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Preparation and application of electro-conductive hydrogels in biomedical engineering

Wenwen Zhang, Lin Mao, Zhongxin Hu, WanwenYang, Linying Zhang, Chengli Song


Shanghai Institute for Minimally Invasive Therapy, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghaii 200093, China.


Address correspondence to: Lin Mao, Shanghai Institute for Minimally Invasive Therapy, School of Health Science and Engineering, NO.516, Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093, China. Tel: +86-21-55572159. E-mail: linmao@usst.edu.cn.


Received May 7, 2023; Accepted August 25, 2023; Published September 30, 2023


DOI: https://doi.org/10.61189/848897sppwnn


Highlights

The conductivity of hydrogel can be realized by introducing conductive medium.

Various properties of hydrogel can be adjusted by changing the proportion of ingredients.

Electro-conductive hydrogels are widely used in biomedical engineering as biomaterials.

Abstract

Electro-conductive hydrogel is a new composite hydrogel with high electrical conductivity, extraordinary mechanical properties, and controllability. It can be equipped with specific materials to obtain specific properties, which has attracted considerable research attention due to its wide range of application as a biomaterial in the biomedical engineering field. It can be used as a patch to promote healing and as a dressing for burns and pressure wounds. In pharmaceutical science, it is widely studied as a carrier of targeted and quantitative drug release. In surgery, it can serve as a cell scaffold for implantable therapy. Currently, increasing research is focusing on the development of sensors as simulated skin for robots, as well as in health monitors for human activity and well-being. In this review, we summarize the classification and selection of conductive mediums, natural polymer hydrogel matrices, and the application of electro-conductive hydrogels in the fields of bioengineering and biomedicine. We delve into the properties of different conductive mediums and the principle of combining different hydrogel matrices and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of emerging composite hydrogels. Our focus extends to the forefront of conductive hydrogel research in various fields, while also elucidating the current problems and challenges in terms of performance integration, preparation process and practical applications.

Keywords: Conductive hydrogel, biomedical engineering, conductive mediums, natural polymer, flexible sensors

Zhang WW, Mao L, Hu ZX, et al. Preparation and application of electro-conductive  hydrogels in biomedical engineering. Prog in Med Devices. 2023 Sept;1(2):108-119. doi: 10.61189/848897sppwnn. 
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