Mechano-chromic protein-polymer hybrid hydrogel to visualize mechanical strain

Soft Matter. 2019 Nov 27;15(46):9388-9393. doi: 10.1039/c9sm00380k.

Abstract

In a proof-of-concept study, a mechano-chromic hydrogel was synthesized here, via chemoenzymatic click conjugation of fluorophore-labeled fibronectin into a synthetic hydrogel co-polymers (i.e., poly-N-isopropylacrylamide/polyethylene glycol). The optical FRET response could be tuned by macroscopic stretch.

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins / chemistry*
  • Fibronectins / chemistry*
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Mechanical Phenomena
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Fibronectins
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Hydrogels
  • poly-N-isopropylacrylamide
  • Polyethylene Glycols