robots.
Radiative coupled evaporation cooling hydrogel for above‑ambient heat dissipation and flame retardancy
Researchers developed a novel hydrogel that leverages radiative and evaporative cooling to efficiently manage heat in harsh outdoor environments. The breakthrough design offers enhanced fire safety and water autonomy, promising significant advancements in thermal management.
Smart hydrogel mimics skin repair to accelerate diabetic wound healing
Researchers developed a composite hydrogel that integrates antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and regenerative functions to promote faster wound closure. The hydrogel demonstrated over 98% antibacterial efficacy and improved fibroblast and endothelial cell growth.
Octopus‑inspired self‑adaptive hydrogel gripper capable of manipulating ultra‑soft objects
A team of researchers developed an octopus-inspired, hydraulically actuated hydrogel gripper that achieves damage-free adhesion for complex underwater manipulation. The innovative design offers a transformative blueprint for next-generation soft robotic grippers.
An aircell hydrogel for ultra-sensitive human-machine interaction
Researchers developed an ultra-sensitive hydrogel for human-machine interaction, achieving high-accuracy collaboration in remote surgical operations and virtual reality. The AirCell Hydrogel boasts a smooth surface and porous interior structure, allowing it to detect various human motions with exceptional accuracy.
Portable, self-cleaning, electrochromic window towards enhanced solar modulation
Researchers developed an all-flexible, self-cleaning smart window that fine-tunes solar gain in real time and protects against environmental contaminants. The device's multifunctionality could accelerate green building development and address climate change concerns.
Rice scientists develop hydrogel platform for long-lasting, precision drug delivery
Researchers create peptide hydrogel that controls drug release, improving treatment adherence and efficacy for conditions like tuberculosis and diabetes. The SABER platform uses reversible chemical bonds to slow down drug release, offering a promising solution for precise delivery.
Machine learning enabled reusable adhesion, entangled network‑based hydrogel for long‑term, high‑fidelity EEG recording and attention assessment
A new hydrogel sensor has been developed to enable long-term, high-fidelity EEG recording and attention assessment. The PGEH patch uses machine learning-powered attention decoding and reusable skin adhesion, making it a potential game-changer for wearable neuromonitoring.
Acid-resistant artificial mucus improves gastric wound healing in animals
Researchers developed an acid-resistant hydrogel called ultrastable mucus-inspired hydrogel (UMIH) that improved gastrointestinal wound healing in animal models and outperformed a clinically approved mucosal protectant. UMIH showed 15 times stronger adhesive abilities and remained stable for 7 days in acidic conditions.
SEOULTECH researchers develop smarter, more controllable hydrogel pores
Researchers developed a new origami-inspired folding strategy for reversible actuation of hydrogel pores, integrating facet-driven folding into polygonal pores to enable programmable and predictable actuation. This strategy retained 90% of its original shape after repeated swelling-shrinking cycles, demonstrating excellent reliability.
Regulating the coordination environment of H2O in hydrogel electrolyte for a high-environment-adaptable and high-stability flexible Zn devices
Researchers have developed a hydrogel electrolyte that regulates the coordination environment of water molecules, enabling high-stability and flexibility in zinc-based devices. This breakthrough can lead to advanced energy storage solutions for extreme environments.
Smarter hydrogel surface achieves 5× faster oil–water separation
Researchers have developed a smart hydrogel surface that can instantly recognize whether it's in contact with oil or water and switch its behavior to separate the two. The surface achieves a record-breaking separation speed of 17,750 liters per square meter per hour, three to five times faster than most current membranes.
Self-powered patch monitors biomarkers without drawing blood
Researchers have developed a self-powered microneedle patch that can monitor biomarkers without drawing blood or relying on external devices. The patch uses dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) as a cleaner sample, which contains similar biomarkers to blood and doesn't require processing before testing.
Novel 3D printing technique creates hydrogels that mimic natural tissues
Researchers developed a novel 3D printing technique called IPS 3DP to create personalized implants with specific mechanobiological properties. The method enables the creation of structurally complex hydrogels with hierarchical microstructures and strain-stiffening behavior, paving the way for advanced biomedical applications.
Bee-stinger-inspired microneedle deliver drugs, stimulate healing, and monitor wounds in real time
Researchers have created a wearable system that combines drug delivery, electrical stimulation, and continuous monitoring to treat diabetic foot ulcers. The microneedle platform anchors securely into the skin and adjusts therapy in real-time to prevent severe tissue damage.
World's first MPI-trackable alginate-based microrobot: breakthrough platform enables targeted stimulation, position tracking, and cell delivery without cameras or radiation
Researchers developed an alginate-based microrobot that can be tracked using Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) and performs real-time localization, selective thermal therapy, and cell delivery. The robot is powered by a single magnetic actuation system independent of conventional medical imaging devices.
