To make the gel, begin by heating the oven to 70°C and measuring out all required components, including sodium acrylate, NIPAM, MBA, APS, and DI water. Dissolve sodium acrylate and NIPAM in the DI water using a magnetic stirrer; this may take time and can be aided by breaking up the solids. Add MBA while stirring, then mix in nanoparticles if needed, adjusting water volume accordingly. Add APS last, stirring until the solution is uniform. Remove the stir bar, then sonicate the solution (without ice) until it reaches 70°C and turns opaque, indicating gelation. Place the uncovered gel in a 70°C oven overnight to complete polymerization.

For washing, rehydrate the hardened gel by soaking it in excess water for 1–2 days, occasionally refreshing the water and breaking up large chunks. Once fully swollen, divide the gel into petri dishes and dry it in the oven, condensing into fewer dishes as needed. When dry, the gel becomes crumb-like and can be collected.

Electrospinning is a way to make very thin fibers using electricity. A liquid with plastic or other materials is pushed through a tiny needle. When high voltage is applied, the liquid stretches out into super fine threads and dries in the air, landing on a surface as a web of fibers. It’s used to make things like filters, medical bandages, and tiny scaffolds for growing cells.