Chung-Ang University Develops Next-Generation Fluorescent Hydrogel Inspired by Fireflies

Potential Applications in Wearable Devices and More

On June 7, Chung-Ang University announced that a research team led by Professor Jin-Hye Bae from the Department of Chemical Engineering has developed a next-generation stimulus-responsive fluorescent hydrogel, inspired by the fluorescence mechanism of fireflies.

Professor Jin-Hye Bae's research team, Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung-Ang University. Chung-Ang University

The research team mimicked the luminescence principle of fireflies to create a new hydrogel material whose fluorescence can be controlled in response to eco-friendly stimuli such as water and temperature. This material emits light (fluorescence) when exposed to moisture, produces brighter light as the temperature increases, and loses its glow when the stimulus is removed, exhibiting reversible fluorescence control.

This research was jointly conducted by Professor Bae, Ji Donghwan, a doctoral researcher at Chung-Ang University, and a research team from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The results were published in 'ACS Nano,' the most prestigious journal in the field of nanoscience, and were also selected as the cover image.

Professor Bae stated, "The hydrogel we have developed goes beyond a simple fluorescent material. It is a high-performance platform that responds sensitively to various stimuli and can be used repeatedly, making it highly promising for applications in wearable devices, security displays, biosensors, and many other fields."