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Huang J, Yu X, Li L, Wang W, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Zhu J, Ma J. Design of Light-Driven Biocompatible and Biodegradable Microrobots Containing Mg-Based Metallic Glass Nanowires. ACS NANO 2024; 18:2006-2016. [PMID: 38205954 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Light-driven microrobots capable of moving rapidly on water surfaces in response to external stimuli are widely used in a variety of fields, such as drug delivery, remote sampling, and biosensors. However, most light-driven microrobots use graphene and carbon nanotubes as photothermal materials, resulting in poor biocompatibility and degradability, which greatly limits their practical bioapplications. To address this challenge, a composition and microstructure design strategy with excellent photothermal properties suitable for the fabrication of light-driven microrobots was proposed in this work. The Mg-based metallic glass nanowires (Mg-MGNWs) were embedded with polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) to fabricate biocompatible and degradable microrobots with excellent photothermal effect and complex shapes. Consequently, the microrobot can be precisely driven by a near-infrared laser to achieve high efficiency and remote manipulation on the water surface for a long period of time, with a velocity of 9.91 mm/s at a power density of 2.0 W/cm2. Due to the Marangoni effect, programmable and complex motions of the microrobot such as linear, clockwise, counterclockwise, and obstacle avoidance motions can be achieved. The biocompatible and degradable microrobot fabrication strategy could have great potential in the fields of environmental detection, targeted drug delivery, disease diagnosis, and detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbiao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xiangyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Luyao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Wenxue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Heting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jian Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jiang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
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Lei B, Wen ZY, Wang HK, Gao J, Chen LJ. Bioinspired Jumping Soft Actuators of the Liquid Crystal Elastomer Enabled by Photo-Mechanical Coupling. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:1596-1604. [PMID: 38153381 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Jumping, a fundamental survival behavior observed in organisms, serves as a vital mechanism for adapting to the surrounding environment and overcoming significant obstacles within a given terrain. Here, we present a light-controlled soft jumping actuator inspired by asphondylia, which employs a closed-loop structure and utilizes a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE). Photo-mechanical coupling highlights the significant influence of the light source on the actuator's jumping behavior. Manipulating the light intensity, the relative position of stimulus and light lock, and the concentration of disperse red 1 (DR1) allows precise control over both the maximum take-off velocity and jump height. Furthermore, tailoring the size of the LCE actuator offers a means of regulating jumping behavior. Upon exposure to 460 nm LED irradiation, our actuator achieves remarkable performance, with a maximum jumping height of 10 body length (BL) and take-off velocity of 62 BL/s. These actuators accumulate and rapidly release energy, enabling the effective transportation of microcargos across substantial distances. Our research yields valuable insights into the realm of soft robotics, underscoring the pivotal importance of photo-mechanical coupling in the field of soft robotics, thereby serving as a catalyst for inspiring continued exploration of agile and capable systems by prestoring elastic energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Lei
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Hua-Kun Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Digital Simulations for Coastal Civil Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Digital Simulations for Coastal Civil Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lu-Jian Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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Feng J, Li X, Xu T, Zhang X, Du X. Photothermal-driven micro/nanomotors: From structural design to potential applications. Acta Biomater 2024; 173:1-35. [PMID: 37967696 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) that accomplish autonomous movement by transforming external energy into mechanical work are attractive cargo delivery vehicles. Among various propulsion mechanisms of MNMs, photothermal propulsion has gained considerable attention because of their unique advantages, such as remote, flexible, accurate, biocompatible, short response time, etc. Moreover, besides as a propulsion source, the light has been extensively investigated as an excitation source in bioimaging, photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and so on. Furthermore, the geometric topology and morphology of MNMs have a tremendous impact on improving their performance in motion behavior under NIR light propulsion, environmental suitability and functional versatility. Hence, this review article provides a comprehensive overview of structural design principles and construction strategies of photothermal-driven MNMs, and their emerging nanobiomedical applications. Finally, we further provide an outlook towards prospects and challenges during the development of photothermal-driven MNMs in the future. