Aiming toward sustainability, poly(itaconic acid) has been considered as an alternative to the widely used fossil-based poly(acrylic acid). Its application has been, however, limited by its lower mechanical properties due to challenges in the polymerization processes. Herein, we report photopolymerizable and thermoreversible hydrogels based on poly(itaconic acid) allowing tunability from high strength (∼1000 kPa) plastically yielding materials to soft elastomeric-like stretchability, also allowing thermoresponsive flow, and a relatively high water absorption of 384 g/g. The thermal gel melting stems from the dynamic covalent bonds, in combination with metal-ion-mediated supramolecular connections. The materials facilitate on-demand water stability while allowing gel-to-sol melting for thermal extrusion for 3D-printing, a combination not observed in classic permanent covalent networks. To promote sustainability, biosourceable starting materials are used without additional solvents or purification steps. Given the biocompatibility of the components, potential applications can be foreseen, such as tissue growth scaffolds, medical and hygienic superabsorbents, and tough hydrogels for soft robotics.
Stimuli-responsive hydrogels capable of reversible volume change are promising materials for soft actuators, sensors, and biomedical systems. However, conventional poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogels typically exhibit slow thermal responses due to limited water transport and the formation of a dense skin...
Conductive hydrogels with simultaneous high stretchability, robust mechanical toughness, and reliable strain-sensing sensitivity remain challenging to fabricate, particularly without toxic chemical initiators or cross-linkers. To address this, a multifunctional poly(acrylic acid)/gallium-bacterial cellulose (PAA/Ga-B...
Qian-Qian Wang, Lin Zhong, He-Li Cheng et al.· ACS Applied Polymer Material...· 1 citation
Hydrogels have been widely used in tissue engineering, soft robotics, and wearable electronics. However, developing hydrogels that simultaneously possess high strength, high stretchability, and good conductivity to meet diverse application requirements remains a significant challenge. In this study, a strategy involv...
The widespread clinical adoption of implantable devices has driven growing interest in biodegradable alternatives that eliminate the need for secondary removal surgeries. Among these, glycerol-based thermosets have emerged as promising biocompatible materials. Compared with established glycerol-based thermosets, inco...
Thermally responsive networks have been explored widely for drug delivery applications due to their ability to sequester or release payloads upon thermal triggering. Herein, we report a series of degradable, thermoresponsive polyesters synthesized via ring-opening copolymerization of succinic anhydride, an oligo(ethy...
Anshu Agarwal, M. Segal, Emily K. Augustine et al.· Biomacromolecules· 0 citations
A massive global annual demand exists for elastomers applied in tires, seals, and shock absorbers. Against the backdrop of sustainable development, next-generation damping elastomers are expected to integrate multiple functionalities, notably high biobased content and recyclability. Nevertheless, the fabrication of suc...
Haijun Ji, Yi-Ping Chen, Fu-Lan Hao et al.· ACS Applied Materials and In...· 0 citations
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