Hybrid assembly based on nanomaterial reinforcement for multifunctionalized skin-like flexible sensors

Currently, the inferior mechanical strength, weak environmental adaptability, and limited functionality of conductive hydrogel significantly impede its potential application in wearable sensors. Here, hard acrylic bentonite (AABT) intercalated nanostructures and silver-modified polydopamine (PDA@Ag) particles are encapsulated in a soft polyacrylic acid matrix in a water/glycerol binary solvent system. This strategy successfully realized the high matched skin modulus (58 kPa), high stress (371 kPa) and strain (1025 %). The PDA@Ag particles retains rich phenolic hydroxyl groups imitating mussel to provide strong adhesion (29.12 kPa). These particles also give the hydrogel long time antibacterial properties (3 days), while demonstrating excellent biosafety. The introduction of a binary system of water/glycerol effectively suppresses the evaporation and crystallization of water, thereby maintaining sensing performance above 82 % even under extreme conditions. This hydrogel achieves integrated applications of multifunctionality and multi-environmental adaptability, providing a new idea for the development of next-generation skin-like hydrogel sensors.

Automated summary

In this study, a new type of hydrogel with high matched skin modulus, strong adhesion, and long-lasting antibacterial properties was developed. The hydrogel maintained high sensing performance even under extreme conditions. This research provides a new approach for the development of next-generation skin-like hydrogel sensors.