Stretchable, Antibacterial Hydrogels: A New Frontier in Biomedical Materials

Posted by Marketing Team on Jul 17, 2025

The intersection of biology and materials science is unlocking new possibilities for the next generation of wearable and implantable medical technologies. A growing challenge in these fields is creating materials that are not only soft, elastic, and biocompatible, but also capable of defending against infection — a leading cause of implant failure and post-surgical complications.

A recent study led by researchers at RMIT University addresses this challenge with the development of a novel hydrogel inspired by resilin — a highly elastic protein found in insects. The research team engineered a protein-based hydrogel that combines resilin-like polypeptides with β-peptides, providing robust antibacterial activity. This multifunctional material offers a powerful combination of stretchability, conductivity, and long-lasting antimicrobial protection — features ideal for real-world biomedical applications.

Breakthrough Study Overview

Published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, the study presents a hydrogel engineered to overcome one of the most persistent problems in biomaterials: bacterial infection. The material mimics the mechanical strength and elasticity of natural resilin while introducing antimicrobial β-peptides to actively combat pathogens like MRSA and E. coli.

Key features of the hydrogel include:

Exceptional stretchability (over 500% elongation)

Self-healing and fatigue resistance

Electrical conductivity

Sustained antibacterial activity against E. coli and MRSA

Biocompatibility demonstrated through in vitro cell culture assays

Beyond its basic structure, the hydrogel’s self-healing nature and tunable phase transition behavior allow it to mimic natural tissue responses, making it especially suited for integration into skin-contact and implantable devices.

The antibacterial surface magnified 4,000 times under scanning electron microscope, showing the topographical feature of the coacervate resilin mimetic coating on the base scaffold substrate. (Insect Protein Blocks Bacterial Infection, n.d.)

Applications in Biomedicine and Beyond

The standout innovation in this study is the creation of a hydrogel that pairs mechanical resilience with intrinsic antibacterial properties. By combining resilin-like polypeptides (for stretchability and durability) with antimicrobial β-peptides, researchers achieved a material that not only mimics the flexibility of human tissue but also actively prevents bacterial infection — addressing a long-standing challenge in implantable and skin-contact biomaterials.

Such hydrogels are particularly well-suited for use in wearable medical sensors, antibacterial wound dressings, and implantable devices where reducing the risk of infection is critical. Their elasticity and biocompatibility enable seamless integration with the skin and internal tissues, while their resistance to harmful microbes, such as MRSA and E. coli, ensures safer long-term contact.

In addition, these hydrogels show promise in drug delivery systems, especially where localized, infection-prone sites require sustained antibacterial protection and responsive drug release. Their self-healing behavior, combined with programmable conductivity, may also enhance the development of future smart therapeutic devices.

As multifunctional, protein-based hydrogels continue to evolve, materials like this one are opening new frontiers in wound healing, tissue engineering, and predictive toxicology, offering scaffold solutions that promote regeneration while resisting contamination.

Supporting Innovative Biomaterials Research

At MSE Supplies, we’re proud to support breakthroughs like this with a wide range of life science products and analytical tools designed to meet the needs of modern biomedical researchers.

For teams working on biocompatibility and in vitro testing, our catalog includes everything from high-quality cell culture flasks and plates to biosafety cabinets and CO₂ incubators — essential tools for evaluating how new materials interact with human cells.

To assist with hydrogel synthesis and functionalization, we also offer a diverse selection of reagents and organic chemicals. These are ideal for researchers working with synthetic polymers, crosslinking agents like N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide, or peptide-based materials seeking to replicate the elasticity, antimicrobial activity, or conductivity demonstrated in the study. Our offerings can support development in areas like gelatin-based hydrogels, collagen-based scaffolds, albumin hydrogels, and pH-responsive hydrogel systems.

When it comes to validating the performance of these materials, our analytical and characterization tools help measure key parameters such as mechanical strength, conductivity, and fatigue resistance. Whether you're developing injectable protein-based hydrogels for myocardial infarction recovery or photocrosslinkable gelatin hydrogels for epidermal tissue engineering, MSE Supplies has the tools and materials to support your journey from lab bench to biomedical innovation.

This resilin-inspired hydrogel marks a pivotal step in advancing protein-based biomaterials. By uniting mechanical flexibility with active antibacterial function, the material addresses two fundamental needs in modern biomedical device design: comfort and safety. Its potential extends from wearables and wound care to complex tissue scaffolding and responsive drug delivery systems.

As innovation continues across fields such as tissue engineering, cancer therapies, and growth factor delivery, the need for adaptable, infection-resistant materials is growing. Research like this not only contributes valuable scientific insights, but also paves the way for safer, more reliable solutions in clinical and consumer healthcare.

With the right tools and materials — including high-performance reagents, culture systems, and analytical technologies — researchers can continue transforming ideas into tangible progress for human health.

To learn more about how we support innovative research in life sciences and analytical materials, we invite you to explore our Analytical Services and Life Science Products collections. You can also browse our full catalog at msesupplies.com.

For inquiries or product guidance, please contact our team. To stay informed about new products, scientific insights, and industry developments, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter.

Source:

Wanasingha, N., Balu, R., Gangadoo, S., Abraham, A. N., Rekas, A., Mata, J. P., Brun, A. P. L., Dutta, N. K., & Choudhury, N. R. (2025). Nano-structured antibiofilm coatings based on recombinant resilin. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 342, 103530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2025.103530