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Wu X, Liu T, Li H, He Y, Yang G, Zhu W, Chen T. Sol-gel transition effect based on konjac glucomannan thermosensitive hydrogel for photo-assisted uranium extraction. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024:S2095-9273(24)00481-X. [PMID: 39030103 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.07.005] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Exploiting the intelligent photocatalysts capable of phase separation provides a promising solution to the removal of uranium, which is expected to solve the difficulty in separation and the poor selectivity of traditional photocatalysts in carbonate-containing uranium wastewater. In this paper, the γ-FeOOH/konjac glucomannan grafted with phenolic hydroxyl groups/poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (γ-FeOOH/KGM(Ga)/PNIPAM) thermosensitive hydrogel is proposed as the photocatalysts for extracting uranium from carbonate-containing uranium wastewater. The dynamic phase transformation is demonstrated to confirm the arbitrary transition of γ-FeOOH/KGM(Ga)/PNIPAM thermosensitive hydrogel from a dispersed state with a high specific surface area at low temperatures to a stable aggregated state at high temperatures. Notably, the γ-FeOOH/KGM(Ga)/PNIPAM thermosensitive hydrogel achieves a remarkably high rate of 92.3% in the removal of uranium from the wastewater containing carbonates and maintains the efficiency of uranium removal from uranium mine wastewater at over 90%. Relying on electron spin resonance and free radical capture experiment, we reveal the adsorption-reduction-nucleation-crystallization mechanism of uranium on γ-FeOOH/KGM(Ga)/PNIPAM thermosensitive hydrogel. Overall, this strategy provides a promising solution to treating uranium-contaminated wastewater, showing a massive potential in water purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials, School of Life Science and Engineering, School of National Defense of Science and Technology, National Co-innovation Center for Nuclear Waste Disposal and Environmental Safety, Sichuan Civil-military Integration Institute, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Tong Liu
- College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
| | - Huimin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials, School of Life Science and Engineering, School of National Defense of Science and Technology, National Co-innovation Center for Nuclear Waste Disposal and Environmental Safety, Sichuan Civil-military Integration Institute, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Yizhou He
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials, School of Life Science and Engineering, School of National Defense of Science and Technology, National Co-innovation Center for Nuclear Waste Disposal and Environmental Safety, Sichuan Civil-military Integration Institute, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Guolin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials, School of Life Science and Engineering, School of National Defense of Science and Technology, National Co-innovation Center for Nuclear Waste Disposal and Environmental Safety, Sichuan Civil-military Integration Institute, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Wenkun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials, School of Life Science and Engineering, School of National Defense of Science and Technology, National Co-innovation Center for Nuclear Waste Disposal and Environmental Safety, Sichuan Civil-military Integration Institute, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
| | - Tao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials, School of Life Science and Engineering, School of National Defense of Science and Technology, National Co-innovation Center for Nuclear Waste Disposal and Environmental Safety, Sichuan Civil-military Integration Institute, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
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2
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Fang YH, Liang C, Liljeström V, Lv ZP, Ikkala O, Zhang H. Toughening Hydrogels with Fibrillar Connected Double Networks. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2402282. [PMID: 38577824 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202402282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Biological tissues, such as tendons or cartilage, possess high strength and toughness with very low plastic deformations. In contrast, current strategies to prepare tough hydrogels commonly utilize energy dissipation mechanisms based on physical bonds that lead to irreversible large plastic deformations, thus limiting their load-bearing applications. This article reports a strategy to toughen hydrogels using fibrillar connected double networks (fc-DN), which consist of two distinct but chemically interconnected polymer networks, that is, a polyacrylamide network and an acrylated agarose fibril network. The fc-DN design allows efficient stress transfer between the two networks and high fibril alignment during deformation, both contributing to high strength and toughness, while the chemical crosslinking ensures low plastic deformations after undergoing high strains. The mechanical properties of the fc-DN network can be readily tuned to reach an ultimate tensile strength of 8 MPa and a toughness of above 55 MJ m-3, which is 3 and 3.5 times more than that of fibrillar double network hydrogels without chemical connections, respectively. The application potential of the fc-DN hydrogel is demonstrated as load-bearing damping material for a jointed robotic lander. The fc-DN design provides a new toughening mechanism for hydrogels that can be used for soft robotics or bioelectronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Huang Fang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Ville Liljeström
