Composite shape-morphing hydrogels: a review on the role of embedded particles
Abstract
Shape-morphing hydrogels (SMHs) are dynamic materials that undergo shape transformation through anisotropic swelling, driven by structural or compositional discontinuities. While these soft, shape-shifting systems hold compelling potential for diverse applications (underwater soft robotics, drug delivery, biomedical devices, synthetic tissues, etc.), their practical implementation is constrained by intrinsic limitations. These include insufficient mechanical strength, slow actuation kinetics, restricted multi-stimuli responsiveness, and challenges in achieving precise shape programming. To overcome these constraints, recent advances have focused on incorporating micro- or nanoparticles into SMHs. This review examines the latest progress in SMH development, with particular focus on the pivotal roles of embedded particles. Their contributions can be categorised into three key functions: (i) structural reinforcement, where particles act as crosslinking agents to strengthen the network and/or induce structural anisotropy; (ii) stimuli conversion, exemplified by photothermal particles that convert light into heat to control the swelling of thermoresponsive hydrogels; and (iii) shape programming, wherein aligned fibres define internal anisotropy, enabling precise and complex shape transformations. These innovations offer promising pathways to expand the capabilities and applications of SMHs in biomedicine and beyond.
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BibTeX
@article{hoaren2026composite,
title = {{Composite shape-morphing hydrogels: a review on the role of embedded particles}},
author = {Claire Hoa-Ren and Lucas Laout and Ana Božović and Sébastien Rolère and Rachel Auzély-Velty and Raphaël Michel},
journal = {RCS Applied Polymers},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1039/d6lp00377j},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05801800v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Composite shape-morphing hydrogels: a review on the role of embedded particles
AU - Claire Hoa-Ren
AU - Lucas Laout
AU - Ana Božović
AU - Sébastien Rolère
AU - Rachel Auzély-Velty
AU - Raphaël Michel
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/29
JO - RCS Applied Polymers
DO - 10.1039/d6lp00377j
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05801800v1
AB - Shape-morphing hydrogels (SMHs) are dynamic materials that undergo shape transformation through anisotropic swelling, driven by structural or compositional discontinuities. While these soft, shape-shifting systems hold compelling potential for diverse applications (underwater soft robotics, drug delivery, biomedical devices, synthetic tissues, etc.), their practical implementation is constrained by intrinsic limitations. These include insufficient mechanical strength, slow actuation kinetics, restricted multi-stimuli responsiveness, and challenges in achieving precise shape programming. To overcome these constraints, recent advances have focused on incorporating micro- or nanoparticles into SMHs. This review examines the latest progress in SMH development, with particular focus on the pivotal roles of embedded particles. Their contributions can be categorised into three key functions: (i) structural reinforcement, where particles act as crosslinking agents to strengthen the network and/or induce structural anisotropy; (ii) stimuli conversion, exemplified by photothermal particles that convert light into heat to control the swelling of thermoresponsive hydrogels; and (iii) shape programming, wherein aligned fibres define internal anisotropy, enabling precise and complex shape transformations. These innovations offer promising pathways to expand the capabilities and applications of SMHs in biomedicine and beyond.
SN - 2755-371X
ER -