New artificial skin has shape memory and is 107 times stronger than human skin
PCL-AD-4, a new polyurethane-based material stronger than the human skin (Image source: AI-generated illustrative image)
Researchers have developed a synthetic elastomer that mimics human skin — combining ultra-high strength, super toughness, body-temperature shape memory, and biosafety into one material. Dubbed PCL-AD-4, this material could pave the way for next-generation implants, minimally invasive surgical procedures, and soft robotic parts with lifelike properties.
For years, scientists have struggled to create a single material that combines the flexible, soft properties of human skin with extreme strength and advanced properties like shape memory. Such a material could be used to create complex medical devices that are delivered into the body through small incisions before expanding into their final, functional form.
The research team solved this by developing a new polyurethane-based material. By carefully arranging different chemical building blocks, they created an elastomer that mimics the interwoven structure of skin's collagen and elastin. The new material also exhibits excellent shape memory, with a near-perfect shape fixation rate (~100%) and over 94% shape recovery.
According to the publication released on June 13, the new material exhibits a true tensile strength of 1.42 gigapascals (GPa) — making it stronger than spider silk (~1.3 GPa). It also has a fracture energy of 384.7 ± 18.9 kJ/m2 — about 107 times greater than that of human skin (3.6 kJ/m2). This makes it incredibly resistant to tearing and punctures.
PCL-AD-4's most exciting feature is its body-temperature shape memory. The researchers demonstrated that complex, 4D-printed structures, like stents or tissue scaffolds, could be fabricated or compressed into a temporary shape, and will then automatically deploy back to their original, intricate form when warmed to 37 °C (98.6 °F). With proper development, PCL-AD-4 could become a cornerstone of the next generation of bio-integrated systems.
Chibuike Okpara - Tech Writer - 278 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, "Why not get into writing tech articles?" It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a 'bookworm' of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.
