Smart Materials Research Articles

Design and development of shape memory polyurethane coated fabric with excellent memory performance

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the fabrication of ambient room temperature responsive shape memory polyurethane (SMPU)‐coated fabric using a simple dip coating method, aiming to enhance the shape memory response of smart textiles. Two SMPU were synthesized using different chain extender 1,4 butanediol (BDO‐SMPU) and polyethylenimine (PEI‐SMPU). Critical parameters such as SMPU concentration, dwell time, and coating solution temperature are optimized to ensure exceptional shape memory performance while also maintaining the fabric's handle, comfort, and durability. We determined that PEI‐SMPU/Cotton fabric exhibits superior memory performance, with a 90.2% shape recovery at a 1% PEI‐SMPU concentration. Conversely, BDO‐SMPU fabric demonstrated a 75.8% shape recovery under different conditions (10% SMPU concentration, 50°C solution temperature). Furthermore, shape recovery is influenced by programming temperature and load; at 35°C and 10 N load, PEI‐SMPU/Cotton significantly outperforms BDO‐SMPU/Cotton, showing about 20% improvement in shape recovery. This study indicates that modifying SMPU from BDO‐SMPU to PEI‐SMPU can notably enhance shape recovery performance at 35°C, marking a significant advancement in human body temperature responsive smart fabric technology.

Biomimetic Photonic Elastomer Exhibiting Stress/Moisture Reconfigurable Wrinkle-Lattice for Reversible Deformation Information Storage.

Photonic elastomers, capable of converting imperceptible deformations into visible colors, show significant potential in smart materials. However, instantaneous deformation is arduous to record accurately due to the disappearance of optical information after deformation recovery. Herein, inspired by the folding structures of iridocytes in cephalopods, a stress- and moisture-triggered wrinkling and erasure effect is proposed to be introduced in the construction of a photonic elastomer. Implemented in a dual-network polymer framework with modulatable locking, it allows for reversible deformation storage. The photonic elastomer comprises a surface one-dimensional photonic crystal (1DPC) and a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrate. The deformed 1DPC lattice transforms into a wrinkled state due to a substrate deformation mismatch, preserving strain-induced structural color information through interchain hydrogen bonding and crystalline shape-locking in dual-network polymers. Reading the color provides multidimensional information about the instantaneous deformation degree and distribution. Moreover, the moisture-induced shape-memory feature of the 1DPC can be triggered with a minute amount of water, like fingertip perspiration or humidity change (35% to 80%), to restore the original color. This stress/moisture-responsive photonic elastomer, with its dynamically reconfigurable wrinkle-lattice, holds great promise for applications in mechanical sensing, inkless writing, and anticounterfeiting, significantly enhancing the versatility of photonic materials.

Harnessing leather waste in polymer matrix for sustainable smart shape‐stable phase change materials

AbstractThe utilization of leather waste (LW) in a polyurethane (PU) matrix makes a smart and novel shape stable phase change material (SSPCM). This is essential for sustainability as it reduces landfill waste after use. The PU is synthesized in bulk with a 90% yield, using biodegradable polycaprolactone diol and bio‐based polyol (castor oil), along with tolylene‐2,4‐diisocyanate. PL and PLG composites are prepared by blending of constituent components PU (P), LW (L), and poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA, G), as specified by their code names. Role of LW (hydrogen bonding and chemical crosslinking) and morphology are elucidated by FTIR and SEM, respectively. Self‐healing time (2 h), shape fixity ratios (Rf) (PL: 60–80% and PLG: 60–70%) and shape recovery ratios (Rr) (100% for both) are determined at 60°C. PLG displays faster shape recovery in water (<30 s) compared to air (>300 s). Shape stability and thermal properties of the SSPCM are examined using the temperature responsive leakage study, TGA, and DSC. This research introduces a new approach for using leather waste (LW) in SSPCM, with self‐healing and 100% Rr. This material may find application where SSPCM with high durability and flexibility is essential such as textile and footwear materials.

