Self-Healing and Anti-Freezing Stretchable Hydrogels for Reliable Wearable Health Monitoring

Recent advancements in soft materials have propelled significant innovations in wearable health monitoring, enabling personalized and non-invasive health assessments to meet the increasing demand for healthcare solutions. Durability is a critical requirement for soft materials in wearable applications, as these materials must withstand diverse and challenging conditions while maintaining consistent functionality. Hydrogels, in particular, have attracted significant attention due to their biocompatibility and responsiveness to stimuli. However, their high water content renders them vulnerable to mechanical and environmental stresses, leading to poor durability under mechanical damage and extreme temperatures. Here, we address these challenges by chemically designing hydrogels with self-healing and anti-freezing properties, significantly enhancing their mechanical and environmental stability for wearable applications. Proof-of-concept demonstrations, including facial expression detection, joint bending, and e-skin functionality for smartphone control and electrophysiological signal monitoring, highlight the hydrogel's potential for advanced wearable sensing technologies. This study offers insights into the structure-property-performance relationship of the hydrogel, showcasing its potential for wearable sensing technologies.