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Multiscale integral synchronous assembly of cuttlebone-inspired structural materials by predesigned hydrogels

Author

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  • Huai-Bin Yang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Yi-Xing Lu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xin Yue

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Zhao-Xiang Liu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Wen-Bin Sun

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Wen-Pei Zheng

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Qing-Fang Guan

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Shu-Hong Yu

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

The overall structural integrity plays a vital role in the unique performance of living organisms, but the integral synchronous preparation of different multiscale architectures remains challenging. Inspired by the cuttlebone’s rigid cavity-wall structure with excellent energy absorption, we develop a robust hierarchical predesigned hydrogel assembly strategy to integrally synchronously assemble multiple organic and inorganic micro-nano building blocks to different structures. The two types of predesigned hydrogels, combined with hydrogen, covalent bonding, and electrostatic interactions, are layer-by-layer assembled into brick-and-mortar structures and close-packed rigid micro hollow structures in a cuttlebone-inspired structural material, respectively. The cuttlebone-inspired structural materials gain crack growth resistance, high strength, and energy absorption characteristics beyond typical energy-absorbing materials with similar densities. This hierarchical hydrogel integral synchronous assembly strategy is promising for the integrated fabrication guidance of bioinspired structural materials with multiple different micro-nano architectures.

Suggested Citation

  • Huai-Bin Yang & Yi-Xing Lu & Xin Yue & Zhao-Xiang Liu & Wen-Bin Sun & Wen-Pei Zheng & Qing-Fang Guan & Shu-Hong Yu, 2025. "Multiscale integral synchronous assembly of cuttlebone-inspired structural materials by predesigned hydrogels," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-55344-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55344-1
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