biostudies-literatureWang ZNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaNational Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)875https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11746949biostudies-literatureUnknown16(1)Inspired by counterintuitive water "swelling" ability of the hydrophobic moss of the genus Sphagnum (Peat moss), we prepared a hydrophobic pseudo-hydrogel (HPH), composed of a pure hydrophobic silicone elastomer with a tailored porous structure. In contrast to conventional hydrogels, HPH achieves absorption-induced volume expansion through surface tension induced elastocapillarity, presenting an unexpected absorption-induced volume expansion capability in hydrophobic matrices. We adopt a theoretical framework elucidating the interplay of surface tension induced elastocapillarity, providing insights into the absorption-induced volume expansion behavior. By systematically programming the pore structure, we demonstrate tunable, anisotropic, and programmable absorption-induced expansion. This Nature communicationsBioinspired hydrophobic pseudo-hydrogel for programmable shape-morphing.PMC11746949No. 52303163Coll WHu YWang SHu HHuang TJYan CChai ZZhang CXu XWang ZWang JDeng HfalseBioinspired hydrophobic pseudo-hydrogel for programmable shape-morphing.Inspired by counterintuitive water "swelling" ability of the hydrophobic moss of the genus Sphagnum (Peat moss), we prepared a hydrophobic pseudo-hydrogel (HPH), composed of a pure hydrophobic silicone elastomer with a tailored porous structure. In contrast to conventional hydrogels, HPH achieves absorption-induced volume expansion through surface tension induced elastocapillarity, presenting an unexpected absorption-induced volume expansion capability in hydrophobic matrices. We adopt a theoretical framework elucidating the interplay of surface tension induced elastocapillarity, providing insights into the absorption-induced volume expansion behavior. By systematically programming the pore structure, we demonstrate tunable, anisotropic, and programmable absorption-induced expansion. This 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Jan2025-04-04T20:56:16.904Z2025-04-04T20:56:16.904ZS-EPMC117469493983326610.1038/s41467-025-56291-1