Near-infrared light triggerable deformation-free polysaccharide double network hydrogels

Abstract

To prepare a hydrogel with robust mechanical properties and programmable remotely-controlled releasing ability, we synthesized an agarose/alginate double network hydrogel incorporating polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticles as a near-infrared (NIR) laser responsive releasing system. This hydrogel exhibited pulsatile releasing behaviours according to the laser switching while maintaining its morphology and mechanical strength.