Dual network ionized hydrogels with high electrical conductivity and strong mechanical properties for wearable drug delivery patches

Conductive hydrogels offer significant potential across a multitude of applications. However, the design of hydrogels that exhibit both high mechanical strength and excellent conductivity remains a challenge. In this study, a synthesis strategy for a dual-network hydrogel that enhanced both conductivity and mechanical performance was developed. The hydrogel was synthesized through the crosslinking polyacrylamide, grafted with glyoxal, with polyvinyl alcohol utilizing dynamic borate ester and hydrogen bonds. The gel sample with the best overall performance among the different formulations exhibits a high ion conductivity, reaching 11.33 S/m after ion adsorption. Additionally, it demonstrates excellent mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 491.27 kPa and a modulus of 1066.11 kPa. Even after 1000 bending cycles, the hydrogel retained its conductivity and tensile properties, demonstrating excellent fatigue resistance. The drug delivery patch derived from this hydrogel showed effective transdermal drug delivery in mice. This ion-conductive hydrogel, characterized by its exceptional mechanical properties, offers a groundbreaking strategy for the advancement of flexible smart healthcare devices.