Optically controlled variable damping system based on PLZT ceramic/ERF in rectangular microchannel

Variable damping control technology based on intelligent materials of electromagnetic excitation has been widely used in the field of (semi-) active vibration control and fluid control. Unfortunately, a major drawback is the electromagnetic noise interference and low response speed. In this paper, a new optically controlled variable damping system based on PLZT ceramic/electrorheological fluid (ERF) is proposed. The mathematical models of the photovoltage generated by PLZT ceramics and the pressure difference between the two ends of the microchannel are established and verified by numerical simulation in COMSOL Multiphysics. Meanwhile, with the increase of light intensity, liquid flow rate and decrease of microchannel height and width, the pressure difference shows an uptrend. Optically controlled variable damping system based on PLZT ceramic/ERF is a control method with the advantages of a clean excitation source, remote control, no electromagnetic interference, and fast response speed, and has a good application prospect in the field of vibration control and fluid control.

Development of smart materials with versatile bending capabilities using microcellular foaming process: influence of foaming and desorption time

Abstract Herein, a smart material with versatile bending capability is developed using a microcellular foaming process (MCPs). In contrast to previous hydrogel-based approaches, the bi-layered smart material is fabricated using typical thermoplastics, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), to achieve shape deformation in response to thermal stimuli. Further, the theoretical model for bi-layered smart materials based on the modified Timoshenko’s model is employed to predict and comprehend this thermal response phenomenon. Due to the distinct foaming characteristics of the two polymers, a reversal in the bending direction is achieved by manipulating the foaming and desorption time. The length variation after foaming differs depending on the desorption time for each polymer. PMMA decreases in length after foaming, measuring 56.25 mm at a desorption time of 40 min and 53.16 mm at 80 min. On the other hand, PETG shows an increase in length after foaming, measuring 53.33 mm at 40 min and 58.25 mm at 80 min. Consequently, when the two polymers are bonded and foamed, bending occurs depending on the desorption time, and a reversal in the bending direction is observed at the critical desorption time of around 60 min. Based on this result, the folding direction of a five-leafed flower-shaped object is successfully altered under thermal stimuli. This innovative approach extends the category of smart materials beyond the hydrogels and showcases the potential of the MCPs for the creation of smart materials for various applications that require versatile shape changes in response to temperature.

Multi-phase shear thickening fluid based on ionic liquid dispersion medium for impact resistance and wear protection

Shear thickening fluids (STFs) have attracted increasing attention as smart materials with unique rheological properties. However, the preparation of STFs usually relies on a composite system of spherical nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol. In this work, novel multi-phase STFs (ILSTFs) were prepared in an ionic liquid by incorporating nanosized SiO2 and rod-shaped calcium metasilicate (CaSiO3) particles as a dispersed phase. Compared to traditional STFs, ILSTFs demonstrate excellent thermal stability. Rheological tests indicate that ILSTFs exhibit continuous shear thickening behavior, resulting in excellent energy absorption and impact wear resistance. In addition, ILSTFs can serve as a new type of lubricant. The tribological properties and impact resistance of ILSTFs were highly correlated with the shear thickening effect, with the multi-phase ILSTF system with CaSiO3 demonstrating superior impact wear resistance compared to the single-phase system. In this study, finite element analysis (FEA) is further utilized to investigate the local damage evolution and energy absorption rate of STF under impact loading, providing insights into the underlying mechanism. This ionic liquid-based STF holds promise for applications as a flexible filling component in the fields of lubrication technology and impact protection structures.

Electrorheological and magnetorheological properties of liquid composites based on polypyrrole nanotubes/magnetite nanoparticles

This research presents an in-depth exploration of the electrical and magnetic properties of a polypyrrole nanotubes/magnetite nanoparticles (PPyM) material embedded in a silicone oil matrix. A key finding of our study is the dual nature of the composite, i.e. it exhibits a behaviour akin to both electro- and magnetorheological suspensions. This unique duality is evident in its response to varying electric and magnetic field intensities. Our study focuses on examining the electrical properties of the composite, including its dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss factor. Additionally, we conduct an extensive analysis of its rheological behavior, with a particular emphasis on how its viscosity changes in response to electromagnetic stimuli. This property notably underscores the material’s dual-responsive nature. Employing a custom experimental design, we integrate the composite into a passive electrical circuit element subjected to alternating electric fields. This methodological approach allows us to precisely measure the material’s response in terms of resistance, capacitance, and charge under different field conditions. Our findings reveal substantial changes in the material’s electrical conductivity and rheological characteristics, which are significantly influenced by the intensity of the applied fields. These results enhance the understanding of electro-magnetorheological properties of PPyM-based magnetic composites, and also highlight their potential in applications involving smart materials. The distinct electrical, magnetic and rheological modulation capabilities demonstrated by this composite render it as promising candidate for advanced applications. These include sensory technology, actuation systems, and energy storage solutions.

