Photothermal Conversion of Hydrogel‐Based Biomaterial

Abstract

Traditional energy from fossil fuels like petroleum and coal is limited and contributes to global environmental pollution and climate change. Developing sustainable and eco‐friendly energy is crucial for addressing significant challenges such as climate change, energy dilemma and achieving the long‐term development of human society. Biomass hydrogels, which are easily synthesized and modified, have diverse sources and can be designed for different applications. They are being extensively researched for their applications in artificial intelligence, flexible sensing, biomedicine, and food packaging. The article summarizes recent advances in the preparation and applications of biomass‐based photothermal conversion hydrogels, discussing the light source, photothermal agents, matrix, and preparation methods in detail. It also explores the use of these hydrogels in seawater desalination, photothermal therapy, antibacterial agents, and light‐activated materials, offering new ideas for developing sustainable, efficient, and advanced photothermal conversion biomass hydrogel materials. The article concludes with suggestions for future research, highlighting the challenges and prospects in this field and paving the way for developing of long‐lasting, efficient energy materials.

Photothermal Hydrogel Composites Featuring G4-Carbon Nanomaterial Networks for Staphylococcus aureus Inhibition

“…The β-CD hydrogel matrix was prepared following the same procedure as described in 2.2. Five GO composite hydrogels (G4-GO_1−5) were synthesized by adding different volumes (10,30,50,70, and 100 μL, containing 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 mg) of commercial GO solution (10 mg/mL) with the β-CD hydrogel matrix (Table S1).…”

“…Such efforts are focused not only on combating more efficiently bacterial infections but also on reducing the chance of developing antimicrobial resistance . Among the available alternatives, the rapid evolution of nanotechnology has presented novel opportunities for the utilization of physical antimicrobial techniques, offering a wider range of prospects for their implementation. , A specific focus within available novel approaches incorporating nanomaterials is represented by photothermal properties, where a hyperthermic response is induced through irradiation with light of a specific wavelength . The developed technique named photothermal therapy is considered an optimal antibacterial therapy due to its capacity to minimize tissue damage, accelerate treatment duration, enhance permeability, and reduce the occurrence of side effects. − Upon exposure to light, specifically designed nanomaterial-based systems produce localized heat in their immediate surroundings, causing damage to both the bacteria and the formed biofilms through perturbation of bacteria’s cell membranes, protein denaturation, and degradation of nucleic acids. ,− …”

“… 8 , 9 A specific focus within available novel approaches incorporating nanomaterials is represented by photothermal properties, where a hyperthermic response is induced through irradiation with light of a specific wavelength. 10 The developed technique named photothermal therapy is considered an optimal antibacterial therapy due to its capacity to minimize tissue damage, accelerate treatment duration, enhance permeability, and reduce the occurrence of side effects. 11 − 13 Upon exposure to light, specifically designed nanomaterial-based systems produce localized heat in their immediate surroundings, causing damage to both the bacteria and the formed biofilms through perturbation of bacteria’s cell membranes, protein denaturation, and degradation of nucleic acids.…”

“… 11 − 13 Upon exposure to light, specifically designed nanomaterial-based systems produce localized heat in their immediate surroundings, causing damage to both the bacteria and the formed biofilms through perturbation of bacteria’s cell membranes, protein denaturation, and degradation of nucleic acids. 10 , 14 − 18 …”