Hydrogel based biomimetic chameleon fish with super high toughness

Abstract

<p indent="0mm">Tough hydrogels have unique attributes of high compliance, high toughness, high transparency and excellent biocompatibility. Tough hydrogels have been widely used in the fields of medical devices, flexible electronics, actuators, sensors and soft robotics. This work aims to mimic the function of color change of marine life with extremely soft tissues. PAAM-Alginate tough hydrogel and PNIPAM temperature sensitive hydrogel are synthesized. The composite structures with the two hydrogels are fabricated by 3D printing technique. The designed structure engages with the underwater environment very well and changes color subject to a temperature change. The structure has extremely high toughness and recovers without damage after bending, torsion, impact and indentation. The designed hydrogel composite structure offers new potential to mimic the soft marine livings in the future.