Woven Agarose-Cellulose Composite Aerogel Fibers with Outstanding Radial Elasticity for Personal Thermal Management.

Aerogel fibers are good thermal insulators, suitable for weaving, and show potential as the next generation of intelligent textiles that can effectively reduce heat consumption for personal thermal management. However, the production of continuous aerogel fibers from biomass with sufficient strength and radial elasticity remains a significant challenge. Herein, continuous gel fibers were produced via wet spinning using agarose (AG) as the matrix, 2,2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNs) as the reinforcing agent, and no other chemical additives by utilizing the gelling properties of AG. Supercritical drying and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) were then used to produce hydrophobic AG-TOCN aerogel fibers (HATAFs). During CVD, the HATAF gel skeleton was covered with an isostructural silica coating. Consequently, the HATAFs can recover from radial compression under 60% strain. Moreover, the HATAFs have low densities (≤0.14 g cm-3), high porosities (≥91.8%), high specific surface areas (≥188 m2 g-1), moderate tensile strengths (≤1.75 MPa), excellent hydrophobicity (water contact angles of >130°), and good thermal insulating properties at different temperatures. Thus, HATAFs are expected to become a new generation of materials for efficient personal thermal management.

Enhancing wearable humidity sensing with conductive PANi-Coated polyurethane nanofibers

This study presents a flexible nanofibrous humidity sensor for wearable applications and smart textiles. The methodology involved fabricating polyurethane (PU) nanofibers via electrospinning, followed by polyaniline (PANi) coating under varied synthesis conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed consistent diameter uniformity in the prepared PU nanofibers. Moreover, an increase in average nanofiber diameter (305 to 539 nm) was observed with rising polymer solution concentration (7% to 9%). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the physical presence of PANi on PU nanofiber surfaces without inducing structural changes. Additionally, the strength of PU nanofibrous samples, with or without PANi coating, increased proportionally with higher PANi and PU polymer concentrations. Electrical conductivity was measured using a four-point device, and surface resistance was assessed across varying humidity levels to study humidity’s impact on samples. Results exhibited a linear relationship between surface electrical resistance and relative humidity changes. Furthermore, the PU and PU/PANi nanofibers exhibit contact angles of 113° and 133°, respectively. The PANi-coated sample is more hydrophobic compared to the uncoated sample. In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential of the developed sensor as a responsive tool for monitoring humidity fluctuations in diverse applications.

Advanced Fabrication and Characterization of Hydrothermal Responsive Fabric from Microcrystalline Cellulose-Reinforced Shape Memory Polyurethane Filament

Demands for smart textiles have recently increased quickly in terms of functionality and responsiveness to wearers and environmental changes. This paper explores the development of hydrothermal responsive shape memory woven fabric from Microcrystalline Cellulose Reinforced Shape Memory Polyurethane Microcomposite Filament. The concentration of microcrystalline cellulose and drawing ratio of the filaments were first optimized according to the tensile strength and shape recovery ratio and taken as 15 wt% and 2.0 respectively. Hydrothermal responsive shape memory micro-composite filaments were then produced from shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with optimized concentration and draw ratio by wet spinning process. The physical, mechanical, thermal and shape memory performances of the filaments were studied. The optimized filament was found to have a tensile strength of 0.91 cN/dtex and elongation of 385.2% in which the strength is much more improved when compared to a pure SMPU filament of strength 0.72 cN/dtex. The shape fixity and shape recovery results of the micro-composite filament were found to be 71.2% and 93.6% respectively. A woven fabric was manufactured from pure polyester, cotton as warp and SMPU-MCC filaments as weft and its breathability and shape memory properties were investigated. The air permeability of SMPU-PE fabrics was found to be 172.9 mm/s and 155.1 mm/s in its fixed temporary shape and recovered shape respectively. The water vapour permeability of SMPU-CT fabric was found to be 612.01 g/m2.h and 540.28 g/m2.h in its fixed temporary and recovered shape respectively which shows smart breathable fabrics can be made and adopted with enhanced properties.

