Topologically entangled zwitterionic hydrogels with reversible in situ transitions between ultraplastic and hyperelastic states.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 42151154.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-026-73355-y.
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Abstract
Conventional hydrogels typically exhibit limited elastic ranges due to heterogeneous crosslinking and restricted chain mobility. Achieving both ultraplasticity and hyperelasticity within the same hydrogel is challenging. Herein, we developed a zwitterionic hydrogel (PSM) based on a single poly ([2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide) (PSBMA). The hydrogel exhibits a reversible in situ transition from an ultraplastic state (PSM<sub>2M</sub>, manual tensile strain (λ) ~ 120000%) to a hyperelastic state (PSM<sub>6M</sub>, λ = 1200%, with full recovery within 2-10 s) by modulating chain conformation from free to entangled states through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. During the process, the PSM exhibits broadly tuneable mechanical properties with modulus of 700 Pa - 2 MPa and toughness of 15 - 8000 kJ/m<sup>3</sup>. Thus, this hydrogel provides adaptable mechanical responses and can accurately replicate the diverse mechanical properties of biological tissues, offering an option for materials used in cell and tissue engineering.