- Nanomicroscopy Center, OtaNano, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Zhong-Peng Lv
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Olli Ikkala
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, 02150, Finland
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3
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Xuan L, Hou Y, Liang L, Wu J, Fan K, Lian L, Qiu J, Miao Y, Ravanbakhsh H, Xu M, Tang G. Microgels for Cell Delivery in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2024; 16:218. [PMID: 38884868 PMCID: PMC11183039 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01421-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Microgels prepared from natural or synthetic hydrogel materials have aroused extensive attention as multifunctional cells or drug carriers, that are promising for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Microgels can also be aggregated into microporous scaffolds, promoting cell infiltration and proliferation for tissue repair. This review gives an overview of recent developments in the fabrication techniques and applications of microgels. A series of conventional and novel strategies including emulsification, microfluidic, lithography, electrospray, centrifugation, gas-shearing, three-dimensional bioprinting, etc. are discussed in depth. The characteristics and applications of microgels and microgel-based scaffolds for cell culture and delivery are elaborated with an emphasis on the advantages of these carriers in cell therapy. Additionally, we expound on the ongoing and foreseeable applications and current limitations of microgels and their aggregate in the field of biomedical engineering. Through stimulating innovative ideas, the present review paves new avenues for expanding the application of microgels in cell delivery techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyan Xuan
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Hou
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Liang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Jialin Wu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Fan
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Lian
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jianhua Qiu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingling Miao
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Hossein Ravanbakhsh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA.
| | - Mingen Xu
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guosheng Tang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Lu Q, Liu W, Chen D, Yu D, Song Z, Wang H, Li G, Liu X, Ge S. Hydrophobic association-improved multi-functional hydrogels with liquid metal droplets stabilized by xanthan gum and PEDOT:PSS for strain sensors. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132494. [PMID: 38788874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132494] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The synthesis of liquid metal-infused hydrogels, typically constituted by polyacrylamide networks crosslinked through covalent bonds, often encounters a conundrum: they exhibit restricted extensibility and a diminished capacity for self-repair, owing to the inherently irreversible nature of the covalent linkages. This study introduces a hydrophobically associated hydrogel embedding gallium (Ga)-droplets, realized through the in situ free radical copolymerization of hydrophobic hexadecyl methacrylate (HMA) and hydrophilic acrylamide (AM) in a milieu containing xanthan gum (XG) and PEDOT:PSS, which co-stabilizes the Ga-droplets. The Ga-droplets, synergistically functioning as conductive agents alongside PEDOT:PSS, also expedite the hydrogel's formation. The resultant XG/PEDOT:PSS-Ga-P(AM-HMA) hydrogel is distinguished by its remarkable extensibility (2950 %), exceptional toughness (3.28 MJ/m3), superior adherence to hydrophobic, smooth substrates, and an innate ability for hydrophobic-driven self-healing. As a strain sensing medium, this hydrogel-based sensor exhibits heightened sensitivity (gauge factor = 12.66), low detection threshold (0.1 %), and robust durability (>500 cycles). Furthermore, the inclusion of glycerol endows the XG/PEDOT:PSS-Ga-P(AM-HMA) hydrogel with anti-freezing properties without compromising its mechanical integrity and sensing acumen. This sensor adeptly captures a spectrum of human movements, from the nuanced radial pulse to extensive joint articulations. This research heralds a novel approach for fabricating multifaceted PAM-based hydrogels with toughness and superior sensing capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qishu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Science, Jinan 250353, China
| | - Wenxia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Science, Jinan 250353, China.
| | - Duo Chen
- Department of Optoelectronic Science and Technology, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Science, Jinan 250353, China
| | - Dehai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Science, Jinan 250353, China.
