3D-Printable Biobased Eutectogels Based on Soybean Oil and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for Underwater EMG Recording

Abstract

Hydrophobic eutectogels represent an emerging class of soft materials with significant potential to revolutionize underwater body signal recording and sensing technologies. Existing materials, however, are limited by poor performance or low biocompatibility. To address these challenges, herein, we propose a biobased eutectogel that combines hydrophilic and biocompatible deep eutectic solvents (DES) with a nontoxic and highly hydrophobic polymer matrix based on acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO). We demonstrate fine-tuning of electrochemical, rheological, mechanical, and water-repelling properties by varying the degree of AESO functionalization and their DES composition and content. The resulting formulations demonstrated excellent suitability as inks for VAT photopolymerization three-dimensional (3D) printing, enabling the fabrication of structured hydrophobic gel electrodes. Underwater electromyography (EMG) recordings highlight the potential of these materials for use in marine biology, exploration, and environmental monitoring applications.