1
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Weima SAM, Norouzikudiani R, Baek J, Peixoto JA, Slot TK, Broer DJ, DeSimone A, Liu D. Human interactive liquid crystal fiber arrays. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadp0421. [PMID: 39241076 PMCID: PMC11378903 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp0421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/08/2024]
Abstract
This paper presents interactive liquid crystal fiber arrays that can actuate in a way perceptible by human touch. The fibers are actuated via a computer interface, enabling precise control over actuation direction, magnitude, and frequency. Unlike conventional methods, our technique initiates the actuation at the base of the fibers, which is enabled by fabricating the fibers directly onto an electrical circuit. Fiber actuation is achieved by localized addressing of an in situ formed radially aligned segment. This induces reduction in the scalar order parameter and leads to deformation of the fiber base, causing bending toward the activated region. Extensive modeling validates this actuation mechanism and identifies optimal conditions and actuation strategies for achieving the desired responses. The actuation process is rapid, is highly reversible, and maintains excellent performance over repeated (>200) cycles. These liquid crystal fiber arrays provide a safe contact with humans or other objects, making them highly suitable for applications in smart wearable devices and immersive interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuël A M Weima
- Laboratory of Human Interactive Materials (HIM), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Reza Norouzikudiani
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio, 34, Pontedera 56025, Italy
| | - Jaeryang Baek
- School of Computing Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Jacques A Peixoto
- Laboratory of Human Interactive Materials (HIM), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Thierry K Slot
- Laboratory of Human Interactive Materials (HIM), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Dirk J Broer
- Laboratory of Human Interactive Materials (HIM), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Antonio DeSimone
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio, 34, Pontedera 56025, Italy
- SISSA-Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, Trieste 34136, Italy
| | - Danqing Liu
- Laboratory of Human Interactive Materials (HIM), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands
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2
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Ustunel S, Pandya H, Prévôt ME, Pegorin G, Shiralipour F, Paul R, Clements RJ, Khabaz F, Hegmann E. A Molecular Rheology Dynamics Study on 3D Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2300717. [PMID: 38445752 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This work presents a rheological study of a biocompatible and biodegradable liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) ink for three dimensional (3D) printing. These materials have shown that their structural variations have an effect on morphology, mechanical properties, alignment, and their impact on cell response. Within the last decade LCEs are extensively studied as potential printing materials for soft robotics applications, due to the actuation properties that are produced when liquid crystal (LC) moieties are induced through external stimuli. This report utilizes experiments and coarse-grained molecular dynamics to study the macroscopic rheology of LCEs in nonlinear shear flow. Results from the shear flow simulations are in line with the outcomes of these experimental investigations. This work believes the insights from these results can be used to design and print new material with desirable properties necessary for targeted applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senay Ustunel
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Harsh Pandya
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Marianne E Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Gisele Pegorin
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Faeze Shiralipour
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Rajib Paul
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Robert J Clements
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Fardin Khabaz
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
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3
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Prévôt ME, Ustunel S, Freychet G, Webb CR, Zhernenkov M, Pindak R, Clements RJ, Hegmann E. Physical Models from Physical Templates Using Biocompatible Liquid Crystal Elastomers as Morphologically Programmable Inks For 3D Printing. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200343. [PMID: 36415071 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Advanced manufacturing has received considerable attention as a tool for the fabrication of cell scaffolds however, finding ideal biocompatible and biodegradable materials that fit the correct parameters for 3D printing and guide cells to align remain a challenge. Herein, a photocrosslinkable smectic-A (Sm-A) liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) designed for 3D printing is presented, that promotes cell proliferation but most importantly induces cell anisotropy. The LCE-based bio-ink allows the 3D duplication of a highly complex brain structure generated from an animal model. Vascular tissue models are generated from fluorescently stained mouse tissue spatially imaged using confocal microscopy and subsequently processed to create a digital 3D model suitable for printing. The 3D structure is reproduced using a Digital Light Processing (DLP) stereolithography (SLA) desktop 3D printer. Synchrotron Small-Angle X-ray Diffraction (SAXD) data reveal a strong alignment of the LCE layering within the struts of the printed 3D scaffold. The resultant anisotropy of the LCE struts is then shown to direct cell growth. This study offers a simple approach to produce model tissues built within hours that promote cellular alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Senay Ustunel
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Guillaume Freychet
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Caitlyn R Webb
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Mikhail Zhernenkov
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Ron Pindak
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Robert J Clements
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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4
