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Gels
Special Issues
Research on the Applications of Conductive Hydrogels
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Research on the Applications of Conductive Hydrogels

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 7641

Editors

Dr. Ssu-Ju Li

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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
Interests: nanocomposite gel; electroconductive gel; biopolymer gel
Dr. Ching-Wen Chang

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Guest Editor
Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
Interests: hydrogel; biocompatible gel; photoresponsive gel; biopolymer gel
Dr. Xin Zhao

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Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
Interests: biomedical hydrogels; tissue engineering; conductive scaffold; wound healing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Conductive hydrogels have emerged as highly versatile materials, blending the unique properties of hydrogels—such as high water content, flexibility, and biocompatibility—with the essential electrical conductivity required for advanced applications. This Special Issue of Gels, titled “Research on the Applications of Conductive Hydrogels”, aims to showcase the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field. The collected studies will cover diverse topics, from novel synthesis and fabrication techniques to the application of conductive hydrogels in flexible electronics, bioelectronics, and wearable devices. By bridging the gap between biology and electronics, conductive hydrogels open the door to advancements in tissue engineering, soft robotics, biosensing, and neural interfaces. We welcome contributions on all aspects of conductive hydrogel research, including, but not limited to, material design, electrochemical performance, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. We especially welcome studies focused on translational applications that highlight the challenges and future directions for the practical use of conductive hydrogels. This Special Issue provides a platform for researchers to exchange ideas, discuss innovative methodologies, and push the boundaries of what conductive hydrogels can achieve.

Dr. Ssu-Ju Li
Dr. Ching-Wen Chang
Dr. Xin Zhao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Gels is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • conductive hydrogels
  • flexible electronics
  • bioelectronics
  • biosensors
  • tissue engineering
  • wearable devices
  • soft robotics
  • material design
  • biocompatibility
  • electrochemical properties

