Force-triggered rapid microstructure growth on hydrogel surface for on-demand functions

Qifeng Mu, Kunpeng Cui, Zhi Jian Wang, Takahiro Matsuda, Wei Cui, Hinako Kato, Shotaro Namiki, Tomoko Yamazaki, Martin Frauenlob, Takayuki Nonoyama, Masumi Tsuda, Shinya Tanaka, Tasuku Nakajima () and Jian Ping Gong ()
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Qifeng Mu: Hokkaido University
Kunpeng Cui: Hokkaido University
Zhi Jian Wang: Hokkaido University
Takahiro Matsuda: Hokkaido University
Wei Cui: Hokkaido University
Hinako Kato: Hokkaido University
Shotaro Namiki: Hokkaido University
Tomoko Yamazaki: Hokkaido University
Martin Frauenlob: Hokkaido University
Takayuki Nonoyama: Hokkaido University
Masumi Tsuda: Hokkaido University
Shinya Tanaka: Hokkaido University
Tasuku Nakajima: Hokkaido University
Jian Ping Gong: Hokkaido University

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Living organisms share the ability to grow various microstructures on their surface to achieve functions. Here we present a force stamp method to grow microstructures on the surface of hydrogels based on a force-triggered polymerisation mechanism of double-network hydrogels. This method allows fast spatial modulation of the morphology and chemistry of the hydrogel surface within seconds for on-demand functions. We demonstrate the oriented growth of cells and directional transportation of water droplets on the engineered hydrogel surfaces. This force-triggered method to chemically engineer the hydrogel surfaces provides a new tool in addition to the conventional methods using light or heat, and will promote the wide application of hydrogels in various fields.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34044-8

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