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Brighenti R, Cosma MP. Multiphysics modelling of light-actuated liquid crystal elastomers. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2022.0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) represent a promising class of responsive polymers whose physical properties are peculiar to both fluids and solids. Thanks to their microscale structure made of elongated rigid molecules (mesogens)—characterized by their capability to reversibly switch from an isotropic to an ordered state—LCEs exhibit a number of remarkable physical effects, such as self-deformation and mechanical actuation triggered by external stimuli. Efficient and physics-based modelling, aimed at designing and optimizing LCE-based devices (such as artificial muscles, deployable structures, soft actuators, etc.), is a fundamental tool to quantitatively describe their mechanical behaviour in real applications. In the present study, we illustrate the multi-physics modelling of light-driven deformation of LCEs, based on the photo-thermal energy conversion. The role played by the light diffusion and heat transfer within the medium is considered and their effect on the obtainable actuation is studied through numerical simulations based on the multi-physics theory developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Brighenti
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Mattia P. Cosma
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
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5
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Cazacu M, Dascalu M, Stiubianu GT, Bele A, Tugui C, Racles C. From passive to emerging smart silicones. REV CHEM ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/revce-2021-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Amassing remarkable properties, silicones are practically indispensable in our everyday life. In most classic applications, they play a passive role in that they cover, seal, insulate, lubricate, water-proof, weather-proof etc. However, silicone science and engineering are highly innovative, seeking to develop new compounds and materials that meet market demands. Thus, the unusual properties of silicones, coupled with chemical group functionalization, has allowed silicones to gradually evolve from passive materials to active ones, meeting the concept of “smart materials”, which are able to respond to external stimuli. In such cases, the intrinsic properties of polysiloxanes are augmented by various chemical modifications aiming to attach reactive or functional groups, and/or by engineering through proper cross-linking pattern or loading with suitable fillers (ceramic, magnetic, highly dielectric or electrically conductive materials, biologically active, etc.), to add new capabilities and develop high value materials. The literature and own data reflecting the state-of-the art in the field of smart silicones, such as thermoplasticity, self-healing ability, surface activity, electromechanical activity and magnetostriction, thermo-, photo-, and piezoresponsivity are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cazacu
- Department of Inorganic Polymers , “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A , 700487 Iasi , Romania
| | - Mihaela Dascalu
- Department of Inorganic Polymers , “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A , 700487 Iasi , Romania
| | - George-Theodor Stiubianu
- Department of Inorganic Polymers , “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A , 700487 Iasi , Romania
| | - Adrian Bele
- Department of Inorganic Polymers , “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A , 700487 Iasi , Romania
| | - Codrin Tugui
- Department of Inorganic Polymers , “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A , 700487 Iasi , Romania
| | - Carmen Racles
- Department of Inorganic Polymers , “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A , 700487 Iasi , Romania
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6
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Fernandes Minori A, Jadhav S, Chen H, Fong S, Tolley MT. Power Amplification for Jumping Soft Robots Actuated by Artificial Muscles. Front Robot AI 2022; 9:844282. [PMID: 35308461 PMCID: PMC8927657 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2022.844282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Robots composed of soft materials can passively adapt to constrained environments and mitigate damage due to impact. Given these features, jumping has been explored as a mode of locomotion for soft robots. However, for mesoscale jumping robots, lightweight and compact actuation are required. Previous work focused on systems powered by fluids, combustion, smart materials, electromagnetic, or electrostatic motors, which require one or more of the following: large rigid components, external power supplies, components of specific, pre-defined sizes, or fast actuation. In this work, we propose an approach to design and fabricate an electrically powered soft amplification mechanism to enable untethered mesoscale systems with continuously tunable performance. We used the tunable geometry of a liquid crystal elastomer actuator, an elastic hemispherical shell, and a pouch motor for active latching to achieve rapid motions for jumping despite the slow contraction rate of the actuator. Our system amplified the power output of the LCE actuator by a factor of 8.12 × 103 with a specific power of 26.4 W/kg and jumped to a height of 55.6 mm (with a 20 g payload). This work enables future explorations for electrically untethered soft systems capable of rapid motions (e.g., jumping).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane Fernandes Minori
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
- School of Computer Science, Human and Computer Interaction Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Saurabh Jadhav
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Haojin Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Samantha Fong
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Michael T. Tolley
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael T. Tolley,
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7
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Synchrotron Microbeam Diffraction Studies on the Alignment within 3D-Printed Smectic-A Liquid Crystal Elastomer Filaments during Extrusion. CRYSTALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst11050523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
3D printing of novel and smart materials has received considerable attention due to its applications within biological and medical fields, mostly as they can be used to print complex architectures and particular designs. However, the internal structure during 3D printing can be problematic to resolve. We present here how time-resolved synchrotron microbeam Small-Angle X-ray Diffraction (μ-SAXD) allows us to elucidate the local orientational structure of a liquid crystal elastomer-based printed scaffold. Most reported 3D-printed liquid crystal elastomers are mainly nematic; here, we present a Smectic-A 3D-printed liquid crystal elastomer that has previously been reported to promote cell proliferation and alignment. The data obtained on the 3D-printed filaments will provide insights into the internal structure of the liquid crystal elastomer for the future fabrication of liquid crystal elastomers as responsive and anisotropic 3D cell scaffolds.