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Photothermal-driven micro/nanomotors (MNMs) that are regarded as functional cargo delivery tools have gained considerable attention because of unique advantages in propulsion mechanisms, such as remote, flexible, accurate and fully biocompatible light manipulation and extremely short light response time. The geometric topology and morphology of MNMs have a tremendous impact on improving their performance in motion behavior under NIR light propulsion, environmental suitability and functional versatility of MNMs. There are no reports about the review focusing on photothermal-driven MNMs up to now. Herein, we systematically review the latest progress of photothermal-driven MNMs including design principle, fabrication strategy of various MNMs with different structures and nanobiomedical applications. Moreover, the summary and outlook on the development prospects and challenges of photothermal-driven MNMs are proposed, hoping to provide new ideas for the future design of photothermal-driven MNMs with efficient propulsion, multiple functions and high biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiameng Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Department of Chemistry & Biological Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- National Engineering Research Center of green recycling for strategic metal resources, Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academic of Sciences, University of Chinese Academic of Sciences, China
| | - Tailin Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Department of Chemistry & Biological Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xueji Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Department of Chemistry & Biological Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xin Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Department of Chemistry & Biological Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
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Kichatov B, Korshunov A, Sudakov V, Gubernov V, Golubkov A, Kolobov A, Kiverin A, Chikishev L. Motion of magnetic motors across liquid-liquid interface. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 652:1456-1466. [PMID: 37659314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.08.138] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS In a number of applications related to chemical engineering and drug delivery, magnetic nanoparticles should move through a liquid-liquid interface in the presence of surfactant molecules. However, due to the action of capillary forces, this is not always possible. The mechanism of particle motion through the interface essentially depends on the intensity of the Marangoni flow, which is induced on the interface during its deformation. EXPERIMENTS In this paper we study the motion of nanoparticles Fe3O4 through the water-tridecane interface under the action of a nonuniform magnetic field when using different surfactants. FINDINGS If the linear size of the magnetic motor turns out to be less than a certain critical value, then it is not able to move between phases due to the action of capillary forces on the interface. Depending on the type and concentration of the surfactant used, various mechanisms for the motor motion through the liquid-liquid interface can be carried out. In one of them, a liquid phase is transferred through the interface along with a movable motor, while in the other, it is not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kichatov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexey Korshunov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Sudakov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Gubernov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr Golubkov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Kolobov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Kiverin
- Joint Institute for High Temperatures, Russian Academy of Sciences, 125412 Moscow, Russia
| | - Leonid Chikishev
- Kutateladze Institute of Thermophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Li S, Zhang J, He J, Liu W, Wang Y, Huang Z, Pang H, Chen Y. Functional PDMS Elastomers: Bulk Composites, Surface Engineering, and Precision Fabrication. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2304506. [PMID: 37814364 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-the simplest and most common silicone compound-exemplifies the central characteristics of its class and has attracted tremendous research attention. The development of PDMS-based materials is a vivid reflection of the modern industry. In recent years, PDMS has stood out as the material of choice for various emerging technologies. The rapid improvement in bulk modification strategies and multifunctional surfaces has enabled a whole new generation of PDMS-based materials and devices, facilitating, and even transforming enormous applications, including flexible electronics, superwetting surfaces, soft actuators, wearable and implantable sensors, biomedicals, and autonomous robotics. This paper reviews the latest advances in the field of PDMS-based functional materials, with a focus on the added functionality and their use as programmable materials for smart devices. Recent breakthroughs regarding instant crosslinking and additive manufacturing are featured, and exciting opportunities for future research are highlighted. This review provides a quick entrance to this rapidly evolving field and will help guide the rational design of next-generation soft materials and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaopeng Li
