Creation and characterisation of double network hydrogels with mechanical properties matching tissue for bioelectronic applications

水凝胶可以制成生物相容或生物可降解的形式，使用广泛可用的化学途径。双网水凝胶是一种互穿网络，其中第二个网络向第一个网络传递机械强度，是一个相对较新的研究领域，其机械性能非常显著。在这个项目中，双网络水凝胶将以各种形式合成，以创建坚固的结构，既可以匹配生物组织，又可以很容易地与基于电解质的晶体管集成，这将作为传感器和执行器。该项目将与摩德纳大学和意大利艾米利亚地区的同事合作进行，那里正在进行大量的有机生物电子学研究工作。

Hydrogels can be made in biocompatible or biodegradable forms using widely available chemical routes. Double network hydrogels, a form of interpenetrating network in which a second network conveys mechanical strength to the first, are a relatively new area of research and their mechanical properties are remarkable. In this project, double network hydrogels will be synthesised in a variety of forms to create robust structures that can match both biological tissue and be easily integrated with electrolyte-based transistors, which will work as sensors and actuators.The project will be run in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Modena and Regio Emilia in Italy, where a substantial organic bioelectronics research effort is underway.