| | - Zhaoping Song
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Science, Jinan 250353, China
| | - Huili Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Science, Jinan 250353, China
| | - Guodong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Science, Jinan 250353, China
| | - Xiaona Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Science, Jinan 250353, China
| | - Shaohua Ge
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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5
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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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6
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Yang W, Wang X, Teng X, Qiao Z, Yu H, Yuan Z. A bionic mimosa soft robot based on a multi-responsive PNIPAM-PEGDA hydrogel composition. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:034102. [PMID: 38726372 PMCID: PMC11078265 DOI: 10.1063/5.0203482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Deformation plays a vital role in the survival of natural organisms. One example is that plants deform themselves to face the sun for sufficient sunlight exposure, which allows them to produce nutrients through photosynthesis. Drawing inspiration from nature, researchers have been exploring the development of 3D deformable materials. However, the traditional approach to manufacturing deformable hydrogels relies on complex technology, which limits their potential applications. In this study, we simulate the stress variations observed in the plant tissue to create a 3D structure from a 2D material. Using UV curing technology, we create a single-layer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel sheet with microchannels that exhibit distinct swelling rates when subjected to stimulation. After a two-step curing process, we produce a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-polyethylene glycol diacrylatedouble-layer structure that can be manipulated to change its shape by controlling the light and solvent content. Based on the double-layer structure, we fabricate a dual-response driven bionic mimosa robot that can perform a variety of functions. This soft robot can not only reversibly change its shape but also maintain a specific shape without continuous stimulation. Its capacity for reversible deformation, resulting from internal stress, presents promising application prospects in the biomedical and soft robotics domain. This study delivers an insightful framework for the development of programmable soft materials.
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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
| | - Xiangyu Teng
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Zezheng Qiao
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zheng Yuan
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
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7
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Li G, Chen C, Liu Z, Sun Q, Liang L, Du C, Chen G. Distinguishing thermoelectric and photoelectric modes enables intelligent real-time detection of indoor electrical safety hazards. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:1679-1688. [PMID: 38305351 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh02187d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Due to the prevalence of electronic devices, intelligent sensors have attracted much interest for the detecting and providing alarms with respect to indoor electrical safety. Nonetheless, how to effectively identify various indoor electrical safety hazards remains a challenge. In this study, we fabricated single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (SWCNT/P3HT) composites with exceptional bifunctional thermoelectric and photoelectric responses. Through synergy of the thermo-/photoelectric effects, the composites yielded greatly enhanced output voltages compared with the use of thermoelectric effects alone. Interestingly, modes of heat transfer can be effectively distinguished using the nominal Seebeck coefficients. Based on the remarkable output voltages and deviations in the nominal Seebeck coefficients, we developed indoor intelligent sensors capable of effectively identifying and monitoring diverse indoor electrical conditions, including electrical overheating, fire, and air conditioning flow. This pioneering investigation proposes a novel avenue for designing intelligent sensors that can recognize heat transfer modes and hence effectively monitor indoor electrical safety hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Chengzhi Chen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Zijian Liu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Qi Sun
- College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Lirong Liang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Chunyu Du
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Guangming Chen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
- College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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8
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Bi D, Qu N, Sheng W, Lin T, Huang S, Wang L, Li R. Tough and Strain-Sensitive Organohydrogels Based on MXene and PEDOT/PSS and Their Effects on Mechanical Properties and Strain-Sensing Performance. