About this Research Topic
Compared with natural hydrogels, the reliability, and lifespan of synthetic hydrogels for applications requiring demanding mechanical durability still has plenty of room for growth. Common synthetic hydrogels are produced by free radical polymerization or copolymerization of hydrophilic polymers in water, lacking careful design of network structure and containing considerably high-water content that weakens the polymer-polymer interaction. For years, developing hydrogels with delicate structures and extraordinary mechanical behavior has always been a daunting challenge. Bio-inspiration provides a possible way to address the dilemma. By learning from nature, the fabrication of tough hydrogels with similar functionality to bio-tissues can be realizable. With different network structure designs, synthetic hydrogels with biomimetic mechanical, optical, electrical, and acoustic properties will be promising in working as substitutes for biological hydrogels.
The current Research Topic highlights the new research work and review articles covering the design of bio-inspired hydrogels with diverse functions. This Research Topic will feature new progress in the synthesis, advanced characterization techniques, mechanical testing, and potential applications of bio-inspired hydrogels, including:
• bio-inspired hydrogels
• smart hydrogels
• tough hydrogels
• functional hydrogels
• mechanical properties
• mechanical testing
• characterization techniques
• hydrogel applications
Keywords: Bio-inspiration, Soft Materials, Hydrogels, Mechanical Properties, Smart Applications
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