Gelatin-based hydrogel aids in the development of flexible electronics.

Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks that can significantly increase in volume when interacting with water while maintaining their structure. These properties make hydrogels valuable for use in various fields, including flexible electronics, bioengineering, medicine, and chemical analyses. Flexible electronics encompass a wide range of disciplines, including chemistry and chemical engineering, and have garnered considerable attention due to efforts to develop functional materials for flexible displays and wearable medical sensors.

Hydrogels are characterized by their self-healing capabilities, high strength, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity in certain gels. Their unique properties make them promising materials for a variety of applications.

Results from researchers at the M.V. Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies at RTU MIREA were published in the conference proceedings of the IX All-Russian Youth Conference.

Type B gelatin is derived from cattle bones after alkaline treatment. It has a higher viscosity compared to type A gelatin, which is produced by treating collagen from pig skins with acid. However, the gelling properties of both types are the same.

Gelatin was used as the key ingredient, while (3-isocyanatopropyl)triethoxysilane (ICPTES) served as the modifying agent. As a result, a solid hydrogel was obtained that possesses biocompatibility, making it a potential material for creating membranes for medical sensors.

Yegor Ryabkov, an associate professor at the Department of Nanoscale Systems and Surface Phenomena named after S.S. Voyutsky at RTU MIREA, noted that type B gelatin was used for the research. This type is characterized by low coloration and contains minimal amounts of endotoxins—substances that pose potential risks. Due to these characteristics, this material is suitable for safe use in industrial processes and bioengineering. Additionally, the low toxin content broadens the potential applications of gelatin in medicine.

Plans include further exploring the functionalization of the hydrogel by incorporating conductive elements such as carbon nanotubes, as well as studying the adhesion of the hydrogel to various surfaces.