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8
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Sakaino H, Lamers BAG, Meskers SCJ, Meijer EW, Vantomme G. Photo‐controlled alignment and helical organization in main‐chain liquid crystalline alternating polymers. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hirotoshi Sakaino
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Electronic & Imaging Materials Research Laboratories Toray Industries, Inc. Otsu Japan
| | - Brigitte A. G. Lamers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Stefan C. J. Meskers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Molecular Materials and Nanosystems Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - E. W. Meijer
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Ghislaine Vantomme
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
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9
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Mori T, Cukelj R, Prévôt ME, Ustunel S, Story A, Gao Y, Diabre K, McDonough JA, Freeman EJ, Hegmann E, Clements RJ. 3D Porous Liquid Crystal Elastomer Foams Supporting Long-term Neuronal Cultures. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 41:e1900585. [PMID: 32009277 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
3D liquid crystal elastomer (3D-LCE) foams are used to support long-term neuronal cultures for over 60 days. Sequential imaging shows that cell density remains relatively constant throughout the culture period while the number of cells per observational area increases. In a subset of samples, retinoic acid is used to stimulate extensive neuritic outgrowth and maturation of proliferated neurons within the LCEs, inducing a threefold increase in length with cells displaying morphologies indicative of mature neurons. Designed LCEs' micro-channels have a similar diameter to endogenous parenchymal arterioles, ensuring that neurons throughout the construct have constant access to growth media during extended experiments. Here it is shown that 3D-LCEs provide a unique environment and simple method to longitudinally study spatial neuronal function, not possible in conventional culture environments, with simplistic integration into existing methodological pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taizo Mori
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Richard Cukelj
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Marianne Estelle Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Senay Ustunel
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Anna Story
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Yunxiang Gao
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Karene Diabre
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Jennifer Ann McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Ernest Johnson Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Robert John Clements
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
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10
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Rajasekharan AK, Gyllensten C, Blomstrand E, Liebi M, Andersson M. Tough Ordered Mesoporous Elastomeric Biomaterials Formed at Ambient Conditions. ACS NANO 2020; 14:241-254. [PMID: 31846286 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b01924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic dry elastomers are randomly cross-linked polymeric networks with isotropic and unordered higher-level structural features. However, their growing use as soft-tissue biomaterials has demanded the need for an ordered and anisotropic nano-micro (or) mesoarchitecture, which is crucial for imparting specific properties such as hierarchical toughening, anisotropic mechanics, sustained drug delivery, and directed tissue growth. High processing cost, poor control in 3D, and compromised mechanical properties have made it difficult to synthesize tough and dry macroscopic elastomers with well-organized nano-microstructures. Inspired from biological design principles, we report a tough ordered mesoporous elastomer formed via bottom-up lyotropic self-assembly of noncytotoxic, polymerizable amphiphilic triblock copolymers and hydrophobic polymers. The elastomer is cross-linked using covalent cross-links and physical hydrophobic entanglements that are organized in a periodic manner at the nanoscale. This transforms into a well-ordered hexagonal arrangement of nanofibrils that are highly oriented at the micron scale, further organized as 3D macroscale objects. The ordered nano-microstructure and molecular multinetwork endows the elastomer with hierarchical toughening while possessing excellent stiffness and elongation comparable to engineering elastomers like silicone and vulcanized rubber. Processing of the elastomer is performed at ambient conditions using 3D printing and photo-cross-linking, which is fast and energy efficient and enables production of complex 3D objects with tailorable sub-millimeter features such as macroporosity. Furthermore, the periodic and amphiphilic nanostructure permits functionalization of the elastomer with secondary components such as inorganic nanoparticles or drug molecules, enabling complementary mechanical properties such as high stiffness and functional capabilities such as in localized drug delivery applications.
