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Duan J, Fan W, Xu Z, Cui L, Wang Z, Nie Z, Sui K. Polyelectrolyte-Mediated Modulation of Spatial Internal Stresses of Hydrogels for Complex 3D Actuators. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202410383. [PMID: 38922734 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202410383] [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: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogel actuators with complex 3D initial shapes show numerous important applications, but it remains challenging to fabricate such actuators. This article describes a polyelectrolyte-based strategy for modulating small-scale internal stresses within hydrogels to construct complex actuators with tailored 3D initial shapes. Introducing polyelectrolytes into precursor solutions significantly enhances the volume shrinkage of hydrogel networks during polymerization, allowing us to modulate internal stresses. Photopolymerization of these polyelectrolyte-containing solutions through a mask produces mechanically strong hydrogel sheets with large patterned internal stresses. Consequently, these hydrogel sheets attain complex 3D initial shapes at equilibrium, in contrast to the planar initial configuration of 2D actuators. We demonstrate that these 3D actuators can reversibly transform into other 3D shapes (i.e., 3D-to-3D shape transformations) in response to external stimuli. Additionally, we develop a predictive model based on the Flory-Rehner theory to analyze the polyelectrolyte-mediated shrinking behaviors of hydrogel networks during polymerization, allowing precise modulation of shrinkage and internal stress. This polyelectrolyte-boosted shrinking mechanism paves a route to the fabrication of high-performance 3D hydrogel actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles College of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Marine Biobased Fibers and Ecological textiles Institute of Marine Biobased Materials, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
| | - Wenxin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles College of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Marine Biobased Fibers and Ecological textiles Institute of Marine Biobased Materials, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
| | - Zihan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles College of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Marine Biobased Fibers and Ecological textiles Institute of Marine Biobased Materials, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
| | - Lu Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles College of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Marine Biobased Fibers and Ecological textiles Institute of Marine Biobased Materials, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
| | - Ziyou Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles College of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Marine Biobased Fibers and Ecological textiles Institute of Marine Biobased Materials, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
| | - Zhihong Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P. R. China
| | - Kunyan Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles College of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Marine Biobased Fibers and Ecological textiles Institute of Marine Biobased Materials, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
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2
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Kalulu M, Chilikwazi B, Hu J, Fu G. Soft Actuators and Actuation: Design, Synthesis, and Applications. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400282. [PMID: 38850266 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400282] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Soft actuators are one of the most promising technological advancements with potential solutions to diverse fields' day-to-day challenges. Soft actuators derived from hydrogel materials possess unique features such as flexibility, responsiveness to stimuli, and intricate deformations, making them ideal for soft robotics, artificial muscles, and biomedical applications. This review provides an overview of material composition and design techniques for hydrogel actuators, exploring 3D printing, photopolymerization, cross-linking, and microfabrication methods for improved actuation. It examines applications of hydrogel actuators in biomedical, soft robotics, bioinspired systems, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip devices, and environmental, and energy systems. Finally, it discusses challenges, opportunities, advancements, and regulatory aspects related to hydrogel actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulenga Kalulu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangning, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211189, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia
| | - Bright Chilikwazi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia
| | - Jun Hu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangning, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211189, P. R. China
| | - Guodong Fu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangning, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211189, P. R. China
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3