Effect of In Situ Heating on the Growth and Electrochromic Properties of Tungsten Trioxide Thin Films

Electrochromism has emerged as a pivotal technology in the pursuit of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, spurring significant research efforts aimed at the creation of advanced electrochromic devices. Most electrochromic materials are used for smart window applications. However, current electrochromic materials have been applied to new energy vehicles, cell phone back covers, AR glasses, and so on. More application scenarios put forward more requirements for the color of the colored states. Choosing the right color change in the application will be the trend in the future. In this work, tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin films were prepared by adjusting the in situ heating temperature. WO3 with a crystalline structure showed excellent cyclic stability (5000 cycles), electrochromic performance (ΔT = 77.7% at 633 nm, CE = 37.1 cm2/C), relatively fast bleaching/coloring speed (20.0 s/19.4 s), and the darkest coloring effect (L* = 29.32, a* = 7.41, b* = −22.12 for the colored state). These findings offer valuable insights into the manipulation of smart materials and devices, contributing to the advancement of electrochromic technology.

[Accelerating the construction of digital and intelligentialized pathology and the prospects].

With the continuous development of informatization, digitalization and artificial intelligence technology, the working mode of the pathology department has gradually changed from the traditional manual check, paper circulation and physical carrier storage to the informatization process and digital storage. The traditional pathology discipline has ushered in unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Digital pathology department also emerge as the times require. Simultaneously, with the full integration of artificial intelligence technology in pathology department, the concept of "department of digital and intelligentialized pathology" was proposed. Based on information and digital technology, the digital intelligent pathology department integrates intelligent management system, optimizes the previous cumbersome management and workflow of the pathology department, develops advanced technologies such as intelligent material extraction, unmanned organization processing, artificial intelligence quality control, artificial intelligence diagnosis, and promotes the intelligent construction of the pathology department.

Polyurethane combining preeminent toughness, puncture-resistance, and self-healing capabilities by multiple repair options based on dual dynamic covalent bonds

The development of self-healing materials has enabled the production of more reliable and intelligent materials. However, resolving the conflict between mechanical strength and self-healing efficiency as well as limited repair options of the self-healing materials is still the most pressing scientific challenge. In this study, a self-healing polyurethane with multiple repair methods is prepared by introducing disulfide bonds into thermo-reversible imine bonds-based polyurethane. The resultant polyurethane exhibits impressive comprehensive mechanical properties and preeminent repair capabilities. More importantly, damages can be repaired through various routes such as room temperature, moderate temperature, hair dryer blowing, and ethylenediamine assistance treatments. The superior mechanical properties, repetitive self-healing performance, and multiple options for repair is attributed to the cooperation of thermally reversible imine and disulfide exchanges, thermal motion of molecular chains, and dissociation/regeneration of hydrogen bonds. So this research provides numerous ideal options for repairing cracks and other damages in materials used in construction industry under different usage environments. Consequently, high-quality repairs, improved efficiency, and extended service life of construction engineering materials can be ensured.

Quaternary conducting Cs/GO/PANi hydrogel composites: A smart material for room temperature hydrogen sensing

Hydrogen sensors are essential for hydrogen energy technology development and safety monitoring. However, hydrogen sensing is difficult because it requires effective and fast detection of tiny quantities of hydrogen. In situ oxidative radical polymerization is used in this study to combine polyaniline (PANi) with a chitosan/graphene oxide (Cs/GO) hydrogel, which is very good at conducting electricity, to make it sensor. FTIR, XRD, SEM, and UV were used to evaluate the material's functional groups, crystal structure, morphology, and bandgap. This work shows that Cs/GO/PANi can synthesise a hydrogel-based sensor. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and chronoamperometry (CA) were used to evaluate electron transfer mobility, redox behaviour, and hydrogen sensing. Using a hydrogen source with a concentration of 0.5–2.5 M KOH, the hydrogen sensor's response time, recovery sensitivity, and limit of detection were found to be 0.4 s, 0.8 s, 54.3748 μAM, and 3.5520 μM, respectively. Under conventional conditions, the experiment demonstrated significant sensing capabilities at ambient temperature. According to the research, the sensor works so well because of the π-π stacking interaction, the irregular structure, and the way the GO-based hydrogel and PANi work together.

