BRIN Reveals Hydrogel’s Potential for Developing Adaptive Electronics

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have highlighted the potential of hydrogels for development as detection devices and adaptive electronics.

Nur Rohmah, a researcher at BRIN’s Electronics Research Centre, said during an online discussion in Jakarta on Thursday that hydrogels can be engineered by adding or integrating materials that give them conductive properties.

“This approach can be pursued using conductive nanomaterials, conductive polymers or ionic conductors,” she said.

Nur explained that these modifications make it possible to tailor the electrical properties of hydrogels, such as conductivity and responses to pressure or strain, to suit different applications.

She added that conductive hydrogel innovations based on locally sourced, environmentally friendly materials could also be developed into flexible sensors capable of detecting strain, pressure, touch and changes in force.

Yusuf Nur Wijayanto, head of BRIN’s Electronics Research Centre, said hydrogels could be developed for a range of smart systems, including applications in healthcare, the environment, robotics and human–machine interfaces.

Hydrogels have promising potential because they are flexible and adaptable and can be developed as conductive materials, he said. These properties could be combined with sensors, embedded systems, the Internet of Things, wireless communications and data processing.

Yusuf said hydrogel development also offered strong opportunities for collaboration between materials science and electrical engineering.

“This means collaboration need not stop at developing materials; it can continue through to devices, prototypes and integrated systems that are ready for further development to meet real-world needs and deliver broad impact,” Yusuf said.