Viscoelastic phase separation creates highly air-permeable hydrogels for biomedical applications

Researchers developed a new hydrogel with significantly improved air permeability. This innovation uses viscoelastic phase separation to create an air-rich network within the high-water-content hydrogel, achieving a tenfold increase in oxygen permeability. The new hydrogels are suitable for long-term biomedical applications requiring efficient air exchange, such as wearable health monitors and tissue engineering.