New hydrogel-based treatment accelerates infected wound healing and balances skin microbiota
A novel hydrogel has been developed to accelerate wound healing in infected wounds by regulating the skin microbiota. The hydrogel, PSG15, inhibited bacterial growth and promoted tissue regeneration, enhancing angiogenesis and collagen deposition.
A nature-inspired wonder patch: Controllable adhesion and anti-adhesion for soft tissue repair
A new hydrogel patch with dual-sided design offers adjustable, revocable adhesion and anti-adhesive functions for enhanced tissue repair. It reduces inflammation, promotes healing, and allows repositioning during surgical procedures.
Multifunctional ANF/MXene-enhanced hydrogels for flexible EMI shielding and wearable sensing applications
Researchers developed a multifunctional hydrogel reinforced with ANFs and MXene, achieving outstanding EMI shielding and wearable sensing performance. The innovative design balances electrical conductivity and effective absorption, addressing long-standing challenges in flexible electronics.
New insights into soft material deformation
A new study maps the internal behavior of soft materials when deformed, revealing localized fracture events and heterogeneous flows. The findings challenge long-standing assumptions and provide valuable insights for improving manufacturing techniques.
Anisotropic hygroscopic hydrogels for high-power, self-sustained passive daytime cooling
Researchers have developed an innovative ASPIRE cooler that leverages a dual-alignment structure within a hygroscopic hydrogel to achieve high-power passive daytime cooling. The study reveals the potential for this technology to enable sustainable cooling solutions for various applications.
Hydrogel electrolytes: the key to robust zinc-ion batteries for harsh conditions
The review highlights the potential of hydrogel electrolytes to create rechargeable zinc-ion batteries that can withstand extreme temperatures, mechanical deformations, and environmental damages. Hydrogel electrolyte technology paves the way for next-generation energy storage devices.
New hydrogel treatments turn water waste to fertilizer
Researchers have developed innovative composite nanotechnology that removes excess nutrients from wastewater, converting them into agricultural fertilizers. The technology reduces ammonia and phosphate concentrations by up to 60% and 91%, respectively, effectively preventing harmful algal blooms and associated toxins.
A sweet solution for safer diagnosis and treatment
Scientists replace toxic additives in hydrogels with D-sorbitol, a safe sugar alternative found in chewing gum, to create bioelectronic devices that are soft, safe, and integrated with natural tissue. The new material has increased biocompatibility and improved electronic performance.
Hydrogel innovation offers hope for dry mouth treatment
Researchers developed a smart hydrogel system that supports the growth of human salivary cells in three-dimensional spheroids. The system enables the formation of large, viable spheroids with high expression of key salivary proteins and demonstrates functional activity.
Multi-directionally oriented collagen tissue fabrication achieved using 3D printing
Researchers from Yokohama National University have developed a method to fabricate complex oriented tissues with multiple directionality using 3D printing. This technique utilizes flow to orient collagen fibers and cells, allowing for the creation of fine, micro-oriented structures in both horizontal and vertical directions.
Ultrasound unlocks a safer, greener way to make hydrogels
Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to create hydrogels using ultrasound, eliminating the need for toxic chemical initiators. The breakthrough offers a faster, cleaner and more sustainable approach to hydrogel fabrication.
Piecing together the brain puzzle
A new microscopy method, LICONN, developed by ISTA scientists and Google Research, can reconstruct mammalian brain tissue with all synaptic connections between neurons. This technique uses standard light microscopes and hydrogel to achieve high resolution and opens up possibilities for visualizing complex molecular machinery.
Prof. Nishuang Liu/Prof. Yihua Gao's team—recent advances in self-powered sensors based on ionic hydrogels
Researchers have developed ionic hydrogel self-powered sensors with sustainable energy supply, converting various external stimuli into electrical signals. The sensors offer unique advantages in structural and performance design due to their excellent flexibility and ease of preparation.
MIT engineers print synthetic “metamaterials” that are both strong and stretchy
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to fabricate stretchable ceramics, glass, and metals using a double-network design. This material can stretch over four times its size without breaking, making it suitable for tear-resistant textiles and flexible semiconductors.
“Petrificus totalus!” — 3D-printed hydrogel switches from kPa-Soft to GPa-hard on command
Researchers at Zhejiang University developed a novel 3D-printed hydrogel that can easily switch its Young's modulus from kPa to GPa through on-demand crystallization. The hydrogel exhibits a hardness of 86.5 Shore D and a Young's modulus of 1.2 GPa, surpassing current 3D-printed hydrogels.
Artificial skin from hydrogels
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed an artificial skin model using a non-swelling hydrogel made from cold-water fish gelatin. The hydrogel can be 3D printed and contains cells, emulating the layered structure of human skin.
Building better bioadhesives for long-term medical implants
Jiawei Yang creates bioadhesives with two layers, a transparent solid hydrogel layer and a clear liquid adhesive layer, to provide fast, strong, stable, and deep adhesion in the body. The new bioadhesives have potential applications in treating Parkinson's disease, heart failure, and healing damaged cartilage.