Gradient hydrogel actuator with fast response and self-recovery in air. Issue 3 (4th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, E.; Xia, Xuehuan; Chen, Qiuyue; Xu, Shimei
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 11:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 560
• Page End: 564
• Publication Date: 2023-01-04
• Subjects: Materials -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02471c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-750X

Abstract

Abstract : A gradient HA/PNIPAM hydrogel actuator prepared by an asymmetric mold method exhibits fast response above LCST in air and unusual self-recovery without the need of further temperature stimuli. Abstract : The driving principle of a thermal-responsive hydrogel that loses water at high temperature and absorbs water at low temperature limits its application in an aqueous environment. Here, a gradient hydrogel actuator was developed by introducing sodium hyaluronate into poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel by an asymmetric mold method. The hydrogel exhibited a fast response above the LCST in air and unusual self-recovery without the need for further temperature stimuli. The actuation behavior was related to conversion from free water to bound water and water retention within the gradient matrix. The self-recovery mechanism was explored. This work provides a new insight into designing bionic hydrogels applied in a non-aqueous environment.