Interaction between microcapsules and crack using XFEM and data-driven fracture toughness predictive model

The interaction mechanism between microstructures of materials, including microcrack, inclusion and interface defect, is crucial for studying the microscopic damage of materials. The interaction between microcapsules and cracks in self-healing material is examined using a combination of the extended finite element method (XFEM) and the interaction integral method, which is implemented by a program written in Fortran language. The non-dimensional stress intensity factors (SIFs) of a crack with a single microcapsule, a pair of microcapsules and a cluster of microcapsules are investigated. Moreover, the data-driven fracture toughness predictive model using a genetic programming-based symbolic regression (SR) technique is proposed by training the data from the XFEM program. Results reveal that the non-dimensional SIFs are related to the mechanical property, geometry and interface defect of microcapsule. The influence of microcapsule on the SIF is limited within a distance of five times the microcapsule radius. The predictive model quantifies the contribution of microscopic structures on the macroscopic fracture parameter, highlighting the potential of machine learning in guiding the quantitative design and discovery of high-performance smart materials.

ON-OFF Control of Marangoni Self-propulsion via A Supra-amphiphile Fuel and Switch.

Marangoni self-propulsion refers to motions of liquid or solids driven by a surface tension gradient, and has applications in soft robots/devices, cargo delivery, self-assembly etc. However, two problems remain to be addressed for motion control (e.g., ON-OFF) with conventional surfactants as Marangoni fuel: (1) limited motion lifetime due to saturated interfacial adsorption of surfactants; (2) in- situ motion stop is difficult once Marangoni flows are triggered. Instead of covalent surfactants, supra-amphiphiles with hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts linked noncovalently, hold promise to solve these problems owing to its dynamic and reversible surface activity responsively. Here, we propose a new concept of 'supra-amphiphile fuel and switch' based on the facile synthesis of disodium-4-azobenzene-amino-1,3-benzenedisulfonate (DABS) linked by a Schiff base, which has amphiphilicity for self-propulsion, hydrolyzes timely to avoid saturated adsorption and provides pH-responsive control over ON-OFF motion. The self-propulsion lifetime is extended by 50-fold with DABS and motion control is achieved. The mechanism is revealed with coupled interface chemistry involving two competitive processes of interfacial adsorption and hydrolysis of DABS based on both experiments and simulation. The concept of 'supra-amphiphile fuel and switch' provides an active solution to prolong and control Marangoni self-propulsive devices for the advance of intelligent material systems.

ON‐OFF Control of Marangoni Self‐propulsion via A Supra‐amphiphile Fuel and Switch

Marangoni self‐propulsion refers to motions of liquid or solids driven by a surface tension gradient, and has applications in soft robots/devices, cargo delivery, self‐assembly etc. However, two problems remain to be addressed for motion control (e.g., ON‐OFF) with conventional surfactants as Marangoni fuel: (1) limited motion lifetime due to saturated interfacial adsorption of surfactants; (2) in‐ situ motion stop is difficult once Marangoni flows are triggered. Instead of covalent surfactants, supra‐amphiphiles with hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts linked noncovalently, hold promise to solve these problems owing to its dynamic and reversible surface activity responsively. Here, we propose a new concept of ‘supra‐amphiphile fuel and switch’ based on the facile synthesis of disodium‐4‐azobenzene‐amino‐1,3‐benzenedisulfonate (DABS) linked by a Schiff base, which has amphiphilicity for self‐propulsion, hydrolyzes timely to avoid saturated adsorption and provides pH‐responsive control over ON‐OFF motion. The self‐propulsion lifetime is extended by 50‐fold with DABS and motion control is achieved. The mechanism is revealed with coupled interface chemistry involving two competitive processes of interfacial adsorption and hydrolysis of DABS based on both experiments and simulation. The concept of ‘supra‐amphiphile fuel and switch’ provides an active solution to prolong and control Marangoni self‐propulsive devices for the advance of intelligent material systems.