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Wu B, Si M, Hua L, Zhang D, Li W, Zhao C, Lu W, Chen T. Cephalopod-Inspired Chemical-Gated Hydrogel Actuation Systems for Information 3D-Encoding Display. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2401659. [PMID: 38533903 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Cephalopods evolve the acetylcholine-gated actuation control function of their skin muscles, which enables their dynamic/static multimode display capacities for achieving perfectly spatial control over the colors/patterns on every inch of skin. Reproduction of artificial analogs that exhibit similar multimodal display is essential to reach advanced information three-dimensional (3D) encoding with higher security than the classic 2D-encoding strategy, but remains underdeveloped. The core difficulty is how to replicate such chemical-gated actuation control function into artificial soft actuating systems. Herein, this work proposes to develop azobenzene-functionalized poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) hydrogel systems, whose upper critical solution temperature (UCST) type actuation responsiveness can be intelligently programmed or even gated by the addition of hydrophilic α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) molecules for reversible association with pendant azobenzene moieties via supramolecular host-guest interactions. By employing such α-CD-gated hydrogel actuator as an analogue of cephalopods' skin muscle, biomimetic mechanically modulated multicolor fluorescent display systems are designed, which demonstrate a conceptually new α-CD-gated "thermal stimulation-hydrogel actuation-fluorescence output" display mechanism. Consequently, high-security 3D-encoding information carriers with an unprecedented combination of single-input multiple-output, dynamic/static dual-mode and spatially controlled display capacities are achieved. This bioinspired strategy brings functional-integrated features for artificial display systems and opens previously unidentified avenues for information security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyi Wu
- Laboratory of Advanced Marine Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Muqing Si
- Laboratory of Advanced Marine Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Luqin Hua
- School of Materials Science & Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Wanning Li
- Laboratory of Advanced Marine Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chuanzhuang Zhao
- School of Materials Science & Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Laboratory of Advanced Marine Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Laboratory of Advanced Marine Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
- College of Material Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
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4
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Zhao W, Wu B, Lei Z, Wu P. Hydrogels with Differentiated Hydrogen-Bonding Networks for Bioinspired Stress Response. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400531. [PMID: 38546292 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Stress response, an intricate and autonomously coordinated reaction in living organisms, holds a reversible, multi-path, and multi-state nature. However, existing stimuli-responsive materials often exhibit single-step and monotonous reactions due to the limited integration of structural components. Inspired by the cooperative interplay of extensor and flexor cells within Mimosa's pulvini, we present a hydrogel with differentiated hydrogen-bonding (H-bonding) networks designed to enable the biological stress response. Weak H-bonding domains resemble flexor cells, confined within a hydrophobic network stabilized by strong H-bonding clusters (acting like extensor cells). Under external force, strong H-bonding clusters are disrupted, facilitating water diffusion from the bottom layer and enabling transient expansion pressure gradient along the thickness direction. Subsequently, water diffuses upward, gradually equalizing the pressure, while weak H-bonding domains undergo cooperative elastic deformation. Consequently, the hydrogel autonomously undergoes a sequence of reversible and pluralistic motion responses, similar to Mimosa's touch-triggered stress response. Intriguingly, it exhibits stress-dependent color shifts under polarized light, highlighting its potential for applications in time-sensitive "double-lock" information encryption systems. This work achieves the coordinated stress response inspired by natural tissues using a simple hydrogel, paving the way for substantial advancements in the development of intelligent soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Baohu Wu
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS), Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) Forschungszentrum Jülich, Lichtenbergstr, Garching, 185748, Germany
| | - Zhouyue Lei
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Peiyi Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
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5
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Mandal A, Chatterjee K. 4D printing for biomedical applications. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:2985-3005. [PMID: 38436200 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00006d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
While three-dimensional (3D) printing excels at fabricating static constructs, it fails to emulate the dynamic behavior of native tissues or the temporal programmability desired for medical devices. Four-dimensional (4D) printing is an advanced additive manufacturing technology capable of fabricating constructs that can undergo pre-programmed changes in shape, property, or functionality when exposed to specific stimuli. In this Perspective, we summarize the advances in materials chemistry, 3D printing strategies, and post-printing methodologies that collectively facilitate the realization of temporal dynamics within 4D-printed soft materials (hydrogels, shape-memory polymers, liquid crystalline elastomers), ceramics, and metals. We also discuss and present insights about the diverse biomedical applications of 4D printing, including tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, drug delivery, in vitro models, and medical devices. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and emphasize the importance of an application-driven design approach to enable the clinical translation and widespread adoption of 4D printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkodip Mandal
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560012, India.
| | - Kaushik Chatterjee
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560012, India.
