A conductive bio-hydrogel with high conductivity and mechanical strength via physical filling of electrospinning polyaniline fibers

The development of bio-based conductive hydrogel has become the research frontier of flexible sensors. However, it is a challenge to prepare a simple method to prepare bio-based conductive hydrogel with excellent stability, tensile strength, and conductivity. Here, we show a simple strategy to prepare conductive, stretchable, and stable hydrogel (KKLN). The KKLN consists of the conductive polyaniline (PANI) fiber prepared by electrospinning and lithium ions (Li+) in physical form, which has the all-biological matrix with Konjac glucomannan / K-Carrageen (KGM-KC) interpenetrating network structure. In this system, the hydrogel shows remarkable mechanical property (strength: 239.26 kPa, strain: 340.69%) and high conductivity (7261 mu s/cm) because contribution of PANI fiber and Li+. And the KKLN exhibits outstanding characteristic on the swelling and heat stability performance. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the prepared hydrogel can accurately monitor the movement of the body parts, including the index finger, elbow, wrist, and knee. Therefore, this prepared method and introduction of the fiber prepared by electrospinning provide a new strategy to promote the further development of flexible sensors based on the biological matrix.

Automated summary

The development of bio-based conductive hydrogel is at the forefront of flexible sensor research. A simple method for preparing a bio-based conductive hydrogel with excellent stability, tensile strength, and conductivity is challenging. In this study, a simple strategy was shown to prepare a conductive, stretchable, and stable hydrogel (KKLN) using conductive polyaniline fiber and lithium ions in a biological matrix. The hydrogel exhibited remarkable mechanical properties and high conductivity, as well as outstanding swelling and heat stability performance. Additionally, it accurately monitored the movement of different body parts. This method and the introduction of electrospun fibers provide a new strategy for the further development of flexible sensors based on biological matrices.