Dynamic wrinkling of a hydrogel–elastomer hybrid microtube enables blood vessel-like hydraulic pressure sensing and flow regulation

Abstract

Inspired by blood vessel's unique layered and wrinkled morphology for sensing and controlling vascular resistance, here we report a double-layered, highly stretchable, and thermo-/NIR-responsive PNIPAM/clay/MXene hydrogel@thermoplastic elastomer (PCMH@TPE) hybrid microtube with a self-wrinkling surface. The stimuli-induced dynamic wrinkling, excellent elastic recovery, and channel size responsiveness render the microtube with ultrahigh hydraulic pressure sensitivity in response to tensile strain, compression, temperature and remote NIR light, as well as easy flow regulation. We demonstrate that a new elastomer/hydrogel hybrid strategy is opened for smart tubular structures with surface wrinkling that may inspire new research in mimicking the fascinating functions of blood vessels in the monitoring and feedback regulation of everchanging flow pressure.