Articles tagged with Hydrogels
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Researchers developed an electric eel-inspired device that produced 110 volts from gels filled with varying strengths of salt water, leveraging ion gradients across hydrogels. The team hopes to increase the current and develop a power source for implantable devices utilizing existing human body ionic gradients.
Researchers at Rutgers University have created a 4D-printed shape-shifting smart gel that can morph over time and temperatures change. The gel can provide structural rigidity in organs like the lungs and create new applications in soft robotics, biomedical devices, and scaffolds for cell growth.
Researchers at UNIST created a new type of underwater adhesive that is stronger than natural biological glues used by mussels. The hydrogel-based adhesive exhibits strong adhesion under wet conditions due to reversible interlocking between reconfigurable microhook arrays.
Scientists at the University of Washington have developed a new biomaterial-based delivery system that releases therapeutics in response to specific physiological conditions. The system uses 'logic gates' programmed with Boolean logic to open and release cargo only when certain environmental cues are met.
Researchers developed a molecular printing technique, 3DEAL, to create complex hydrogel environments with controlled chemical composition. This allows for the design of new drug screening platforms and tissue-engineered constructs with spatially controlled gradients or patterns.
Researchers from NTU Singapore and CMU have developed a technique to direct the growth of hydrogel to mimic plant or animal tissue structure and shapes. The team's findings suggest new applications in tissue engineering and soft robotics, where hydrogel is commonly used.
Researchers have developed soft power cells that mimic the electric eel's ability to generate high-voltage electricity while consuming low current. The cells are made of hydrogel and salt and could potentially power implantable or wearable devices without toxicity or frequent recharging.
Scientists at USC have developed a temperature-sensitive gel that can seal eye injuries, allowing for faster treatment and reducing the risk of complications. The reversible seal can be easily removed with cool water, making it a promising solution for treating ocular injuries on the battlefield.
MIT engineers have devised a 3D printing technique that uses live bacteria cells to create interactive structures. The team printed a 'living tattoo' with branches that light up in response to different chemical stimuli, demonstrating the potential for wearable sensors and interactive displays.
A team of ETH researchers created a novel 3D printing platform that utilizes living matter to produce mini biochemical factories with various properties. The platform uses bacteria-containing ink to create objects with specific characteristics, such as biodegradable materials and sensors for toxic substances.
A team of biomedical engineers has developed a photocrosslinkable, thermoreversible type-I collagen bioink for 3D printing of scaffolds. The bioink allows for spatially controlled cross-linking and can be used to print scaffolds with macroscale features, facilitating tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Researchers created a synthetic material that combines the strengths of Kevlar with polyvinyl alcohol to mimic natural cartilage's properties. The new material boasts the same mechanism as natural cartilage, releasing water under stress and recovering by absorbing it later.
Scientists have successfully created tiny protein-based gelatin-like clumps called hydrogels inside living cells using a novel technique. This breakthrough advances research into the suspected contributions of hydrogels to human diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at Penn State create artificial system using DNA-laced hydrogel that releases signaling protein in response to chemical signal. The system, which uses aptamers and double-stranded helical molecules of DNA, can repeat the sequence, releasing proteins until there are no more to release.
Researchers created synthetic hydrogels that allowed human intestinal cells to grow and differentiate in a 3D environment, forming normal tissue structures. The hydrogels can be easily modified to support various cell types, offering a promising approach for treating gut injuries and potentially other organ damage.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a method for creating modified DNA-based hydrogels with unique properties. These hydrogels can be dissolved, reformed, and retain their biochemical activity, making them suitable for various applications such as drug delivery and cell growth.
Researchers have developed an alginate hydrogel that can deliver angiogenic growth factors like VEGF and IGF to promote vascularization in ischemic tissues. The system increases blood flow and perfusion, improving muscle strength and tissue regeneration, with promising results in both young mice and aged rabbits.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new method to induce shape-changing in water-based gels using DNA molecules. By employing specific DNA sequences called 'hairpins,' they can cause a hydrogel sample to swell up to 100 times its original volume, and then halt the reaction with another DNA sequence.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have created a new bio-ink made from cold-soluble gelatin, which shows promise for creating artificial organs. The hydrogel is thermally stable at room temperature, making it suitable for use in 3D bio-printing.
Scientists at University of Pittsburgh create vascularized pancreatic islet organoids using human pluripotent stem cells, offering potential treatment for Type I Diabetes. The innovative approach involves implanting blood vessel fragments into the islets before transplantation.
