Radiation-resistant and biocompatible hydrogels for noninvasive skin health monitoring and wound healing

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, which can protect the tissues and organs in the body. However, the skin suffers damage and interference because of the effects of radiation, leading to roughness, inflammation and loss of elasticity. Here, a bio-based composite hydrogel with excellent radiation resistance and biocompatibility was successfully constructed by introducing graphene into polyvinyl alcohol. The skin exhibited less damage and no inflammation after 16 days radiation because of the protective effect of the hydrogel. The experimental results showed that the hydrogel could effectively protect cells from radiation damage, increase the cell survival rate by 70 %, and significantly accelerate the wound healing process, with a wound closure rate of 84 % within 16 days. Meanwhile, the graphene-doping PVA hydrogels reduces the number of skin cell death after radiation and promotes growth rates of cells. The hydrogels possess sensitivity and responsivity due to the conductivity, and monitor a variety of movement and electromyographic signals. Therefore, graphene-doping PVA hydrogels provide a convenient way to protect the skin, which are expected to achieve applications in radiation therapy, electronic skin, and wearable devices in the future.