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:11914-11929. [PMID: 38383343 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c18631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Conductive hydrogels have shown promising application prospects in the field of flexible sensors, but they often suffer from poor mechanical properties, low sensitivity, and lack of frost resistance. Herein, we report a tough, highly sensitive, and antifreeze strain sensor assembled from a conductive organohydrogel composed of a dual-cross-linked polyacrylamide and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) network, as well as MXene nanosheets as nanofillers and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-doped poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) as the main conducting component (PPMP-OH organohydrogel). The tensile strength and toughness of PPMP-OH had been greatly enhanced by MXene nanosheets due to the mechanical reinforcement of MXene nanosheets, as well as various strong noncovalent interactions formed in the organohydrogels. The PPM1P-OH organohydrogels showed a tensile strength of 1.48 MPa at 772% and a toughness of 5.59 MJ/m3. Moreover, the conductivity and strain-sensing performance of PPMP-OH were significantly improved by PEDOT/PSS, which can form hydrogen bonds with PVA and electrostatic interactions with MXene. This was greatly beneficial for constructing a uniformly distributed and stable 3D conductive network and helped to obtain strain-dependent resistance of PPMP-OH. The strain sensors assembled from PPMP1-OH exhibited a high sensitivity of 5.16, a wide range of detectable strains up to 500%, and a short response time of 122 ms, which can effectively detect various physiological activities of the human body with high stability. In addition, the corresponding pressure sensor array also showed high sensitivity in identifying pressure magnitude and position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejin Bi
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Textile Fiber Materials and Processing Technology, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China
| | - Na Qu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Textile Fiber Materials and Processing Technology, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China
| | - Weiqin Sheng
- School of Electronic Information, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China
| | - Tenghao Lin
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Textile Fiber Materials and Processing Technology, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China
| | - Sanqing Huang
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Textile Fiber Materials and Processing Technology, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China
| | - Lie Wang
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Textile Fiber Materials and Processing Technology, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China
| | - Renhong Li
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Textile Fiber Materials and Processing Technology, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China
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9
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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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10
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Feng W, He Q, Zhang L. Embedded Physical Intelligence in Liquid Crystalline Polymer Actuators and Robots. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2312313. [PMID: 38375751 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Responsive materials possess the inherent capacity to autonomously sense and respond to various external stimuli, demonstrating physical intelligence. Among the diverse array of responsive materials, liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) stand out for their remarkable reversible stimuli-responsive shape-morphing properties and their potential for creating soft robots. While numerous reviews have extensively detailed the progress in developing LCP-based actuators and robots, there exists a need for comprehensive summaries that elucidate the underlying principles governing actuation and how physical intelligence is embedded within these systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in developing actuators and robots endowed with physical intelligence using LCPs. This review is structured around the stimulus conditions and categorizes the studies involving responsive LCPs based on the fundamental control and stimulation logic and approach. Specifically, three main categories are examined: systems that respond to changing stimuli, those operating under constant stimuli, and those equip with learning and logic control capabilities. Furthermore, the persisting challenges that need to be addressed are outlined and discuss the future avenues of research in this dynamic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Feng
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiguang He
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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11
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Ai W, Hou K, Wu J, Long Y, Song K. Miniaturized and untethered McKibben muscles based on photothermal-induced gas-liquid transformation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1329. [PMID: 38351311 PMCID: PMC10864313 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45540-4] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pneumatic artificial muscles can move continuously under the power support of air pumps, and their flexibility also provides the possibility for applications in complex environments. However, in order to achieve operation in confined spaces, the miniaturization of artificial muscles becomes crucial. Since external attachment devices greatly hinder the miniaturization and use of artificial muscles, we propose a light-driven approach to get rid of these limitations. In this study, we report a miniaturized fiber-reinforced artificial muscle based on mold editing, capable of bending and axial elongation using gas-liquid conversion in visible light. The minimum volume of the artificial muscle prepared using this method was 15.7 mm3 (d = 2 mm, l = 5 mm), which was smaller than those of other fiber-reinforced pneumatic actuators. This research can promote the development of non-tethered pneumatic actuators for rescue and exploration, and create the possibility of miniaturization of actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfei Ai
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Kai Hou
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yue Long
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.
- Binzhou Institute of Technology, Weiqiao-UCAS Science and Technology Park, Binzhou City, Shandong Province, 256606, China.
| | - Kai Song
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China.
- Binzhou Institute of Technology, Weiqiao-UCAS Science and Technology Park, Binzhou City, Shandong Province, 256606, China.
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