Crystalline Micro-Nanoparticles Enhance Cross-Linked Hydrogels Via a Confined Assembly of Chitosan and Γ-Cyclodextrin

Hydrogels constructed by traditional polymer networks usually have poor mechanical properties limiting their applications. Here, we proposed a new strategy for ionic interaction modulation of crystalline micro-nanoparticles (CMNPs) to enhance the mechanical properties of polyacrylamide hydrogels. CMNPs were formed via confinement assembly under an aggregated state based on host-guest interactions between chitosan-grafted polyethylene glycol (CS-PEG) and gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD). Furthermore, the aggregation behavior of the CMNPs was achieved based on the ionic interaction of CS with citrate (Cit(3-)). These Cit(3-)-regulated CMNPs were introduced into PAM hydrogels. The modulus (618.44 kPa, 67.6 times), fracture stress (1054.59 kPa, 25.3 times), and toughness (6.23 MJ m(-3), 41.7 times) of the composite hydrogels were greatly improved without affecting the tensile properties (fracture strain, similar to 1000 %). Finally, we further designed a strain sensor that could monitor human motion, and we verified its potential application in the field of wearable flexible electronics.