Skin-Inspired Hydrogel Won't Dry Out

Oct-15-16 An innovative new skin-inspired hybrid hydrogel could help ships resist barnacles.

Hydrogels have proven to be a useful anti-fouling material, but they can tend to dry out, decreasing their effectiveness. To overcome this deficiency, the structure of the new hydrogel was based on the properties of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin that keeps the body’s moisture inside.

The team created a sort of skin for the hydrogel by first submerging a thin sheet of elastomer in a benzophenome solution. The treated elastomer was then wrapped around the hydrogel and exposed to UV light, creating a strong bond that helps keep the hydrogel protected while also stretching with it. The team believes that besides its antifouling applications, the hybrid hydrogel could also lend itself to medical uses, such as drug-delivering bandages.

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