Dual-Protein Network Hydrogel-Enabled Wireless Respiratory Sensing System
Xiaoyou Wang, Zhenzhen Zhang, Tao Wu, Lei Wang, Jungang Jiang, Yifan Zhang
Abstract
Real-time monitoring of respiration plays a crucial role in assessing human health. However, traditional respiratory monitoring devices face several challenges, such as safety concerns, poor mechanical properties, and low portability, which limiting their use in everyday portable applications. In this study, a dual-protein network hydrogel, composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and silk fibroin (SF), was developed using thiol-ene click chemistry and enzymatic cross-linking. This hydrogel demonstrates excellent mechanical reversibility, frost resistance (-20 °C), and electrical conductivity. The hydrophilic amino acids and hydrogen bonding within the hydrogel network contribute to its high stability and broad humidity monitoring range (11%-85%), making it ideal for use in flexible humidity sensors. By integrating wireless transmission technology, a stable and fast signal transmission is achieved, enabling real-time monitoring of respiratory conditions. The present work offers new insights into the development of natural protein-based materials for advanced smart health detection systems.