Hydrogels are materials that mimic the softness and flexibility of biological tissues, making them invaluable in medicine for tasks like wound healing and drug delivery. Semiconductors, on the other hand, power the electronics that define our modern world, offering functionalities like sensing, amplification, and light-based modulation. Bringing these two materials together could transform the way we design devices for biomedical use, but this combination has been difficult to achieve—until now.
Researchers have developed a process called solvent affinity–induced assembly that embeds a hydrophobic semiconducting polymer into a hydrogel without compromising its softness or stretchiness. This innovation allows the creation of a hybrid material that behaves like biological tissue while also carrying out advanced electronic functions. The process starts by mixing a semiconducting polymer called p(g2T-T) with a hydrogel-forming monomer, acrylic acid, in a solvent known as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Ultraviolet (UV) light is used to cross-link the mixture into a stable double-network structure, and the DMSO is then replaced with water. This crucial solvent exchange step transforms the material into a soft, water-filled hydrogel while preserving the semiconductor’s electronic properties.
The resulting material exhibits a modulus, or stiffness, as low as 81 kilopascals, similar to biological tissues, and can stretch up to 150% without breaking. Despite its softness, it maintains high charge-carrier mobility, a measure of how efficiently it conducts electricity, comparable to that of rigid semiconductors. The hydrogel’s porous structure further enhances its performance by promoting molecular interactions with surrounding fluids, which improves its ability to sense and respond to biochemical signals.
This breakthrough has significant implications for medicine and technology. Because the hybrid material matches the mechanical properties of living tissues, it reduces the likelihood of immune responses when used in the body. Its combination of biocompatibility and electronic functionality enables a range of possibilities, such as real-time biosensing to detect subtle changes in the body, like shifts in pH or glucose levels. It also has potential for light-based therapies, delivering precise stimulation to tissues or nerves through photomodulation. Furthermore, its softness and stretchability make it ideal for wearable or implantable devices that conform to the surface of organs or skin without causing discomfort or damage.
By merging the tissue-like properties of hydrogels with the advanced electronic capabilities of semiconductors, this innovation represents a major step forward in bioelectronics. The ability to create soft, biocompatible materials with integrated electronic functionality opens up new possibilities for smarter, more adaptable medical devices. From diagnostic tools to therapeutic implants, this hydrogel-semiconductor hybrid is poised to reshape the landscape of biomedicine.
As research continues, this hybrid material could become a cornerstone of next-generation bioelectronics, paving the way for seamless integration between biology and technology.
Reference:
Dai, Y., Wai, S., Li, P., Shan, N., Cao, Z., Li, Y., Wang, Y., Liu, Y., Liu, W., Tang, K., Liu, Y., Hua, M., Li, S., Li, N., Chatterji, S., Fry, H. C., Lee, S., Zhang, C., Weires, M., Sutyak, S., … Wang, S. (2024). Soft hydrogel semiconductors with augmented biointeractive functions. Science (New York, N.Y.), 386(6720), 431–439. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adp9314
