Issue 2, 2021

Programming electronic skin with diverse skin-like properties

Abstract

Simulating the comprehensive functions of native skin—and not simply the perception of external physical stimuli—by electronic skin (e-skin) has gathered increasing attention in the development of wearable devices and human-interactive technology. Here, we report an anti-bacterial, color-variable, ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive, shape-adaptive, and immunoregulatory e-skin based on a single- and dual-network switchable hydrogel composed of a covalent network of polyacrylamide (PAAm) and a coordinated network of xanthan gum (Xg)/iron ions [Fe(III)]. In the presence of sodium lactate and UV exposure, Fe(III) could be reduced to Fe(II), which de-coordinated the Xg/Fe(III) network. During this reduction process, the e-skin realized three functions of real skin: (i) UV triggered a color change with detectable resistance alterations; (ii) reactive oxygen species (ROS) were dramatically produced to defend against pathogens; and (iii) the piezoresistant hydrogel became highly stretchable to perceive all-scale human motions. Moreover, the shear-thinning properties of Xg in the precursor solution allowed the e-skin to be printable, and the anti-inflammatory functions of de-coordinated Xg were beneficial for wound healing. In summary, this newly-developed e-skin can achieve the perception of UV and human motions. It has promising applications for irregularly-shaped body surfaces and infected wounds.

Graphical abstract: Programming electronic skin with diverse skin-like properties

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
16 Sep 2020
Accepted
23 Oct 2020
First published
24 Oct 2020

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 963-973

Programming electronic skin with diverse skin-like properties

J. Huang, Y. Liu, X. Chi, Y. Jiang, Z. Xu, G. Qu, Y. Zhao, Z. Li, C. Chen, G. Chen, X. Wu and J. Ren, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021, 9, 963 DOI: 10.1039/D0TA09101D

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