Smart Building Material with NIR‐Triggered Reversible Color Switching

Smart materials and devices play an increasingly important role in improving modern life due to their richer functions, enhanced controllability, and improved biocompatibility. Here, calcium silicate hydration (C‐S‐H) was integrated with layered [Co(NCS)2(pyrazine)2]n metal‐organic frameworks (Co‐MOF) and polymeric skeleton to fabricate the smart building material (M‐C‐S‐H). C‐S‐H was anchored on the polymeric skeleton to reinforce the network structure for enhanced mechanical strength and toughness. Simultaneously, the highly porous skeleton structure enabled the uniform distribution of layered Co‐MOF, which could maintain its molecular form to endow the M‐C‐S‐H with the photoresponsive color‐switching performance. The M‐C‐S‐H as a smart building material exhibited the color change between light blue and black blue upon NIR illumination on/off within a wide temperature range to achieve personalized wall and building decoration. Taking advantage of the low cost, rapid response, outstanding reversibility, and good color stability, M‐C‐S‐H could provide lively, dynamic, changeable decorating effects for walls and buildings.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Characterization and biological prospects of various calcined temperature-V2O5 nanoparticles synthesized by Citrus hystrix fruit extract

In this study, a simple green synthesis of vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles (VNPs) was prepared by the extract of Kaffir lime fruit (Citrus hystrix) as a green reducing and stabilizing agent, along with the investigation of calcination temperature was carried out at 450 and 550 °C. It was affirmed that, at higher temperature (550 °C), the VNPs possessed a high degree crystalline following the construction of (001) lattice diffraction within an increase in crystalline size from 47.12 to 53.51 nm, although the band gap of the materials at 450 °C was lower than that of the VNPs-550 (2.53 versus 2.66 eV, respectively). Besides, the materials were assessed for the potential bioactivities toward antibacterial, antifungal, DNA cleavage, anti-inflammatory, and hemolytic performances. As a result, the antibacterial activity, with minimal inhalation concentration (MIC) < 6.25 μg/mL for both strains, and fungicidal one of the materials depicted the dose-dependent effects. Once, both VNPs exhibited the noticeable efficacy of the DNA microbial damage, meanwhile, the outstanding anti-inflammatory agent was involved with the IC50 of 123.636 and 227.706 μg/mL, accounting for VNPs-450 and VNPs-550, respectively. Furthermore, this study also demonstrated the hemolytic potential of the VNPs materials. These consequences declare the prospects of the VNPs as the smart and alternative material from the green procedure in biomedicine.

Application of smart hydrogel materials in cartilage injury repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cartilage injury is a common clinical condition, and treatment approaches have evolved over time from traditional conservative and surgical methods to regenerative repair. In this context, hydrogels, as widely used biomaterials in the field of cartilage repair, have garnered significant attention. Particularly, responsive hydrogels (also known as "smart hydrogels") have shown immense potential due to their ability to respond to various physicochemical properties and environmental changes. This paper aims to review the latest research developments of hydrogels in cartilage repair, utilizing a more systematic and comprehensive meta-analysis approach to evaluate the research status and application value of responsive hydrogels. The goal is to determine whether these materials demonstrate favorable therapeutic effects for subsequent clinical applications, thereby offering improved treatment methods for patients with cartilage injuries. This study employed a systematic literature search method to summarize the research progress of responsive hydrogels by retrieving literature on the subject and review studies. The search terms included "hydrogel" and "cartilage," covering data from database inception up to October 2023. The quality of the literature was independently evaluated using Review Manager v5.4 software. Quantifiable data was statistically analyzed using the R language. A total of 7 articles were retrieved for further meta-analysis. In the quality assessment, the studies demonstrated reliability and accuracy. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that responsive hydrogels exhibit unique advantages and effective therapeutic outcomes in the field of cartilage repair. Subgroup analysis revealed potential influences of factors such as different types of hydrogels and animal models on treatment effects. Responsive hydrogels show significant therapeutic effects and substantial application potential in the field of cartilage repair. This study provides strong scientific evidence for their further clinical applications and research, with the hope of promoting advancements in the treatment of cartilage injuries.