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6
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Ye AL, Zhang H, Wu B, Lu H, Si M, Zhang K, Chen T. Hydrogel Rivet with Unidirectional Shape Morphing for Flexible Mechanical Assembly. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2300586. [PMID: 37972640 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Integrating diverse materials and functions into highly additive produce has piqued global interest due to the increasing demands of intelligent soft robotics. Nevertheless, existing assembly techniques, especially supramolecular assembly which heavily rely on precise chemical design and specific recognition, may prove inadequate when confronted with diverse external demands. Inspired by the traditional mechanical assembly, rivet connection, herein, a thermo-responsive hydrogel with unidirectional shape-morphing is fabricated and a stable mechanical assembly is constructed by emulating the rivet connection mechanism. This system employed poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) [P(AAm-co-AAc)] to induce continuous swelling and hexylamine-modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-C6) as a molecular switch to control the swelling process. The hydrogel rivet, initially threaded through pre-fabricated hollows in two components. Subsequently, upon the disassociation of alkane chains the molecular switch would activate, inducing swelling and stable mechanical assembly via anchor structures. Moreover, to enhance the assembly strength, knots are introduced to enhance assembly strength, guiding localized stress release for programmed deformations. Additionally, the system can be remotely controlled using near-infrared light (NIR) by incorporating photo-thermal nanoparticles. This work presents a universal and efficient strategy for constructing stable mechanical assemblies without compromising overall softness, offering significant potential for the fabrication of integrated soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- April L Ye
- Ningbo Hanvos Kent School, Ningbo, 315200, China
- Georgia School Ningbo, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Haozhe Zhang
- Ningbo Hanvos Kent School, Ningbo, 315200, China
| | - Baoyi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Protective Technologies, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- College of Material Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China
| | - Huanhuan Lu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Ningbo Polytechnic, Ningbo, 315800, China
| | - Muqing Si
- Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Protective Technologies, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- College of Material Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China
| | - Kaihang Zhang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Protective Technologies, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- College of Material Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China
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7
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Guo K, Yang X, Zhou C, Li C. Self-regulated reversal deformation and locomotion of structurally homogenous hydrogels subjected to constant light illumination. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1694. [PMID: 38402204 PMCID: PMC10894256 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46100-6] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmentally adaptive hydrogels that are capable of reconfiguration in response to external stimuli have shown great potential toward bioinspired actuation and soft robotics. Previous efforts have focused mainly on either the sophisticated design of heterogeneously structured hydrogels or the complex manipulation of external stimuli, and achieving self-regulated reversal shape deformation in homogenous hydrogels under a constant stimulus has been challenging. Here, we report the molecular design of structurally homogenous hydrogels containing simultaneously two spiropyrans that exhibit self-regulated transient deformation reversal when subjected to constant illumination. The deformation reversal mechanism originates from the molecular sequential descending-ascending charge variation of two coexisting spiropyrans upon irradiation, resulting in a macroscale volumetric contraction-expansion of the hydrogels. Hydrogel film actuators were developed to display complex temporary bidirectional shape transformations and self-regulated reversal rolling under constant illumination. Our work represents an innovative strategy for programming complex shape transformations of homogeneous hydrogels using a single constant stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine and i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Xuehan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine and i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
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8
