Bioinspired Conductive Structural Color Hydrogels: A Theragnostic Platform for Spatiotemporal Monitoring and Repair of Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Abstract As smart sensing technology and biomedical materials continue to evolve, flexible hydrogel patches with visual rapid diagnosis and tissue regeneration capabilities are anticipated to become the next‐generation smart platform for treating myocardial infarction (MI). Herein, inspired by chameleon skin, a conductive structural color hydrogel (CSCH) patch based on HPC cholesteric phase liquid crystal and MXene@PDA nanoconductive materials is first developed. The CSCH patch is capable of dual‐mode optoelectronic feedback on weak external interfacial mechanical and spatiotemporal stimuli, leveraging a unique electromechanical response and mechanochromic capability. Notably, the CSCH patch can fit snugly on the heart's surface, allowing for real‐time monitoring of cardiac mechanophysiological signals and visual identification of the infarcted myocardium's location through detection of the amplitude and rhythmic differences in the diastolic‐systolic motion of the affected tissue. Moreover, the CSCH patch effectively mitigates ventricular remodeling and enhances vascular regeneration through electrical coupling with the infarcted myocardium combined with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic actions, thereby restoring cardiac electrophysiological function. Consequently, this CSCH patch as a theragnostic platform, which combines diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, paves a promising new avenue for the efficient treatment of MI.