Discontinuous 3D Printing of Amorphous Photonic Crystal Hydrogels for Multifunctional Applications

ABSTRACT Amorphous photonic crystals (APCs) offer angle‐independent structural color for reliable sensing, yet their precise 3D fabrication remains challenging due to the tendency of particles to self‐assemble into ordered structures. We develop a discontinuous digital light processing 3D printing strategy combining discrete ink reflow and rapid curing to construct disordered APCs hydrogels. The printed hydrogels integrate single‐sized polymer nanospheres and MXene nanosheets to achieve structural color, mechanical robustness, and interactive optical/electrical responsiveness. The structural color responds to moisture‐induced swelling yet remains unchanged under mechanical deformation because of strain‐accommodating microcracks. These features ensure reliable visual feedback without strain interference. Meanwhile, mechanical deformation modulates the conductive network and thus provides a complementary electrical response. In diabetic wound models, the hydrogel enables precise electrical stimulation and provides visual alerts of micro‐swelling to prevent secondary damage from unnoticed volumetric changes. This strategy provides a generalizable pathway for precise intervention and real‐time monitoring in wound management.