Continuous Spinning of Tough, Robust, Ionic-Conductive, and Stable Fibers for Reliable Signal Transmission
Fiber-shaped ionic conductors are ideal for bioelectronic interfaces due to their structural and functional similarities to biological tissues. However, achieving high mechanical strength, superior conductivity, and long-term environmental stability within a scalable fiber format remains a formidable challenge. Here, we report a design strategy to fabricate tough, robust, ionic-conductive and stable (TRIS) fibers via continuous UV-assisted spinning of a quaternary deep eutectic solvent. The core lies in the synergistic interplay between a highly dynamic hydrogen-bonding supramolecular network and dynamic carboxyl–zirconium coordination complexes. This molecular architecture enables TRIS fibers to simultaneously realize a high Young’s modulus (approximately 8.7 MPa) and excellent ionic conductivity (approximately 0.896 S/m). Furthermore, the fibers exhibit exceptional environmental stability, maintaining stable performance for over 1 year in ambient conditions. As a demonstration, TRIS fibers function as ionic cables that can transmit high-fidelity signals under strain (approximately 50%) and, notably, as artificial nerves to bridge a severed sciatic nerve in rats. The successful restoration of sensory and motor functions in vivo highlights the potential of TRIS fibers as functional neural replacements. This work provides a scalable and robust platform for the development of next-generation, tissue-like implantable bioelectronics.
Authors
- Yaokang Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6123-4789)
- Lingtao Fang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2163-8241)
- Qiyao Huang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8233-1804)
- Zijian Zheng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6653-7594)
- Jiaheng Liang
- Xian Song (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8648-5891)
- Lixi Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9436-7257)
- Chi Zhang
- Huimin Wang
- Zhihao Zhou
- Peng Li
Institutions
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK)
- Wenzhou University (CN)
- Sun Yat-sen University (CN)
- Northwestern Polytechnical University (CN)
- Shenzhen University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Advanced Fiber Materials
- Published
- 2026-09-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s42765-026-00771-6
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Materials and Mechanics
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Innovation and Technology Fund
- Young Scientists Fund