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11
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Huang X, Ford M, Patterson ZJ, Zarepoor M, Pan C, Majidi C. Shape memory materials for electrically-powered soft machines. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:4539-4551. [DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00392a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We review the recent progress of electrically-powered artificial muscles and soft machines using shape memory alloy and liquid crystal elastomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Huang
- Soft Machines Lab
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh
- USA
| | - Michael Ford
- Soft Machines Lab
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh
- USA
| | | | - Masoud Zarepoor
- Soft Machines Lab
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh
- USA
- Mechanical Engineering
| | - Chengfeng Pan
- Soft Machines Lab
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh
- USA
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Soft Machines Lab
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh
- USA
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12
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Zentel R. From LC‐polymers to Nanomedicines: Different Aspects of Polymer Science from a Materials Viewpoint. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.201900448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Zentel
- Chemistry University of Mainz Duesbergweg 10‐14 D‐55128 Mainz Germany
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13
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Xu J, Chen S, Yang W, Qin B, Wang X, Wang Y, Cao M, Gao Y, Li C, Dong Y. Photo actuation of liquid crystalline elastomer nanocomposites incorporated with gold nanoparticles based on surface plasmon resonance. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:6116-6126. [PMID: 31286128 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm00984a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this work, according to the characteristic of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of metallic nanoparticles, we investigated the photo actuation performance of a liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) nanocomposite with incorporated gold nanoparticles (nano-gold/LCE nanocomposite). The nano-gold/LCE nanocomposites were fabricated by incorporating gold nanoparticles into a polysiloxane-based LCE matrix via a novel experimental protocol, and characterized by a well-developed SPR absorption band in the visible spectrum range. The nano-gold/LCE nanocomposites demonstrated strong actuation upon irradiation with a quasi-daylight source; the reason lay in that the SPR response of gold nanoparticles performed efficient energy conversion from light energy to thermal energy, and thus offered an activation pathway for the nematic-isotropic transition of the LCE matrix. The nano-gold/LCE nanocomposites underwent rapid maximum axial contraction up to about one third of the original length under light irradiation, and this photo-stimulated muscle-like actuation was fully reversible via the on-off switching of the light source. The photo actuation properties of nano-gold/LCE nanocomposites with varying irradiation intensities and gold nanoparticle content were also investigated. In addition, the nano-gold/LCE nanocomposites demonstrated superior optical nonlinear properties, and revealed potential for the application area of mode-locking for laser technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Materials Chemistry, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Shuang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Electronics Engineering, College of Heilongjiang Province, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Wenlong Yang
- Department of Applied Science, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150080, P. R. China
| | - Ban Qin
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Materials Chemistry, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Xiuxiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Materials Chemistry, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Yuchang Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, P. R. China
| | - Maosheng Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, P. R. China
| | - Yachen Gao
- Key Laboratory of Electronics Engineering, College of Heilongjiang Province, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Chensha Li
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Materials Chemistry, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Yinmao Dong
- Key Laboratory of Cosmetic, China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, P. R. China.
