journal article Jun 04, 2025

Heterogeneous Interface Interlocking Hydrogel by Harnessing Cellulose Scaffold for Robust and Controllable Soft Actuators

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/adfm.202509712
Abstract
Abstract

Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels hold significant promise for human‐machine communication and soft actuators. However, conventional hydrogels, lack inherent rigidity and render them incapable of withstanding the external stress concentration, leading to severe structural destruction. To address this limitation, a structurally integrated hydrogel (SIG) based on a coordination bonding‐assisted heterostructure design is developed, combining a soft PEDOT:PSS/polyacrylic acid hydrogel layer and a rigid TEMPO‐oxidized bacterial cellulose layer for controllable soft actuators. Notably, molecular dynamics simulation reveals that the abundant interface interlocking on cellulose scaffold effectively mitigates crack propagation and optimizes structural integrity. The resulting SIG thus exhibits exceptional mechanical performance, including desirable puncture resistance (4.42 N), superior tearing tolerance (289.24 kJ m
−2
), and remarkable deformation stability (40 000 cycles). Meanwhile, the heterostructure design contributes to the programmable and reversible auto‐deformation (≈120 s) and shape memory (flower and gripper). Furthermore, the integration of hydrogel with screen‐printed Ag interdigital electrodes enables the development of a smart gripper device capable of providing continuous haptic feedback, enhancing its functionality in interactive applications. It is envisioned that this work would open up new avenues for the development of the impact and vibration resistance material and offers a novel perspective on versatile soft machines.
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References
50
[31]
Bacterial cellulose hydrogel for sensors

Xiaosen Pan, Jie Li, Ning Ma et al.

Chemical Engineering Journal 10.1016/j.cej.2023.142062
Metrics
12
Citations
50
References
Details
Published
Jun 04, 2025
Vol/Issue
35(37)
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Authors
Funding
National Natural Science Foundation of China Award: 22074072
Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities Award: 2022BLRD13
Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province Award: ZR2023LZY005
Cite This Article
Yuying Song, Zhouyang Hu, Sanwei Hao, et al. (2025). Heterogeneous Interface Interlocking Hydrogel by Harnessing Cellulose Scaffold for Robust and Controllable Soft Actuators. Advanced Functional Materials, 35(37). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202509712
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