Zinc chloride cross-linked PVA/Gel/Zn2+ composite hydrogels and their antimicrobial sensing properties

Hydrogel sensors are expected to be a platform for carrying a new generation of wearable sensors. Herein, PVA/ Gel/Zn2+ dual network interpenetrating hydrogels with good electrical conductivity and antimicrobial properties are prepared by repeated freezing-thawing method. It is demonstrated that Zn2+ is successfully introduced into the system by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The maximum tensile strength and elongation at break of the composite hydrogel are 204.8 KPa and 140.6 %, respectively. Additionally, its antibacterial effect is notable, with inhibition circle widths of 1.4 mm and 3.6 mm for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. When 0.10 % ZnCl2 is added, its conductivity can reach 0.067 S/m, which is able to monitor and recognize the motion signals from different parts of the human body. This composite hydrogel has great potential for applications in flexible wearable sensors and medical health monitoring.