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14
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Feng C, Rajapaksha CPH, Cedillo JM, Piedrahita C, Cao J, Kaphle V, Lüssem B, Kyu T, Jákli A. Electroresponsive Ionic Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Macromol Rapid Commun 2019; 40:e1900299. [PMID: 31348584 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the preparation, physical properties, and electric bending actuation of a new class of active materials-ionic liquid crystal elastomers (iLCEs). It is demonstrated that iLCEs can be actuated by low-frequency AC or DC voltages of less than 1 V. The bending strains of the unoptimized first iLCEs are already comparable to the well-developed ionic electroactive polymers. Additionally, iLCEs exhibit several novel and superior features, such as the alignment that increases the performance of actuation, the possibility of preprogrammed actuation patterns at the level of the cross-linking process, and dual (thermal and electric) actuations in hybrid samples. Since liquid crystal elastomers are also sensitive to magnetic fields and can also be light sensitive, iLCEs have far-reaching potentials toward multiresponsive actuations that may have so far unmatched properties in soft robotics, sensing, and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenrun Feng
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | | | - Jesus M Cedillo
- Department of Chemistry, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA 31030, USA
| | - Camilo Piedrahita
- Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Jinwei Cao
- Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Vikash Kaphle
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Björn Lüssem
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Thein Kyu
- Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Antal Jákli
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.,Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
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15
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Wang M, Bao WW, Chang WY, Chen XM, Lin BP, Yang H, Chen EQ. Poly[(side-on mesogen)- alt-(end-on mesogen)]: A Compromised Molecular Arrangement. Macromolecules 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b00607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Molecular Ferroelectrics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211189, China
| | - Wei-Wei Bao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Molecular Ferroelectrics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211189, China
| | - Wen-Ying Chang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics at the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Xu-Man Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Molecular Ferroelectrics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211189, China
| | - Bao-Ping Lin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Molecular Ferroelectrics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211189, China
| | - Hong Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Molecular Ferroelectrics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211189, China
| | - Er-Qiang Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics at the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
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16
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Opris DM. Polar Elastomers as Novel Materials for Electromechanical Actuator Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:1703678. [PMID: 29205519 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201703678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Dielectric elastomer actuators are stretchable capacitors capable of a musclelike actuation when charged. They will one day be used to replace malfunctioning muscles supposing the driving voltage can be reduced below 24 V. This focus here is on polar dielectric elastomers and their behavior under an electric field. Emphasis is placed on all the features that are correlated with the molecular structure, its synthetic realization, and its impact on properties. Regarding the polymer class, the focus, to some degree, is on polysiloxanes because of their attractively low glass transition temperatures. This enables introduction of highly polar groups to the backbone while maintaining soft elastic properties. The goal is to provide a few guidelines for future research in this emerging field that may be useful for those considering entering this fascinating endeavor. Because of the large number of materials available, a few restrictions in the selection have to be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorina M Opris
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Empa, Laboratory for Functional Polymers, Überlandstr. 129, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
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17
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Yoon HH, Kim DY, Jeong KU, Ahn SK. Surface Aligned Main-Chain Liquid Crystalline Elastomers: Tailored Properties by the Choice of Amine Chain Extenders. Macromolecules 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.7b02514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Ho Yoon
- Department
of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea 46241
| | - Dae-Yoon Kim
- BK21 Plus Haptic Polymer Composite Research Team & Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea 54896
| | - Kwang-Un Jeong
- BK21 Plus Haptic Polymer Composite Research Team & Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea 54896
| | - Suk-kyun Ahn
- Department
of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea 46241
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18
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Niu H, Wang Y, Wang J, Yang W, Dong Y, Bi M, Zhang J, Xu J, Bi S, Wang B, Gao Y, Li C, Zhang J. Reducing the actuation threshold by incorporating a nonliquid crystal chain into a liquid crystal elastomer. RSC Adv 2018; 8:4857-4866. [PMID: 35539513 PMCID: PMC9077755 DOI: 10.1039/c7ra11165g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The incorporation of nonliquid crystal chains made the actuation threshold of LCE being obviously decreased, and the LCE material can be effectively actuated by a lower energy intensity of the applied stimulus.
