Light-triggered hydrogel shifts shape for up to four weeks

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology have unveiled a hydrogel material that changes shape and structure for up to four weeks after a single exposure to near-infrared light.

The material combines gallium-based liquid metal particles with vinyl monomers, according to etnews.com. One light exposure triggers internal chemical changes that can continue for as long as four weeks.

The team used the hydrogel to induce stem cells to differentiate into forms resembling bone cells and nerve cells. They also coated electrodes for brain-machine interfaces with the material and measured electrical signals during mouse embryo development.

In a separate demonstration, the researchers created a hydrogel that gradually changes color over a month for use as a visual sensor.

Publication and coverage

The research results were published in the international journal Matter on September 4, and the South China Morning Post reported on the research on the 7th, local time.