Multi-level encryption of information in morphing hydrogels with patterned fluorescence
Li Xin Hou, Hongyao Ding, Xing Peng Hao, Chao Zhu, Miao Du, Zi Liang Wu, Qiang Zheng
Abstract
-acrylic acid) network. The former layer exhibits tunable fluorescence tailored by UV light irradiation to induce unimer-to-dimer transformation of the chromophores, facilitating the write-in of information through photolithography. The latter layer is responsive to temperature, enabling morphing of the bilayer hydrogel. Therefore, the bilayer hydrogel encoded with patterned fluorescent patterns can deform into three-dimensional configurations at room temperature to conceal the information, which is readable only after successive procedures of shape recovery at an appropriate temperature and under UV light irradiation from the right direction. The combination of morphing materials and patterned fluorescence as a new avenue to improve the encryption level of information should merit the design of other smart materials with integrated functions for specific applications.