Protocol for the fabrication and application of a low-water-content polyelectrolyte hydrogel
Hydrogels are prone to dehydration over prolonged use, leading to changes in their properties. Inspired by the human skin's stratum corneum, we present a protocol for the fabrication and application of a low-water-content polyelectrolyte hydrogel (L-hydrogel) that maintains mechanical and electrical properties over time. We describe steps for preparing a hygroscopic monomer through an ionic exchange reaction and a low-water-content hydrogel by UV crosslinking reaction and testing the material behaviors of L-hydrogel. We then detail procedures for preparing and testing L-hydrogel-based devices. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Shen et al.<sup>1</sup>.
Authors
- Zheng Jia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8459-515X)
- Zihang Shen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4014-3757)
- Daochen Yin
- Dong Zhen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5047-3346)
- Yijie Cai (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4317-0133)
- Jiabao Bai
- Zhi Sheng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2035-0897)
Institutions
- Zhejiang University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- STAR Protocols
- Published
- 2025-03-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2025.103713
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.59
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Higher Education Discipline Innovation Project
- Key Technologies Research and Development Program
- Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province