Switchable Stiffness of Composite Hydrogels Triggered by Thermoresponsive Phase-Change Particles

Thermoresponsive hydrogel with switchable mechanical properties was developed by incorporating poly(stearyl methacrylate) (PSMA) as a responsive domain into bacterial cellulose (BC) as a supporting hydrogel. The PSMA particles in BC exhibited a reinforcing effect below their melting temperature (Tm) and a reduced effect above Tm, leading to significant responsive behavior. Thermoresponsive hydrogel with switchable mechanical strength was developed by incorporating poly(stearyl methacrylate) (PSMA) as a responsive domain into bacterial cellulose (BC) as a supporting hydrogel. The PSMA particles in BC exhibited a reinforcing effect below their melting temperature (Tm) and a reduced effect above Tm, leading to significant responsive behavior.