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Puza F, Thiel MC, Wagner Y, Marx M, Motz C, Lienkamp K. Polymer Hydrogel Sheets with Perpendicular Cross-Linking Gradient: Non-Monotonic Actuation and Ion-Specific Effects on the Actuation Kinetics. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2300539. [PMID: 37985952 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Non-monotonous actuation, that is, different kinds of motion in response to a single stimulus, is observed in some natural materials but difficult to implement in synthetic systems. Herein, polymer hydrogel sheets made from polyacrylamide (PAAm) or poly(dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAA) with a cross-linking gradient along the sheet thickness are reported. These are obtained by thermally initiated free radical polymerization using a specially designed Teflon mold with a glass lid. The resulting PAAm hydrogels undergo non-monotonous actuation (rolling into a tube and re-opening) when exposed to aqueous media as a single external stimulus. Their actuation kinetics is tuned with anions that have specific ion effects in their interaction with the surrounding solvent and the polymer itself: structure-breaking chloride enhances the hydration of the polymer backbone, structure-making sulfate decreases it, and is thus slowing down the actuation kinetics of the PAAm hydrogels. The PDMAA gel rolls up instantaneously in aqueous NaCl and only re-opens after 24 h. PDMAA actuation in aqueous Na2 SO4 is only moderate as the gel did not swell in that solvent. Bilayer hydrogels made from PAAm and PDMAA (without gradient) show monotonic actuation, closing in NaCl solution and re-opening in Na2 SO4 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Puza
- Professur für Polymerwerkstoffe, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Marc Christopher Thiel
- Professur für Polymerwerkstoffe, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Yannic Wagner
- Professur für Polymerwerkstoffe, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Michael Marx
- Professur für Experimentelle Methodik der Werkstoffwissenschaften, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Christian Motz
- Professur für Experimentelle Methodik der Werkstoffwissenschaften, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Karen Lienkamp
- Professur für Polymerwerkstoffe, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
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9
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Zuo L, Yang Y, Zhang H, Ma Z, Xin Q, Ding C, Li J. Bioinspired Multiscale Mineralization: From Fundamentals to Potential Applications. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300348. [PMID: 37689995 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The wondrous and imaginative designs of nature have always been an inexhaustible treasure trove for material scientists. Throughout the long evolutionary process, biominerals with hierarchical structures possess some specific advantages such as outstanding mechanical properties, biological functions, and sensing performances, the formation of which (biomineralization) is delicately regulated by organic component. Provoked by the subtle structures and profound principles of nature, bioinspired functional minerals can be designed with the participation of organic molecules. Because of the designable morphology and functions, multiscale mineralization has attracted more and more attention in the areas of medicine, chemistry, biology, and material science. This review provides a summary of current advancements in this extending topic. The mechanisms underlying mineralization is first concisely elucidated. Next, several types of minerals are categorized according to their structural characteristic, as well as the different potential applications of these materials. At last, a comprehensive overview of future developments for bioinspired multiscale mineralization is given. Concentrating on the mechanism of fabrication and broad application prospects of multiscale mineralization, the hope is to provide inspirations for the design of other functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangrui Zuo
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yifei Yang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Zhengxin Ma
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Qiangwei Xin
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Chunmei Ding
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Jianshu Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Sichuan, 610041, China
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10
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Ni C, Chen D, Wen X, Jin B, He Y, Xie T, Zhao Q. High speed underwater hydrogel robots with programmable motions powered by light. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7672. [PMID: 37996451 PMCID: PMC10667353 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43576-6] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive shape-changing hydrogels are attractive candidates for use as underwater soft robots. The bottleneck lies in the low actuation speed inherently limited by the water diffusion between hydrogels and their surrounding environment. In addition, accessing complex motions is restricted by the material fabrication methods. Here we report a hitherto unknown mechanism to achieve high-speed and programmable actuations for a disulfide crosslinked thermally responsive hydrogel. The dynamic photo-activated disulfide bond exchange allows photo-mechanical programming to introduce spatio-selective network anisotropy. This gives rise to an actuation behavior dominated by thermally driven conformation change of the locally oriented polymer chains instead of the common mass-diffusion-based mechanism. With the incorporation of photothermal fillers, light-powered oscillation at frequencies as high as 1.7 Hz is realized. This, coupled with the versatility of the programming, allows access to robots with diverse high-speed motions including continuous swimming, step-wise walking, and rotating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chujun Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Chen
- Ningbo innovation center, Zhejiang University, 315100, Ningbo, China
| | - Xin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Binjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi He
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Ningbo innovation center, Zhejiang University, 315100, Ningbo, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
- Ningbo innovation center, Zhejiang University, 315100, Ningbo, China.
