EGaIn‐Activated Bioinspired Silk Micro/Nanofibril Eutectogels Breaking the Strength–Conductivity Trade‐Off for High‐Performance Wearable Bioelectronics

Read full text
Authors: Haiwei Yang, Dongdong Ye, Yezi You, Ming Fu, Zongqian Wang
Cited by: 5
References: 64

Abstract

Abstract Eutectogels combining high mechanical and electrical performance hold great promise for next‐generation wearable electronics. However, conventional polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES)–based eutectogels suffer from an inherent strength–conductivity trade‐off. Here, inspired by the multiscale architecture of the extracellular matrix, a bioinspired strategy is developed by integrating silk micro/nanofibrils (SMNF) as a reinforcing scaffold within a choline chloride/acrylic acid PDES. SMNF are generated in situ via deconstruction of silk fibers, while eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn) microdroplets initiate polymerization without toxic initiators or high‐energy UV irradiation, enabling one‐step fabrication of SMNF‐reinforced eutectogels (SMNF‐Egel). The resulting SMNF‐Egel combines dynamic hydrogen and coordination bonding with a robust micro/nanofibrous network, achieving a tensile strength of 1.25 MPa, toughness of 23.09 MJ m −3 , fracture strain of 2289%, and conductivity of 1.51 S m −1 , alongside skin‐like modulus, self‐healing, and environmental stability. These properties enable ultrasensitive strain sensing, Morse code communication, and stable bioelectrical signal monitoring. This work establishes a sustainable route to high‐performance silk‐based eutectogels and provides a versatile platform for advanced wearable sensors and bioelectronic interfaces.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials Silk-based biomaterials and applications Conducting polymers and applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Science
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
13
Issue
14
Pages
e20723–e20723
Publication date
4 January 2026
Language
EN