In a major breakthrough, researchers from Aalto University and the University of Bayreuth have developed a self-healing hydrogel that mimics the properties of human skin. Unlike previous synthetic gels, which could only achieve either strength, flexibility, or self-repair, this new material integrates all three. It heals 90% of its damage within four hours and fully restores itself in a day.
A Breakthrough in Hydrogel Design
The key to this innovation lies in ultra-thin clay nanosheets, which create a dense, interwoven polymer network. This structure strengthens the gel while allowing it to repair itself rapidly. The process involves mixing monomers with water containing nanosheets and exposing the solution to UV light. “The UV radiation causes the molecules to bind together into an elastic solid – a gel,” explains researcher Chen Liang.
The hydrogel’s unique ability to self-heal comes from polymer entanglement. “The thin polymer layers twist around each other like tiny wool yarns in a random order,” says Hang Zhang from Aalto University. When damaged, these layers reconnect, enabling rapid repair. With nearly 10,000 nanosheet layers in a one-millimeter sample, the hydrogel achieves both durability and stretchability.
Future Applications in Medicine and Robotics
This discovery paves the way for innovations in wound healing, artificial skin, soft robotics, and drug delivery. “Imagine robots with robust, self-healing skins or synthetic tissues that autonomously repair,” says Olli Ikkala from Aalto University. With further refinement, this technology could lead to self-repairing medical materials and damage-resistant protective layers.
“This could revolutionize material science by enabling bio-inspired properties in synthetic materials,” concludes Zhang. The research marks a step toward creating more resilient, nature-inspired solutions for real-world applications.
