Synthesis of patterned polyHIPE-hydrogel composite materials using thiol-ene chemistry

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Elastomeric materials combining multiple properties within a single composite are highly desired in applications including biomaterials interfaces, actuators, and soft robotics. High spatial resolution is required to impart different properties across the composite for the intended application, but many techniques used to prepare these composites rely on multistep and complex methods. There is a need for the development of simple and efficient platforms to design layered composite materials. Here, we report the synthesis of horizontally- and vertically-patterned composites consisting of PDMS-based polymerized high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) porous elastomers and PDMS/PEG hydrogels. Composites with defined interfaces that were mechanically robust were prepared, and rheological analysis of the polyHIPE and hydrogel layers showed storage moduli values of ∼ 35 kPa and 45 kPa respectively. The compressive Young’s Modulus and maximum strain of the polyHIPEs were dependent on the thiol to ene ratio in the formulation and obtained values ranging from 6 to 25 kPa and 50–65% respectively. The mechanical properties, total porosity of the polyHIPE, and swelling ratio of the hydrogel were unaffected by the patterning technique compared to non-patterned controls. PolyHIPE-hydrogel composite materials having up to 7-different horizontally pattered layers could be prepared that could expand and contract up hydration and drying.