Scientists develop silver nanowire-coated textiles that provide multiple protection capabilities against extreme cold weather. These fabrics can capture sweat and maintain a consistent temperature, improving soldier comfort during missions.
Researchers developed a novel, tough, and triggerable hydrogel material that addresses safety concerns of traditional swallowable drug delivery systems. The new material can withstand gastrointestinal forces and release medication in a controlled manner.
Researchers at MIT have developed a gel-like material that can be coated onto standard plastic or rubber devices, providing a softer and more slippery exterior. The coating can also monitor and treat signs of infection, and could potentially replace common elastomers in medical devices.
A team of architects and chemists from the University of Cambridge has designed super-stretchy and strong fibres almost entirely composed of water. The new method improves upon earlier methods of making synthetic spider silk without high-energy procedures or extensive use of harmful solvents.
Researchers from HKUST created a B12-dependent light-sensing hydrogel by covalently stitching together photoreceptor proteins, enabling rapid gel-sol transition on light exposure. This allows for controlled release of stem cells and proteins with high spatiotemporal precision.
The study used FReI to investigate the folding stability and dynamics of proteins in hydrogels, revealing that hydrogels increase protein stability, speed up folding relaxation, and promote irreversible binding. The findings suggest that proteins may be destabilized when interacting with hydrogels.
A new hydrogel material combined with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to enhance the survival rate of transplanted insulin-producing cells in animal models. The technology could potentially treat more patients with type 1 diabetes and reduce the need for multiple donors.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed an inexpensive, biodegradable seaweed-based ant bait that reduced Argentine ant populations by 40-68% after four weeks. The hydrogel baits are highly absorbent and retain water to remain attractive to ants for extended periods.
Researchers develop a bacteria-fighting wound dressing made from the shells of crustaceans, which could prevent up to tens of thousands of infections annually. The dressing combines chitosan, an antibacterial and biodegradable substance extracted from crustacean shells, with hydrogel dressings to create a durable and elastic solution.
Hydrogels, jelly-like materials with water-based properties, require a better understanding of their structure and mechanical properties. Professor Ullal will use super-resolution microscopy techniques to characterize the structure of hydrogels and develop new materials.
A team of researchers at Duke University created a cartilage-mimicking material that can be 3D-printed to match the strength and elasticity of human cartilage, potentially easing damaged knees. The new material is custom-shaped to each patient's anatomy, providing improved shock absorption and reducing pain.
A new hydrogel has been developed that can be injected into a rabbit's eye as a liquid and gel within minutes to replace the clear gel-like substance. The hydrogel exhibits no significant swelling pressures or side effects, suggesting it is safe for potential use in humans.
A specific protein forms gels in response to stress, which helps cells function and grow under challenging conditions. This gel-like structure is not a sign of damage but rather an adaptive response.
Scientists at Hokkaido University have created 'fiber-reinforced soft composites' that combine the flexibility of hydrogels with the strength of glass fibers. These materials are 5 times tougher than carbon steel, making them suitable for various applications such as artificial ligaments and tendons.
Researchers at MIT have developed transparent hydrogel robots that can perform fast, forceful tasks, including catching and releasing a live fish. The robots are nearly invisible underwater due to their similar visual and acoustic properties to water.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a method to manufacture microscale-sized machines from biomaterials that can safely be implanted in the body. The technique uses hydrogels and stacks them in layers to create devices with three-dimensional, freely moving parts.
EPFL scientists have developed a patent-pending hydrogel that can grow organoids in a standardized and controlled way, overcoming current limitations. The breakthrough provides a fully controllable and tunable environment for growing miniature organs, shedding light on the influence of physical factors on stem cell behavior.
A new microfluidic method enables the encapsulation of individual cells within microgel capsules, reducing the size and increasing the specificity of control. This breakthrough has the potential to boost efficacy of cell-based therapies and tissue engineering by allowing for more precise targeting and survival of encapsulated cells.
A new regenerative scaffold made of collagen hydrogel and collagensponge stimulates periodontal tissue regeneration by retaining fibroblast growth factor-2, promoting cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone regeneration. The combination improves biodegradability and promotes true regeneration in beagle dogs.
Developed by MIT and Harvard Medical School, the fibers are made from hydrogel material that can stretch and bend like taffy. They can sense signs of disease and could be used to deliver therapeutic pulses of light, enabling long-lasting implantable medical devices.