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11
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Yue L, Sun X, Yu L, Li M, Montgomery SM, Song Y, Nomura T, Tanaka M, Qi HJ. Cold-programmed shape-morphing structures based on grayscale digital light processing 4D printing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5519. [PMID: 37684245 PMCID: PMC10491591 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41170-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Shape-morphing structures that can reconfigure their shape to adapt to diverse tasks are highly desirable for intelligent machines in many interdisciplinary fields. Shape memory polymers are one of the most widely used stimuli-responsive materials, especially in 3D/4D printing, for fabricating shape-morphing systems. They typically go through a hot-programming step to obtain the shape-morphing capability, which possesses limited freedom of reconfigurability. Cold-programming, which directly deforms the structure into a temporary shape without increasing the temperature, is simple and more versatile but has stringent requirements on material properties. Here, we introduce grayscale digital light processing (g-DLP) based 3D printing as a simple and effective platform for fabricating shape-morphing structures with cold-programming capabilities. With the multimaterial-like printing capability of g-DLP, we develop heterogeneous hinge modules that can be cold-programmed by simply stretching at room temperature. Different configurations can be encoded during 3D printing with the variable distribution and direction of the modular-designed hinges. The hinge module allows controllable independent morphing enabled by cold programming. By leveraging the multimaterial-like printing capability, multi-shape morphing structures are presented. The g-DLP printing with cold-programming morphing strategy demonstrates enormous potential in the design and fabrication of shape-morphing structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yue
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Xiaohao Sun
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Luxia Yu
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Mingzhe Li
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - S Macrae Montgomery
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Yuyang Song
- Toyota Research Institute of North America, Toyota Motor North America, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105, USA
| | - Tsuyoshi Nomura
- Toyota Central R&D Laboratories, Inc., Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-0004, Japan
| | - Masato Tanaka
- Toyota Research Institute of North America, Toyota Motor North America, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105, USA
| | - H Jerry Qi
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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12
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Lavrentev FV, Shilovskikh VV, Alabusheva VS, Yurova VY, Nikitina AA, Ulasevich SA, Skorb EV. Diffusion-Limited Processes in Hydrogels with Chosen Applications from Drug Delivery to Electronic Components. Molecules 2023; 28:5931. [PMID: 37570901 PMCID: PMC10421015 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion is one of the key nature processes which plays an important role in respiration, digestion, and nutrient transport in cells. In this regard, the present article aims to review various diffusion approaches used to fabricate different functional materials based on hydrogels, unique examples of materials that control diffusion. They have found applications in fields such as drug encapsulation and delivery, nutrient delivery in agriculture, developing materials for regenerative medicine, and creating stimuli-responsive materials in soft robotics and microrobotics. In addition, mechanisms of release and drug diffusion kinetics as key tools for material design are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipp V. Lavrentev
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.S.A.); (V.Y.Y.); (A.A.N.); (S.A.U.)
| | - Vladimir V. Shilovskikh
- Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Materials “SmartTextiles”, IRC–X-ray Coherent Optics, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia;
| | - Varvara S. Alabusheva
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.S.A.); (V.Y.Y.); (A.A.N.); (S.A.U.)
| | - Veronika Yu. Yurova
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.S.A.); (V.Y.Y.); (A.A.N.); (S.A.U.)
| | - Anna A. Nikitina
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.S.A.); (V.Y.Y.); (A.A.N.); (S.A.U.)
| | - Sviatlana A. Ulasevich
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.S.A.); (V.Y.Y.); (A.A.N.); (S.A.U.)
| | - Ekaterina V. Skorb
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.S.A.); (V.Y.Y.); (A.A.N.); (S.A.U.)
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13
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Liang S, Zhang L. Fluorescent Mechanism and Optical Switching of Fluorophore-Free Organogel. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2200752. [PMID: 36285607 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fluorophore is essential to enable the fluorescence and optical switching in most of polymer gels. Herein, a novel concept is proposed to develop a fluorophore-free organogel that is capable of generation of blue fluorescence at transparent state, while it proceeds with optical switching from blue to purple upon phase transition into non-transparent state in water. Ammonium persulphate (APS) is utilized to initiate co-crosslinking of hydrophilic acrylamide (AM) and hydrophobic 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl acrylate (HFBA) in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) to give organogel of AM@HFBA at 80 °C. APS decomposes to generate not only radicals, but also ammonium bisulfate (ABS) during heating, in which the elements of ABS produce blue fluorescence (λ = 440 nm), excited by UV light (λ = 365 nm). After the phase transition into non-transparent state, light-reflection behavior at the phase-transitioned surface triggers the optical switching of the organogel from blue to purple under UV light. The optical switching is patternable and reversible, which enables the applications of organogel of AM@HFBA for information encoding/encryption and optical-switchable soft actuators. This method is universal to achieve fluorescence and optical switching for free radical polymerization-based gel systems as long as they are initiated by APS in DMSO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Liang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China
| | - Lidong Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China
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14