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jian He
- Yizhi Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, No. 99 Danba Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
- Center for Composites, COMAC Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - YuHuang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Maryland NanoCenter, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Zhongjie Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Huan Pang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Yiwang Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Synthesis/Key Lab of Fluorine and Silicon for Energy Materials and Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, 330022, China
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Chen Z, Gao B, Li P, Zhao X, Yan Q, Liu Z, Xu L, Zheng H, Xue F, Ding R, Xiong J, Tang Z, Peng Q, Hu Y, He X. Multistimuli-Responsive Actuators Derived from Natural Materials for Entirely Biodegradable and Programmable Untethered Soft Robots. ACS NANO 2023; 17:23032-23045. [PMID: 37939309 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Untethered soft robots have attracted growing attention due to their safe interaction with living organisms, good flexibility, and accurate remote control. However, the materials involved are often nonbiodegradable or are derived from nonrenewable resources, leading to serious environmental problems. Here, we report a biomass-based multistimuli-responsive actuator based on cuttlefish ink nanoparticles (CINPs), wood-derived cellulose nanofiber (CNF), and bioderived polylactic acid (PLA). Taking advantage of the good photothermal conversion performance and exceptionally hygroscopic sensitivity of the CINPs/CNF composite (CICC) layer and the opposite thermally induced deformation behavior between the CICC layer and PLA layer, the soft actuator exhibits reversible deformation behaviors under near-infrared (NIR) light, humidity, and temperature stimuli, respectively. By introducing patterned or alignment structures and combining them with a macroscopic reassembly strategy, diverse programmable shape-morphing from 2D to 3D such as letter-shape, coiling, self-folding, and more sophisticated 3D deformations have been demonstrated. All of these deformations can be successfully predicted by finite element analysis (FEA) . Furthermore, this actuator has been further applied as an untethered grasping robot, weightlifting robot, and climbing robot capable of climbing a vertical pole. Such actuators consisting entirely of biodegradable materials will offer a sustainable future for untethered soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Gao
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengyang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Zonglin Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangliang Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Haowen Zheng
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuhua Xue
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Renjie Ding
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhua Xiong
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigong Tang
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyu Peng
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
- Frontiers Science Center for Matter Behave in Space Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Hu
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong He
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
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Wang X, Gao Y, Ma X, Li W, Yang W. A Bionic Venus Flytrap Soft Microrobot Driven by Multiphysics for Intelligent Transportation. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:429. [PMID: 37754180 PMCID: PMC10526311 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8050429] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
With the continuous integration of material science and bionic technology, as well as increasing requirements for the operation of robots in complex environments, researchers continue to develop bionic intelligent microrobots, the development of which will cause a great revolution in daily life and productivity. In this study, we propose a bionic flower based on the PNIPAM-PEGDA bilayer structure. PNIPAM is temperature-responsive and solvent-responsive, thus acting as an active layer, while PEGDA does not change significantly in response to a change in temperature and solvent, thus acting as a rigid layer. The bilayer flower is closed in cold water and gradually opens under laser illumination. In addition, the flower gradually opens after injecting ethanol into the water. When the volume of ethanol exceeds the volume of water, the flower opens completely. In addition, we propose a bionic Venus flytrap soft microrobot with a bilayer structure. The robot is temperature-responsive and can reversibly transform from a 2D sheet to a 3D tubular structure. It is normally in a closed state in both cold (T < 32 °C) and hot water (T > 32 °C), and can be used to load and transport objects to the target position (magnetic field strength < 1 T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Wang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (X.W.); (Y.G.); (X.M.)
| | - Yingnan Gao
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (X.W.); (Y.G.); (X.M.)
| | - Xiaoyang Ma
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (X.W.); (Y.G.); (X.M.)
| | - Weiqiang Li
- School of Accounting, Shandong Youth University of Political Science, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (X.W.); (Y.G.); (X.M.)
