Ultra-Stretchable Hydrogel via Semi-IPN for Biomedical Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydrogels lack sufficient stretchability for advanced biomedical and electronic applications, with most materials only able to stretch up to 20 times their original length, limiting their utility in flexible electronics and wound care.

Innovation Solution

A semi-interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composed of N,N′-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) is developed, allowing the hydrogel to stretch up to 260 times its original length, providing superior stretchability and maintaining structural integrity and functionality under deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If conventional hydrogel materials are used, then they provide basic biomedical functionality, but they lack sufficient stretchability (only up to 20 times original length)

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestretchabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite hydrogel system combining poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains with a crosslinked polymer network. The PEO provides extreme stretchability through chain uncoiling and sliding, while the crosslinked network maintains structural integrity. This composite structure enables the hydrogel to stretch up to 260 times its original length while preventing bacterial penetration and maintaining mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If hydrogel stretchability is increased for flexible electronics, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for electronicsVSAvoidpolymer network structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves high stretchability by changing the molecular parameters of the hydrogel system. Specifically, it uses PEO with high molecular weight (2,000,000) and controls the crosslinking density to create a semi-interpenetrating network. This parameter optimization allows the material to stretch 260 times its length while maintaining a relatively simple two-component formulation that is easier to manufacture than more complex multi-layer or nanocomposite structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 hydrogel exhibits unprecedented stretchability of up to 26000% while maintaining tensile strength and preventing bacterial penetration, making it suitable for advanced wound care and flexible electronic applications without compromising functionality or causing secondary damage.

Implementation Method 1

polymerizing N,N′-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) in the presence of polyethylene oxide (PEO), thus forming a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (IPN)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

the stretchable hydrogel is able to increase its length at least about 30-200 times its original length when stretched

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12037468B2Ultra-high stretchable hydrogel, methods of making and use

Publication Date: 2024.07.16 MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present invention provides a stretchable hydrogel able to stretch over 200 times its length, methods of preparing such a hydrogel and compositions comprising the hydrogel.