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Upadhyay C, Ojha U. Stress-Induced Shape-Shifting Materials Possessing Autonomous Self-Healing and Scratch-Resistant Ability. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202201082. [PMID: 36637865 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202201082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) capable of both shape-shifting and self-healing ability offer a viable alternative to 4D printing technology to gain access to various complex shapes in a simplified manner. However, most of the reported CANs exhibit shape-shifting ability in the presence of temperature, light or chemical stimuli, which restricts their further utilization as realization of such a controlled environment is not feasible under complex scenarios. Herewith, we report a set of CANs based on a room-temperature exchangeable thia-Michael adduct, which undergoes rearrangement in network topology on application of external stress. These CANs with tensile strength (≤6 MPa) and modulus (≤71.4 MPa) adopt to any programmed shape under application of nominal stress. The CANs also exhibit stress-induced recyclability, self-welding and self-healing ability under ambient conditions. The transparency and ambient condition self-healing ability render these CANs to be utilized as scratch-resistant coatings on display items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Upadhyay
- Department of Chemistry, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais, Bahadurpur, UP, 229304, India
| | - Umaprasana Ojha
- Department of Chemistry, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais, Bahadurpur, UP, 229304, India
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15
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Zhang Y, Li P, Zhang K, Wang X. Temporary Actuation of Bilayer Polymer Hydrogels Mediated by the Enzymatic Reaction. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:15433-15441. [PMID: 36459698 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Most soft actuators have the ability of monotonic responsiveness. That is, there is only one response action after being stimulated once. In this work, a temporarily responsive bilayer hydrogel actuator is designed and fabricated by combining a tertiary amine-containing pH-responsive layer and a urease-containing non-responsive layer. The hydrogel actuator can achieve programed deformation and recovery driven by chemical fuels (i.e., acidic urea solutions), which is essentially regulated by rapid acidification and slow enzymatic production of ammonia for recovering the pH of the system. The actuation extent and duration can be simply controlled by the fuel levels, and the repeated actuations are also possible via refueling. Furthermore, we fabricate several hydrogel devices that can display specific patterns or lift an item. This enzymatic method shows new possibilities to control the temporary actuation of polymer hydrogels potentially useful in many fields such as soft robotics, biomimetic devices, and environmental sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhi Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan250100, Shandong, China
| | - Panpan Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan250100, Shandong, China
| | - Kaiqiang Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan250100, Shandong, China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan250100, Shandong, China
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16
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Liu D, Zhou H, Zhao Y, Huyan C, Wang Z, Torun H, Guo Z, Dai S, Xu BB, Chen F. A Strand Entangled Supramolecular PANI/PAA Hydrogel Enabled Ultra-Stretchable Strain Sensor. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2203258. [PMID: 36216591 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202203258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogel electronics have attracted growing interest for emerging applications in personal healthcare management, human-machine interaction, etc. Herein, a "doping then gelling" strategy to synthesize supramolecular PANI/PAA hydrogel with a specific strand entangled network is proposed, by doping the PANI with acrylic acid (AA) monomers to avoid PANI aggregation. The high-density electrostatic interaction between PAA and PANI chains serves as a dynamic bond to initiate the strand entanglement, enabling PAA/PANI hydrogel with ultra-stretchability (2830%), high breaking strength (120 kPa), and rapid self-healing properties. Moreover, the PAA/PANI hydrogel-based sensor with a high strain sensitivity (gauge factor = 12.63), a rapid responding time (222 ms), and a robust conductivity-based sensing behavior under cyclic stretching is developed. A set of strain sensing applications to precisely monitor human movements is also demonstrated, indicating a promising application prospect as wearable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Honghao Zhou
- Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- The 41 st Institute of the Forth Academy, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Xi'an, 710025, P. R. China
| | - Chenxi Huyan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Zibi Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Hamdi Torun
- Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Zhanhu Guo
- Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Sheng Dai
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Ben Bin Xu
- Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Fei Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
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17
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Xu H, Bai S, Gu G, Gao Y, Sun X, Guo X, Xuan F, Wang Y. Bioinspired Self-Resettable Hydrogel Actuators Powered by a Chemical Fuel. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:43825-43832. [PMID: 36103624 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c13368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The movements of soft living tissues, such as muscle, have sparked a strong interest in the design of hydrogel actuators; however, so far, typical manmade examples still lag behind their biological counterparts, which usually function under nonequilibrium conditions through the consumption of high-energy biomolecules and show highly autonomous behaviors. Here, we report on self-resettable hydrogel actuators that are powered by a chemical fuel and can spontaneously return to their original states over time once the fuels are depleted. Self-resettable actuation originates from a chemical fuel-mediated transient change in the hydrophilicity of the hydrogel networks. The actuation extent and duration can be programmed by the fuel levels, and the self-resettable actuation process is highly recyclable through refueling. Furthermore, various proof-of-concept autonomous soft robots are created, resembling the movements of soft-bodied creatures in nature. This work may serve as a starting point for the development of lifelike soft robots with autonomous behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Shengyu Bai
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Guanyao Gu
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Yuliang Gao
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Xun Sun
- Guizhou Aerospace Institute of Measuring and Testing Technology, Guiyang 550009, P. R. China
| | - Xuhong Guo
