Aalto University and the University of Bayreuth have recently made significant advancements in hydrogel research, focusing on self-healing materials and innovative 3D printing technologies.

In March 2025, researchers from both institutions developed a hydrogel that mimics human skin by combining high stiffness, flexibility, and self-healing capabilities. By integrating exceptionally large and ultra-thin clay nanosheets into traditional hydrogels, they achieved a highly ordered structure with densely entangled polymers. This configuration enhances the mechanical properties of the hydrogel and enables it to self-repair within 24 hours after being cut. Potential applications include drug delivery, wound healing, soft robotics sensors, and artificial skin.

In February 2024, the University of Bayreuth introduced a novel 3D printing technology that combines hydrogels with fibers to produce constructs featuring fibrous structures and uniaxial cell alignment. This innovative process integrates 3D bioprinting with touch-spinning—a fiber spinning technique—within a single device. The resulting composite materials are particularly promising for fabricating tissues with fibrous architectures, such as connective and muscle tissues. This advancement holds potential for the artificial production of biological tissues, addressing challenges in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

These developments underscore the collaborative efforts of Aalto University and the University of Bayreuth in pushing the boundaries of hydrogel research, with promising implications across various biomedical applications.