Sustainable mechanochemical growth of double-network hydrogels supported by vascular-like perfusion.

Double-network (DN) gels are unique mechanochemical materials owing to their structures that can be dynamically remodelled during use. The mechanical energy applied to DN gels is efficiently transferred to the chemical bonds of the brittle network, generating mechanoradicals that initiate the polymerisation of pre-loaded monomers, thereby remodelling the materials. To attain continuous remodelling or growth in response to repetitive mechanical stimuli, a sustainable supply of chemical reagents to such dynamic materials is essential.