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Pires-Junior R, Frizera A, Marques C, Leal-Junior A. Development of Fiber-Bragg-Grating-Integrated Artificial Embedded Tendon for Multifunctional Assessment of Temperature, Strain, and Curvature. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:7332. [PMID: 37687788 PMCID: PMC10490486 DOI: 10.3390/s23177332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the development and application of an optical fiber-embedded tendon based on biomimetic multifunctional structures. The tendon was fabricated using a thermocure resin (polyurethane) and the three optical fibers with one fiber Bragg grating (FBG) inscribed in each fiber. The first step in the FBG-integrated artificial tendon analysis is the mechanical properties assessment through stress-strain curves, which indicated the customization of the proposed device, since it is possible to tailor the Young's modulus and strain limit of the tendon as a function of the integrated optical fibers, where the coated and uncoated fibers lead to differences in both parameters, i.e., strain limits and Young's modulus. Then, the artificial tendon integrated with FBG sensors undergoes three types of characterization, which assesses the influence of temperature, single-axis strain, and curvature. Results show similarities in the temperature responses in all analyzed FBGs, where the variations are related to the heterogeneity on the polyurethane matrix distribution. In contrast, the FBGs embedded in the tendon presented a reduction in the strain sensitivity when compared with the bare FBGs (i.e., without the integration in the artificial tendon). Such results demonstrated a reduction in the sensitivity as high as 77% when compared with the bare FBGs, which is related to strain field distributions in the FBGs when embedded in the tendon. In addition, the curvature tests indicated variations in both optical power and wavelength shift, where both parameters are used on the angle estimation using the proposed multifunctional artificial tendon. To that extent, root mean squared error of around 3.25° is obtained when both spectral features are considered. Therefore, the proposed approach indicates a suitable method for the development of smart structures in which the multifunctional capability of the device leads to the possibility of using not only as a structural element in tendon-driven actuators and devices, but also as a sensor element for the different structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robertson Pires-Junior
- Graduate Program in Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria 29075-910, Brazil; (R.P.-J.); (A.F.)
| | - Anselmo Frizera
- Graduate Program in Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria 29075-910, Brazil; (R.P.-J.); (A.F.)
| | - Carlos Marques
- Department of Physics and I3N, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Arnaldo Leal-Junior
- Graduate Program in Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria 29075-910, Brazil; (R.P.-J.); (A.F.)
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9
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Wang D, Chen Z, Li M, Hou Z, Zhan C, Zheng Q, Wang D, Wang X, Cheng M, Hu W, Dong B, Shi F, Sitti M. Bioinspired rotary flight of light-driven composite films. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5070. [PMID: 37604907 PMCID: PMC10442326 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Light-driven actuators have great potential in different types of applications. However, it is still challenging to apply them in flying devices owing to their slow response, small deflection and force output and low frequency response. Herein, inspired by the structure of vine maple seeds, we report a helicopter-like rotary flying photoactuator (in response to 0.6 W/cm2 near-infrared (NIR) light) with ultrafast rotation (~7200 revolutions per minute) and rapid response (~650 ms). This photoactuator is operated based on a fundamentally different mechanism that depends on the synergistic interactions between the photothermal graphene and the hygroscopic agar/silk fibroin components, the subsequent aerodynamically favorable airscrew formation, the jet propulsion, and the aerodynamics-based flying. The soft helicopter-like photoactuator exhibits controlled flight and steering behaviors, making it promising for applications in soft robotics and other miniature devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials & Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhaomin Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Mingtong Li
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Zhen Hou
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Changsong Zhan
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Qijun Zheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Dalei Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Mengjiao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials & Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wenqi Hu
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Bin Dong
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Feng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials & Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland.