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19
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Traugutt NA, Volpe RH, Bollinger MS, Saed MO, Torbati AH, Yu K, Dadivanyan N, Yakacki CM. Liquid-crystal order during synthesis affects main-chain liquid-crystal elastomer behavior. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:7013-7025. [PMID: 28930352 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm01405h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study presents the first direct comparison of the influence of liquid-crystal order during synthesis on the thermo-mechanical behaviors of main-chain liquid-crystal elastomers (LCEs) in thiol-acrylate networks. Six polydomain nematic elastomer (PNE) chemistries were compared directly by synthesizing with the mesogens in either an isotropic state (i-PNE) or a nematic state (n-PNE). The i-PNE networks were created in the presence of solvent, which disrupted any liquid-crystal order during network formation. Conversely, the n-PNE networks were created without the presence of solvent below the isotropic transition (TNI). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was first performed, and it showed that i-PNE networks experienced a clearly defined nematic-to-isotropic transition upon heating, whereas the transition in n-PNE networks was unable to be identified, which may be the result of a nematic-to-paranematic phase transition. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests revealed that while both networks maintained elevated loss tangent in the nematic region, only i-PNE networks prominently displayed dynamic soft elasticity behavior. The two-way shape switching behaviors of LCE networks were examined using actuation tests under a 100 kPa bias stress. It showed that the strain amplitude strongly depends on synthesis history; it ranges from 66% to 126% in i-PNE samples and 3% to 61% in n-PNE samples. To help interpret the different actuation strain behaviors between i-PNEs and n-PNEs, wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) was then performed where the LCE samples were strained to 40%. The results showed that order parameter (S) in n-PNE samples (ranging from 0.37 to 0.50) is lower than that in i-PNE samples (0.54 for all cases), and the parameter decreased as the cross-linking density increased. The stress-strain behaviors of the LCE networks measured from uniaxial tension tests revealed that all i-PNE samples had a lower soft-elasticity plateau during loading compared to the n-PNE samples. Finally, free-standing strain recovery of LCE samples after being strained to 100% was investigated. Immediately after removing stress on the samples, i-PNE and n-PNE samples recovered 14% to 38% and 27% to 73% of strain, respectively. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different synthetic histories on LCE design.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Traugutt
- Smart Materials and Biomechanics Lab, Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80217, USA.
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20
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Doi H, Urayama K. Thermal bending coupled with volume change in liquid crystal gels. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:4341-4348. [PMID: 28440387 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm00602k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the thermal bending behavior of liquid crystal gels with hybrid alignment (H-LCGs) accompanied by volume change in isotropic and nematic solvents. The curvature (r-1) of H-LCGs in each solvent markedly depends on the temperature (T) in the nematic state including the reversal of the bending direction, as in the case of the corresponding elastomers in the dry state (H-LCE). The thermal bending of three systems-H-LCGs in isotropic and nematic solvents and H-LCE-differs significantly in several aspects including the T range where r-1 depends on T and the total variation of r-1. The differences in these features among the three systems result from the differences in the magnitude as well as the T-dependence of the nematic order (S), which is correlated with the T-induced volume change. We demonstrate that the T-dependence of the reduced curvature in each system is satisfactorily described by a combination of linear bending theory and the anisotropic Gaussian network model using the corresponding S-T data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Doi
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan.
| | - Kenji Urayama
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan.
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21
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Kularatne RS, Kim H, Boothby JM, Ware TH. Liquid crystal elastomer actuators: Synthesis, alignment, and applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/polb.24287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruvini S. Kularatne
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Texas at Dallas; 800 W. Campbell Rd. Richardson Texas 75080 USA
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Texas at Dallas; 800 W. Campbell Rd. Richardson Texas 75080 USA
| | - Jennifer M. Boothby
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Texas at Dallas; 800 W. Campbell Rd. Richardson Texas 75080 USA
| | - Taylor H. Ware
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Texas at Dallas; 800 W. Campbell Rd. Richardson Texas 75080 USA
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22
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Prévôt M, Hegmann E. From Biomaterial, Biomimetic, and Polymer to Biodegradable and Biocompatible Liquid Crystal Elastomer Cell Scaffolds. ACS SYMPOSIUM SERIES 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/bk-2017-1253.ch001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Prévôt
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
| | - E. Hegmann
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
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23
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Saed MO, Torbati AH, Starr CA, Visvanathan R, Clark NA, Yakacki CM. Thiol-acrylate main-chain liquid-crystalline elastomers with tunable thermomechanical properties and actuation strain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/polb.24249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohand O. Saed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; University of Colorado Denver; Denver Colorado 80217
| | - Amir H. Torbati
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; University of Colorado Denver; Denver Colorado 80217
| | - Chelsea A. Starr
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; University of Colorado Denver; Denver Colorado 80217
| | - Rayshan Visvanathan
- Department of Physics; Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder Colorado 80309
| | - Noel A. Clark
- Department of Physics; Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder Colorado 80309
| | - Christopher M. Yakacki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; University of Colorado Denver; Denver Colorado 80217
