Performance optimization of hydrogels from gelatin towards the sensing and monitoring applications

• Recent advances in performance optimization of hydrogels from gelatin towards applications in sensing and monitoring are reviewed. • The summary of the strategies to enhance the properties and achieve the specific functions of gelatin-based hydrogels. • Review of the discuss the recent applications of gelatin-based hydrogels in sensing and monitoring. • The existing challenges and perspectives of gelatin-based hydrogels. Gelatin, a water-soluble denatured protein known for its biocompatibility and lack of antigenicity, is widely utilized in hydrogel constructions. By modifying and combining gelatin with other chemicals, alongside structural enhancements, gelatin-based hydrogels can acquire diverse functionalities, including toughness, adhesion, anti-freezing properties, self-healing capabilities, and conductivity, while maintaining excellent mechanical properties. These advancements make gelatin-based hydrogels highly suitable for sensing and monitoring applications. This review explores strategies for enhancing the aforementioned properties of gelatin-based hydrogels, as well as their applications as sensing and monitoring devices for tracking human motion, heartbeat, flatfoot conditions, temperature fluctuations, urea concentration, and more. Additionally, it addresses the challenges faced by modified gelatin-based hydrogels when used as sensor-monitoring equipment and outlines their future prospects.