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 4051 KB  
Article
Preparation of High Elongation and Low Hysteresis Conductive Hydrogels Strain Sensor Using Flake-like PEDOT Particles as Conductive Fillers
by Xiyuan Duan, Shimin Wang, Daheng Wang, Yu Gong and Ziwei Jiang
Gels 2026, 12(6), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060536 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 276
Abstract
Conductive hydrogel strain sensors using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as fillers are rapidly advancing and are emerging as candidates for monitoring devices such as wearable electronic skin. However, due to limitations such as low elongation and high hysteresis, it is difficult to fully leverage its [...] Read more.
Conductive hydrogel strain sensors using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as fillers are rapidly advancing and are emerging as candidates for monitoring devices such as wearable electronic skin. However, due to limitations such as low elongation and high hysteresis, it is difficult to fully leverage its promising sensor properties in practical applications. In this study, we synthesized flake-like PEDOT particles (FP particles) and used Polyacrylamide (PAM) as the hydrogel matrix to fabricate a conductive hydrogel strain sensor. These particles were obtained by grinding PEDOT particles prepared via a template-free method. After swelling with ethylene glycol (EG) and assembly with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), the FP particles become porous and contain many hydroxyl groups. This design enables the adsorption of acrylamide (AM) monomers within FP particles, facilitating the in situ polymerization of PAM onto the PEDOT/PVA chains, thereby yielding a dual-network structure with strong entanglements. This gives the sensor high elongation and very low hysteresis. In addition, it offers favorable sensor performance, including high sensitivity, high repeatability, and reliability. This strain sensor can be used in wearable electronic skin applications for facial monitoring and motion detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on the Applications of Conductive Hydrogels)
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14 pages, 2564 KB  
Article
Linearly Responsive, Reliable, and Stretchable Strain Sensors Based on Polyaniline Composite Hydrogels
by Chubin He and Xiuru Xu
Gels 2025, 11(12), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11120966 - 29 Nov 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 953
Abstract
Conductive hydrogels are ideal for flexible strain sensors, yet their practical use is often limited by water evaporation, signal hysteresis, and structural instability, which impair linearity, durability, and long-term reliability. To overcome these challenges, we developed a robust multiple-network hydrogel composed of poly(vinyl [...] Read more.
Conductive hydrogels are ideal for flexible strain sensors, yet their practical use is often limited by water evaporation, signal hysteresis, and structural instability, which impair linearity, durability, and long-term reliability. To overcome these challenges, we developed a robust multiple-network hydrogel composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), in situ polymerized polyaniline (PANi), and the ionic liquid [EMIM][TFSI]. The resulting composite exhibits an exceptional linear piezoresistive response across its entire working range—from rest to fracture strain of 290%—together with high conductivity (0.68 S/cm), fast response/recovery (0.34 s/0.35 s), and a maximum gauge factor of 2.78. Mechanically robust (tensile strength ≈ 3.7 MPa, modulus ≈ 1.3 MPa), the hydrogel also demonstrates outstanding cyclic durability, withstanding over 12,000 stretching–relaxation cycles, and markedly improved dehydration resistance, retaining about 60% of its mass after 3 days at room temperature. This work provides a holistic material solution for developing high-performance, reliable strain sensors suitable for wearable electronics and soft robotics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on the Applications of Conductive Hydrogels)
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12 pages, 5422 KB  
Article
Revealing the Impact of Gel Electrolytes on the Performance of Organic Electrochemical Transistors
by Mancheng Li, Xiaoci Liang, Chuan Liu and Songjia Han
Gels 2025, 11(3), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11030202 - 14 Mar 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3679
Abstract
Gel electrolyte-gated organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are promising bioelectronic devices known for their high transconductance, low operating voltage, and integration with biological systems. Despite extensive research on the performance of OECTs, a precise model defining the dependence of OECT performance on gel electrolytes [...] Read more.
Gel electrolyte-gated organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are promising bioelectronic devices known for their high transconductance, low operating voltage, and integration with biological systems. Despite extensive research on the performance of OECTs, a precise model defining the dependence of OECT performance on gel electrolytes is still lacking. In this work, we refine the device model to comprehensively account for the electrical double layer (EDL)’s capacitance of the gel electrolyte. Both experimental data and theoretical calculations indicate that the maximum transconductance of the OECT is contingent upon ion concentration, drain voltage, and scan rate, highlighting a strong correlation between the transconductance and the hydrogel electrolyte. Overall, this model serves as a theoretical tool for improving the performance of OECTs, enabling the further development of bioelectronic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on the Applications of Conductive Hydrogels)
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Review

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17 pages, 5690 KB  
Review
Conductive Hydrogels in Biomedical Engineering: Recent Advances and a Comprehensive Review
by Chenyu Shen, Ying Wang, Peng Yuan, Jinhuan Wei, Jingyin Bao and Zhangkang Li
Gels 2026, 12(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12010069 - 13 Jan 2026
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2062
Abstract
Conductive hydrogels have gained considerable interest in the biomedical field because they provide a soft, hydrated, and electrically active microenvironment that closely resembles native tissue. Their unique combination of electrical conductivity and biocompatibility enables monitoring and modulation of biological activities. With the rapid [...] Read more.
Conductive hydrogels have gained considerable interest in the biomedical field because they provide a soft, hydrated, and electrically active microenvironment that closely resembles native tissue. Their unique combination of electrical conductivity and biocompatibility enables monitoring and modulation of biological activities. With the rapid development of conductive hydrogel technologies in recent years, a comprehensive overview is needed to clarify their biological functions and the latest biomedical applications. This review first summarizes the fundamental design strategies, fabrication methods, and conductive mechanisms of conductive hydrogels. We then highlight their applications in wearable device, implanted bioelectronics, wound healing, neural regeneration and cell regulation, accompanied by discussions of the underlying biological and electroactive mechanisms. Potential challenges and future directions, including strategies to optimize fabrication methods, balance key material properties, and tailor conductive hydrogels for diverse biomedical applications, are also highlighted. Finally, we discuss the existing limitations and future perspectives of the biomedical applications of conductive hydrogels. We hope that this article may provide some useful insights to support their further development and potential biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on the Applications of Conductive Hydrogels)
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