A sustainable L-serine-induced hydrogel with ultrafast gelation, mechanical resilience, and environmental robustness for efficient sand stabilization

Abstract

Developing a sand stabilizer that integrates rapid curing, mechanical robustness, and environmental adaptability remains a significant challenge for desertification control. Herein, we introduce a scalable and biocompatible hydrogel system guided by amino acid chemistry, in which L-serine serves as both a redox catalyst and multifunctional structural modulator. The resulting hydrogel, composed of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA), glycerol, and L-serine (PGL hydrogel), forms a dynamic hydrogen-bonded network with ultrafast gelation under ambient conditions. When applied to sand, the precursor rapidly cures within 50 s to form a cohesive and flexible surface layer that resists wind erosion at speeds up to 15 m s⁻¹ without noticeable particle loss. The hydrogel maintains strong interfacial adhesion and structural integrity after 32 days of thermal aging and 32 freeze–thaw cycles, and remains stable across a wide pH range (pH 3–9). Plant cultivation experiments using mung bean and wheat confirm its excellent environmental compatibility, supporting germination and robust root development. This amino acid–mediated strategy provides an efficient, eco-friendly, and field-deployable solution for sand stabilization and ecological restoration in arid and degraded environments.