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24
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Martínez-Gómez A, Fernández-Blázquez JP, Bello A, Pérez E. Preparation and Properties of a Main-Chain Smectic Liquid-Crystalline Elastomer with Shape-Memory Ability. Macromolecules 2016. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aránzazu Martínez-Gómez
- Instituto de Ciencia
y Tecnología de Polímeros (ICTP-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Bello
- Instituto de Ciencia
y Tecnología de Polímeros (ICTP-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ernesto Pérez
- Instituto de Ciencia
y Tecnología de Polímeros (ICTP-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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25
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Xing H, Li J, Shi Y, Guo J, Wei J. Thermally Driven Photonic Actuator Based on Silica Opal Photonic Crystal with Liquid Crystal Elastomer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:9440-5. [PMID: 26996608 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b01033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a novel thermoresponsive photonic actuator based on three-dimensional SiO2 opal photonic crystals (PCs) together with liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). In the process of fabrication of such a photonic actuator, the LCE precursor is infiltrated into the SiO2 opal PC followed by UV light-induced photopolymerization, thereby forming the SiO2 opal PC/LCE composite film with a bilayer structure. We find that this bilayer composite film simultaneously exhibits actuation behavior as well as the photonic band gap (PBG) response to external temperature variation. When the SiO2 opal PC/LCE composite film is heated, it exhibits a considerable bending deformation, and its PBG shifts to a shorter wavelength at the same time. In addition, this actuation is quite fast, reversible, and highly repeatable. The thermoresponsive behavior of the SiO2 opal PC/LCE composite films mainly derives from the thermal-driven change of nematic order of the LCE layer which leads to the asymmetric shrinkage/expansion of the bilayer structure. These results will be of interest in designing optical actuator systems for environment-temperature detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Xing
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for the Synthesis and Applications of Waterborne Polymers , Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for the Synthesis and Applications of Waterborne Polymers , Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yang Shi
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for the Synthesis and Applications of Waterborne Polymers , Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Jinbao Guo
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for the Synthesis and Applications of Waterborne Polymers , Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Jie Wei
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for the Synthesis and Applications of Waterborne Polymers , Beijing 100029, P. R. China
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26
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Bera T, Freeman EJ, McDonough JA, Clements RJ, Aladlaan A, Miller DW, Malcuit C, Hegmann T, Hegmann E. Liquid Crystal Elastomer Microspheres as Three-Dimensional Cell Scaffolds Supporting the Attachment and Proliferation of Myoblasts. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2015; 7:14528-35. [PMID: 26075811 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b04208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We report that liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), often portrayed as artificial muscles, serve as scaffolds for skeletal muscle cell. A simultaneous microemulsion photopolymerization and cross-linking results in nematic LCE microspheres 10-30 μm in diameter that when conjoined form a LCE construct that serves as the first proof-of-concept for responsive LCE muscle cell scaffolds. Confocal microscopy experiments clearly established that LCEs with a globular, porous morphology permit both attachment and proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts, while the nonporous elastomer morphology, prepared in the absence of a microemulsion, does not. In addition, cytotoxicity and proliferation assays confirm that the liquid crystal elastomer materials are biocompatible promoting cellular proliferation without any inherent cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Donald W Miller
- #Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6, Canada
| | | | - Torsten Hegmann
- #Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6, Canada
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27
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Wei R, He Y, Wang X, Keller P. Photoluminescent Nematic Liquid Crystalline Elastomer with a Thermomechanical Emission Variation Function. Macromol Rapid Commun 2014; 35:1571-7. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.201400264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renbo Wei
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Advanced Materials (MOE); Tsinghua University; Beijing 100084 People's Republic of China
| | - Yaning He
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Advanced Materials (MOE); Tsinghua University; Beijing 100084 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaogong Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Advanced Materials (MOE); Tsinghua University; Beijing 100084 People's Republic of China
| | - Patrick Keller
- Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, CNRS UMR 168; Université Pierre et Marie Curie; 26 rue d'Ulm 75248 Paris Cedex 05 France
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Liquid Crystal Materials Research Center; University of Colorado; Boulder CO 80309 USA
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28
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Wei R, Zhou L, He Y, Wang X, Keller P. Effect of molecular parameters on thermomechanical behavior of side-on nematic liquid crystal elastomers. POLYMER 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2013.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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29
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Wei R, He Y, Wang X, Keller P. Nematic Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Grating and Microwire Fabricated by Micro-Molding in Capillaries. Macromol Rapid Commun 2012; 34:330-4. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.201200667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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30
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García T, Larios-López L, Rodríguez-González RJ, Torres-Lubián JR, Navarro-Rodríguez D. Azo Monomers Exhibiting Low Layer Shrinkage at the SmA-SmC Transition andtrans-cisLight-Induced Isomerization. Chemphyschem 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201200585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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