- School of Medicine and College of Engineering, Koç University, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Wang B, Handschuh-Wang S, Shen J, Zhou X, Guo Z, Liu W, Pumera M, Zhang L. Small-Scale Robotics with Tailored Wettability. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2205732. [PMID: 36113864 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202205732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Small-scale robots (SSRs) have emerged as promising and versatile tools in various biomedical, sensing, decontamination, and manipulation applications, as they are uniquely capable of performing tasks at small length scales. With the miniaturization of robots from the macroscale to millimeter-, micrometer-, and nanometer-scales, the viscous and surface forces, namely adhesive forces and surface tension have become dominant. These forces significantly impact motion efficiency. Surface engineering of robots with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functionalization presents a brand-new pathway to overcome motion resistance and enhance the ability to target and regulate robots for various tasks. This review focuses on the current progress and future perspectives of SSRs with hydrophilic and hydrophobic modifications (including both tethered and untethered robots). The study emphasizes the distinct advantages of SSRs, such as improved maneuverability and reduced drag forces, and outlines their potential applications. With continued innovation, rational surface engineering is expected to endow SSRs with exceptional mobility and functionality, which can broaden their applications, enhance their penetration depth, reduce surface fouling, and inhibit bacterial adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Stephan Handschuh-Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Spine Surgery, Department of Spine Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Xuechang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhiguang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Centre for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Weimin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Martin Pumera
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno, 61200, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, 70800, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong, 999077, China
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Wang L, Zhao M, He Y, Ding S, Sun L. Fish-like magnetic microrobots for microparts transporting at liquid surfaces. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:2883-2890. [PMID: 36876990 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01436j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic microrobots have tremendous potential applications due to their wireless actuation and fast response in confined spaces. Herein, inspired by fish, a magnetic microrobot working at liquid surfaces was proposed in order to transport microparts effectively. Different from other fish-like robots propelled by flexible caudal fins, the microrobot is designed as a simple sheet structure with a streamlined shape. It is fabricated monolithically utilizing polydimethylsiloxane doped with magnetic particles. The unequal thicknesses of different parts of the fish shape enable the microrobot to move faster via a liquid level difference around the body under an oscillating magnetic field. The propulsion mechanism is investigated through theoretical analysis and simulations. The motion performance characteristics are further characterized through experiments. It is interesting to find that the microrobot moves in a head-forward mode when the vertical magnetic field component is upward, whereas it moves in a tail-forward mode when the component is downward. Relying on the modulation of capillary forces, the microrobot is able to capture and deliver microballs along a given path. The maximum transporting speed can reach 1.2 mm s-1, which is about three times the microball diameter per second. It is also found that the transporting speed with the microball is much higher than that of the microrobot alone. The reason for this is that when the micropart and microrobot combine, the increased asymmetry of the liquid surfaces caused by the forward movement of the gravity center can increase the forward driving force. The proposed microrobot and the transporting method are expected to have more applications in micromanipulation fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lefeng Wang
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Complex Intelligent System and Integration, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, 150080, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Min Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yuanzhe He
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Sizhe Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Lining Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
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Yang W, Wang X, Wang Z, Yuan Z, Ge Z, Yu H. A multi-stimulus-responsive bionic fish microrobot for remote intelligent control applications. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:913-920. [PMID: 36625411 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01468h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In nature, all creatures have their unique characteristics that allow them to adapt to the complex and changeable living environments. In recent years, bionic fish has received increased attention from the research community, and many fish-like microrobots driven by the Marangoni effect have been developed. They are generally characterized by easy operation and rapid driving. However, traditional fish-like microrobots can only be driven by a single stimulus and move on two-dimensional (2D) gas-liquid interfaces, which greatly limits their ability in obstacle avoidance and transportation. In this article, we propose a multi-stimulus-responsive bionic fish microrobot, which is made of temperature-responsive hydrogel poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM). This microrobot is impregnated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Fe3O4 and therefore has magnetic and photothermal conversion properties. Under the action of optical, magnetic or ethanol molecules, the microrobot can perform complex programmable translational motion on 2D surfaces and controllable rising and sinking, while realizing motion simulation and obstacle avoidance. The microrobot is expected to be used for a wide range of applications in intelligent control systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China.
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China.
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China.
| | - Zheng Yuan
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China.
| | - Zhixing Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
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