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Fuzhen Xuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Intelligent Sensing and Detection Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Yiming Wang
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Intelligent Sensing and Detection Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
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18
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Wen X, Zhang Y, Chen D, Zhao Q. Reversible Shape-Shifting of an Ionic Strength Responsive Hydrogel Enabled by Programmable Network Anisotropy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:40344-40350. [PMID: 36017981 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c11693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Reversible shape-shifting hydrogels exhibit great potential in diverse fields. Repeatable programmability for the shape transformation has newly been enabled in thermally responsive hydrogels via engineering of the chain orientation of the polymer network, which substantially promotes the transformation capability. However, diversified responsive behavior and the enabling mechanism require further investigation. Herein, we develop an ionic strength (IS) responsive hydrogel enabling the programmable reversible shape transformation based on a semi-interpenetrating network of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Deformation of the hydrogel upon external force can be fixed due to crystallization of PVA that underwent cyclic freezing-thawing. Therefore, the chain orientation can be retained in the deformed area, enabling the programmable IS responsive actuation. In contrast to the thermally responsive actuation originated from the lower critical solution temperature phase transition, the IS responsive actuation does not accompany any phase change and the corresponding mechanism is proposed. Reversible bending providing an actuation angle as large as 80° can be achieved after optimization of the PVA content. The PVA crystals can be melted upon heating, and the responsive actuation can thus be reprogrammed. In addition, utilizing a digital light 3D printer, the hydrogels are further fabricated into arbitrary geometries, thus realizing more complex actuations. Overall, our work provides a general strategy to develop reversible shape-shifting hydrogels and paves the way for soft actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, No. 38 Zheda Road, Hangzhou 310027, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, No. 38 Zheda Road, Hangzhou 310027, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Chen
- Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315100, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, No. 38 Zheda Road, Hangzhou 310027, People's Republic of China
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19
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Wang S, Li J, Pan Y, Liu F, Zeng L, Gao Y, Lu T. A double-network strategy for the tough tissue adhesion of hydrogels with long-term stability under physiological environment. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:6192-6199. [PMID: 35856647 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00688j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Achieving tough and stable tissue adhesion under a physiological environment is of great significance for the clinical applications of hydrogel adhesives. The current tough hydrogel adhesives face challenges in the preservation of the maximal adhesion for a long time due to swelling. Here, we propose a double-network strategy for tough tissue adhesion by a hydrogel with long-term stability under a physiological environment. A double-network hydrogel consisting of a covalently crosslinked primary network with tunable hydrophilicity and a non-covalently crosslinked secondary network with functional groups is designed. The primary network exhibited hydrophobicity in the physiological environment, which could constrict the secondary network and limit the swelling of the entire hydrogel. The secondary network could form strong interlinks with tissue and provide large energy dissipation through the unzipping of its noncovalent crosslinks when separated by a force. The combination of the two networks resulted in a tough and stable tissue adhesion. A poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/calcium alginate hydrogel synthesized based on this strategy realized an adhesion energy of 300-500 J m-2 with porcine tissues, and the maximal adhesion could be maintained for over 1000 min after submerging in a PBS solution at 37 °C. The swelling behavior of the hydrogel and changes in mechanical properties under the physiological environment are studied, and its application in repairing the aorta wound is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyang Wang
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Soft Machines Lab, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Jieru Li
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Soft Machines Lab, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Yudong Pan
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Soft Machines Lab, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Fengkai Liu
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Soft Machines Lab, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Liangsong Zeng
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Soft Machines Lab, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Yang Gao
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Soft Machines Lab, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Tongqing Lu
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Soft Machines Lab, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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20
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Dargaville BL, Hutmacher DW. Water as the often neglected medium at the interface between materials and biology. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4222. [PMID: 35864087 PMCID: PMC9304379 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31889-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its apparent simplicity, water behaves in a complex manner and is fundamental in controlling many physical, chemical and biological processes. The molecular mechanisms underlying interaction of water with materials, particularly polymer networks such as hydrogels, have received much attention in the research community. Despite this, a large gulf still exists in applying what is known to rationalize how the molecular organization of water on and within these materials impacts biological processes. In this perspective, we outline the importance of water in biomaterials science as a whole and give indications for future research directions towards emergence of a complete picture of water, materials and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Dargaville
- Max Planck Queensland Centre on the Materials Science for Extracellular Matrices, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - D W Hutmacher
- Max Planck Queensland Centre on the Materials Science for Extracellular Matrices, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia.