Researchers have created a hydrogel-elastomer hybrid that can prevent barnacles from sticking to metal hulls, reducing fuel costs for the Navy. The material is soft, slippery, and retains moisture, providing a long-lasting solution to biofouling.
Washington State University researchers create a novel nanomaterial, an aerogel, to reduce the amount of precious metals required in fuel cells. This innovation speeds up production time and makes large-scale production more viable.
Scientists have developed injectable gels that can be injected into the heart to shore up weakened areas and prevent heart failure. The gels, made from hyaluronic acid, provide mechanical support and limit scar tissue formation, preserving the heart's size and blood-pumping ability.
A team of researchers created a highly stretchable touchpad made of hydrogel, enabling users to write words and play electronic games. The device was tested with users placing it on their arms, demonstrating its potential applications in wearable technology.
Cancer cells use oxygen gradients to navigate and spread through the body, according to a new study published in PNAS. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that cancer cells migrate from low-oxygen areas to higher oxygen concentrations, allowing them to reach blood vessels and metastasize.
A team of engineers has created a method to produce cartilage from strands of bioink using 3D printing. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of cartilage patches for worn-out joints, with potential applications in treating osteoarthritis.
Researchers at Rice University have created 'missing tooth' hydrogels that can trap and slowly release hydrophobic small-molecule drugs, making them ideal for targeted delivery. The biodegradable gel can be injected where needed and releases medication over time.
Researchers designed an equilibrium model to understand the factors that contribute to lens comfort, revealing the importance of suction pressure, radial tension, and hoop tension. The study aims to improve contact lens design and comfort, potentially leading to novel applications like drug administration and sensory enhancement.
The University of Akron researcher is designing a new class of tough double-network hydrogels with unique mechanical toughness and self-healing properties. These hydrogels can be used in various applications such as wastewater treatment, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed a new 3D printable material that mimics human tissue, allowing for the creation of tumor microenvironments to test anti-cancer drugs. This breakthrough enables rapid, personalized cancer treatment targeting tumors, not entire bodies.
TUM researchers are developing self-healing materials to repair cracks in concrete structures. They use bacteria, hydrogels, and epoxy resin to create a material that can close cracks and prevent water damage. The technology has shown promising results in laboratory tests and is being further developed for use in real-world applications.
Researchers have developed a method to halt stem cell growth using soft hydrogels that mimic the natural protective layer of mucus. This process, inspired by embryonic diapause in certain mammals, allows for easy storage and shipment of stem cells.
Researchers have developed a novel 4D printing method inspired by natural structures like plants, which respond and change their form over time. The new technique enables the creation of transformable architectures with precise, localized swelling behaviors.
Researchers at ETH Zurich are studying the Atlantic hagfish's remarkable slime to understand its structure, properties, and formation process. The slime, composed of protein threads and mucin, can immobilize vast amounts of water, making it a potential inspiration for creating novel super hydrogels with numerous applications.
Researchers developed a process to create a water-loving polymer with structure, opening up possibilities for artificial blood vessels and soft tissue-like mechanical properties. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of balancing hydrogel's water-loving nature with the need for crystallinity.
Researchers have developed a novel microencapsulation method using seaweed-derived hydrogel to protect pancreatic islets from ice damage during transplantation. The technique facilitates real-time cell viability assessments and reduces the need for cryoprotectants, promoting a more effective and safer treatment approach.
Researchers created a mechanically durable hydrogel using an elastic silk-like protein called aneroin, which has improved mechanical properties compared to collagen and silkworm silk. The aneroin hydrogel provided an adequate environment for cell growth, proliferating mammalian cells with healthy morphology.
Researchers at MIT have developed a stretchy hydrogel material that can incorporate temperature sensors, LED lights, and drug-delivering reservoirs. The hydrogel can sense changes in skin temperature and release medicine as needed, making it a potential treatment for burns or other skin conditions.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a self-healing gel that repairs and connects electronic circuits without external stimuli. The gel has high conductivity, strong mechanical and electrical self-healing properties, and can be used as a soft joint to join circuit parts.
Engineers at MIT developed a synthetic hydrogel that is 90 percent water and has a toughness comparable to the bond between tendon and cartilage on bone. The hydrogel can adhere to surfaces like glass, silicon, and metal with high durability, making it suitable for protective coatings and biomedical devices.