Multifunctional Network‐Shaped Hydrogel Assemblies

The previously reported hydrogel assemblies carry bulky shapes, for which the unitary assembly form immensely restricted further applications. Yet there are abundant natural examples of network-shaped assemblies constructed by animals, of which it is brought up inspirations for constructing hydrogel assemblies. Herein, the network-shaped assemblies with diverse functions are reported. The precursor solutions are prepared by acrylamide, 4-acryloylmorpholine, choline chloride, and photo-initiators. By means of three dimension (3D) printing, the hydrogel networks are formed driven by hydrogen bonds, and then the prepared jagged hydrogel blocks are assembled into network-shaped hydrogel assembly NSHA-0 by weaving method. Benefitting from the modifiability of hydrogels, hydrogel assemblies with different properties and functions are prepared by incorporating different functional monomers including ion pair acryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, and sodium p-styrenesulfonate, N-isopropylacrylamide, spiropyran derivative and tetra-(4-pyridylphenyl)ethylene. The incorporation of these monomers bestowed the assemblies self-healing ability, thermo-responsiveness, ultraviolet-responsiveness as well as acid-responsiveness respectively.