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21
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Xu Z, Wei DW, Bao RY, Wang Y, Ke K, Yang MB, Yang W. Self-Sensing Actuators Based on a Stiffness Variable Reversible Shape Memory Polymer Enabled by a Phase Change Material. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:22521-22530. [PMID: 35522609 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c07119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators with integrated mechanical and actuation properties and self-sensing ability are still a challenge. Herein, a stiffness variable polyolefin elastomer (POE) with a reversible shape memory effect is prepared by introducing a typical phase change material, i.e., paraffin wax (PW). It is found that the variable stiffness of POE induced by PW can balance the reversible strain and load-bearing capability of actuators. Especially, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are concentrated in a thin surface layer by spraying and hot pressing in the soft state of POE/PW blends, providing signal transductions for the strain and temperature perception for actuators. Taking advantage of tunable reversible deformation and mechanical transformation of the POE/PW actuator, different biomimetic robotics, including grippers with high load-bearing capability (weight-lifting ratio > 146), walking robots that can sense angles of joints, and high-temperature warning robots are demonstrated. A scheme combining the variable stiffness and electrical properties provides a versatile strategy to integrate actuation performance and self-sensing ability, inspiring the development of multifunctional composite designs for soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Xu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Dun-Wen Wei
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui-Ying Bao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Kai Ke
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Ming-Bo Yang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Yang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
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22
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Zhang X, Xue P, Yang X, Valenzuela C, Chen Y, Lv P, Wang Z, Wang L, Xu X. Near-Infrared Light-Driven Shape-Programmable Hydrogel Actuators Loaded with Metal-Organic Frameworks. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:11834-11841. [PMID: 35192332 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c24702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Shape-programmable hydrogel-based soft actuators that can adaptively respond to external stimuli are of paramount significance for the development of bioinspired aquatic smart soft robots. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of near-infrared (NIR) light-driven hydrogel actuators through in situ photopolymerization of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels loaded with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) onto the surface of the poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) thin film. The MOFs can not only function as an excellent photothermal nanotransducer but also accelerate the adsorption/desorption of water due to their porous nanostructure, which speeds up the response rate of the actuators. Shape-programmable hydrogel actuators are fabricated by tailoring the patterning of PDMS thin film, and thus different shape-morphing modes such as directional bending and chiral twisting are observed under the NIR light irradiations. As the proof-of-concept demonstrations, an artificial hand, biomimetic mimosa, and flower are conceptualized with light-driven MOF-containing hydrogel actuators. Interestingly, we are able to achieve an octopus-inspired light-driven soft swimmer upon cyclic NIR illumination due to the fast photoresponsiveness of as-prepared hydrogel actuators. This work can offer insights for fabricating programmable and reconfigurable smart aquatic soft actuators, thus shining a light into their potential applications in emerging fields including soft robots, biomedical devices, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmu Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Pan Xue
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Cristian Valenzuela
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuanhao Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Pengfei Lv
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhaokai Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xinhua Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
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