Miniaturized Hydrogel Dual-Crosslinking Swelling Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating 3D architectures of viscoelastic bioelectronics are limited by the need for sophisticated and scalable manufacturing approaches, particularly for expansive implementation, and existing hydrogel materials face challenges in maintaining miniaturized structures in vivo due to swelling upon hydration.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized hydrogel is developed using a reaction product of a hydroxyl-containing polymer, a primary crosslinker, and a secondary crosslinker, processed through crosslinking, acidification, drying under tension, and rehydration, which maintains structural integrity with high stretchability, low elastic modulus, and optical properties, incorporating nanocrystalline domains and potentially conductive fillers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If hydrogel is rehydrated to provide miniaturized structure, then miniaturization is achieved, but swelling occurs which compromises structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel comprises a composite network formed by two different crosslinkers (primary and secondary crosslinkers) that create a dual-crosslinked structure. This composite material approach allows the hydrogel to achieve miniaturization through controlled drying while maintaining structural stability upon rehydration, as the dual crosslinking provides enhanced network rigidity that resists swelling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the crosslinking process, specifically controlling the ratio and types of crosslinkers, to achieve desired mechanical properties. By adjusting crosslinker concentration and molecular weight parameters, the hydrogel can be engineered to minimize swelling while maintaining miniaturized dimensions, resolving the contradiction between size reduction and structural stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If sophisticated manufacturing approaches are used for 3D architecture, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary patterning of the hydrogel network before final assembly. By pre-forming the 3D architecture with embedded crosslinking patterns and then completing the crosslinking process, the manufacturing process achieves high precision while reducing overall complexity. This preliminary action allows complex 3D structures to be created using simpler subsequent steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The miniaturized hydrogel exhibits significant stretchability, low elastic modulus, and high light transmission, enabling stable integration and functionality in vivo, particularly suitable for neural probes and microelectrodes, while maintaining designed dimensions over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the hydroxyl-containing polymer, the primary crosslinker, and the secondary crosslinker under conditions effective to provide a crosslinked hydrogel
Implementation Method 2
acidifying the crosslinked hydrogel
Implementation Method 3
drying the crosslinked hydrogel under tension
Implementation Method 4
rehydrating the dried hydrogel to provide the miniaturized hydrogel
Implementation Method 5
the miniaturized hydrogel exhibits one or more of: a stretchability of greater than 100%
Data Source
AI summary
A miniaturized hydrogel includes a reaction product of a hydroxyl-containing polymer, a primary crosslinker, and a secondary crosslinker, and water. The primary crosslinker and the secondary crosslinker are capable of reacting with the hydroxyl-containing polymer. The hydrogel is made by a method including contacting the hydroxyl-containing polymer, the primary crosslinker, and the secondary crosslinker under conditions effective to provide a crosslinked hydrogel; acidifying the crosslinked hydrogel; drying the crosslinked hydrogel under tension; and rehydrating the dried hydrogel to provide the miniaturized hydrogel. The miniaturized hydrogel can be particularly useful in various implantable medical devices.