A Shape Memory Hydrogel with Excellent Mechanical Properties, Water Retention Capacity, and Tunable Fluorescence for Dual Encryption

Information encryption platforms with reliable encryption performance, excellent mechanical performance, and high water retention capacity are highly desired. In this study, a tough double-network hydrogel is designed using the first network of a polyion complex containing lanthanide complexes via one-pot polymerization and the second network of a poly (N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (PHEAA) obtained by deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted introduction and subsequent photopolymerization. In this system, the pH-induced shape memory function and pH-/wavelength-dependent fluorescence allow the use of the prepared hydrogel as a dual-encryption platform. Owing to its high response reversibility, the hydrogel-based platform exhibits both a high security level and the advantages of rewritability, reprogrammability, and reusability. Additionally, the excellent mechanical properties and water retention capacity owing to the solvent exchange process involving the low-volatility solvent DES and the resulting introduction of the second network of PHEAA offer high practical application value for the hydrogel-based dual encryption platform, demonstrating its potential for information security protection. A tough hydrogel with high water retention capacity was prepared via solvent exchange involving a deep eutectic solvent and the construction of dual networks. Utilizing the pH-induced shape memory and tunable fluorescence characteristics, the hydrogel can be used as a dual-encryption platform with a high security level and the advantages of rewritability, reprogrammability, and reusability.image

Automated summary

In this study, a tough double-network hydrogel is developed as a dual-encryption platform. The hydrogel exhibits high security level and advantages of rewritability, reprogrammability, and reusability. It also possesses excellent mechanical properties and water retention capacity, making it suitable for information security protection.