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Ionic conductive hydrogels (ICHs) have recently gained prominence in biosensing, indicating their potential to redefine future biomedical applications. However, the integration of these hydrogels into sensor technologies and their long‐term efficacy in practical applications pose substantial challenges, including a synergy of features, such as mechanical adaptability, conductive sensitivity, self‐adhesion, self‐regeneration, and microbial resistance. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel hydrogel system using an imidazolium salt with a ureido backbone (UL) as the primary monomer. Fabricated via a straightforward one‐pot copolymerization process that includes betaine sulfonate methacrylate (SBMA) and acrylamide (AM), the hydrogel demonstrates multifunctional properties. The innovation of this hydrogel is attributed to its robust mechanical attributes, outstanding strain responsiveness, effective water retention, and advanced self‐regenerative and healing capabilities, which collectively lead to its superior performance in various applications. Moreover, this hydrogel exhibited broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity. Its potential for biomechanical monitoring, especially in tandem with contact and noncontact electrocardiogram (ECG) devices, represents a noteworthy advancement in precise real‐time cardiac monitoring in clinical environments. In addition, the conductive properties of the hydrogel make it an ideal substrate for electrophoretic patches aimed at treating infected wounds and consequently enhancing the healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ionic conductive hydrogels (ICHs) have recently gained prominence in biosensing, indicating their potential to redefine future biomedical applications. However, the integration of these hydrogels into sensor technologies and their long‐term efficacy in practical applications pose substantial challenges, including a synergy of features, such as mechanical adaptability, conductive sensitivity, self‐adhesion, self‐regeneration, and microbial resistance. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel hydrogel system using an imidazolium salt with a ureido backbone (UL) as the primary monomer. Fabricated via a straightforward one‐pot copolymerization process that includes betaine sulfonate methacrylate (SBMA) and acrylamide (AM), the hydrogel demonstrates multifunctional properties. The innovation of this hydrogel is attributed to its robust mechanical attributes, outstanding strain responsiveness, effective water retention, and advanced self‐regenerative and healing capabilities, which collectively lead to its superior performance in various applications. Moreover, this hydrogel exhibited broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity. Its potential for biomechanical monitoring, especially in tandem with contact and noncontact electrocardiogram (ECG) devices, represents a noteworthy advancement in precise real‐time cardiac monitoring in clinical environments. In addition, the conductive properties of the hydrogel make it an ideal substrate for electrophoretic patches aimed at treating infected wounds and consequently enhancing the healing process.

As a new generation of materials/structures, heterostructure is characterized by heterogeneous zones with dramatically different mechanical, physical or chemical properties. This endows heterostructure with unique interfaces, robust architectures, and synergistic effects, making it a promising option as advanced biomaterials for the highly variable anatomy and complex functionalities of individual patients. However, the main challenges of developing heterostructure lie in the control of crystal/phase evolution and the distribution/fraction of components and structures. In recent years, additive manufacturing techniques have attracted increasing attention in developing heterostructure due to the unique flexibility in tailored structures and synthetic multimaterials. This review focuses on the additive manufacturing of heterostructure for biomedical applications. The structural features and functional mechanisms of heterostructure are summarized. The typical material systems of heterostructure, mainly including metals, polymers, ceramics, and their composites, are presented. And the resulting synergistic effects on multiple properties are also systematically discussed in terms of mechanical, biocompatible, biodegradable, antibacterial, biosensitive and magnetostrictive properties. Next, this work outlines the research progress of additive manufacturing employed in developing heterostructure from the aspects of advantages, processes, properties, and applications. This review also highlights the prospective utilization of heterostructure in biomedical fields, with particular attention to bioscaffolds, vasculatures, biosensors and biodetections. Finally, future research directions and breakthroughs of heterostructure are prospected with focus on their more prospective applications in infection prevention and drug delivery.