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Madani Z, Silva PES, Baniasadi H, Vaara M, Das S, Arias JC, Seppälä J, Sun Z, Vapaavuori J. Light-Driven Multidirectional Bending in Artificial Muscles. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2405917. [PMID: 39044611 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202405917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Using light to drive polymer actuators can enable spatially selective complex motions, offering a wealth of opportunities for wireless control of soft robotics and active textiles. Here, the integration of photothermal components is reported into shape memory polymer actuators. The fabricated twist-coiled artificial muscles show on-command multidirectional bending, which can be controlled by both the illumination intensity, as well as the chirality, of the prepared artificial muscles. Importantly, the direction in which these artificial muscles bend does not depend on intrinsic material characteristics. Instead, this directionality is achieved by localized untwisting of the actuator, driven by selective irradiation. The reaction times of this bending system are significantly - at least two orders of magnitude - faster than heliotropic biological systems, with a response time up to one second. The programmability of the artificial muscles is further demonstrated for selective, reversible, and sustained actuation when integrated in butterfly-shaped textiles, along with the capacity to autonomously orient toward a light source. This functionality is maintained even on a rotating platform, with angular velocities of 6°/s, independent of the rotation direction. These attributes collectively represent a breakthrough in the field of artificial muscles, intended to adaptive shape-changing soft systems and biomimetic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Madani
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Kemistintie 1, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Pedro E S Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Kemistintie 1, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Hossein Baniasadi
- Polymer Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Kemistintie 1, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Maija Vaara
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Kemistintie 1, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Susobhan Das
- QTF Centre of Excellence, Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Juan Camilo Arias
- QTF Centre of Excellence, Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Jukka Seppälä
- Polymer Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Kemistintie 1, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Zhipei Sun
- QTF Centre of Excellence, Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Jaana Vapaavuori
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Kemistintie 1, Espoo, 02150, Finland
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2
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Cho YE, Park JM, Song WJ, Lee MG, Sun JY. Solvent Engineering of Thermo-Responsive Hydrogels Facilitates Strong and Large Contractile Actuations. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2406103. [PMID: 39036840 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202406103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Thermo-responsive hydrogels can generate the actuation force through volumetric transitions in response to temperature changes. However, their weak mechanical properties and fragile actuation performance limit robust applications. Existing approaches to enhance these properties have typically depended on additional components, leading to an unavoidable interference to the actuation performance. In this work, robust thermo-responsive hydrogels are fabricated through solvent engineering. A particular solvent, N-methylformamide, interacts affinitively with the carbonyl group of N-isopropylacrylamide monomer, solubilizes the monomer with extremely high concentration, stabilizes chain propagation during polymerization, and greatly increases chain lengths and entanglements of the resulting polymer. The synthesized hydrogels are highly elastic, strong, and tough, displaying remarkable thermo-responsive contractile actuation. The simple synthetic process can broaden its applicability in designing robust functional hydrogel applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Eun Cho
- Departmant of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Man Park
- Departmant of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Jun Song
- Departmant of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Gyu Lee
- Departmant of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Yun Sun
- Departmant of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
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3
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Huang XP, Li LX, Chen K, Zhang JP. Scalable Superhydrophilic Solar Evaporators for Long-Term Stable Desalination, Fresh Water Collection and Salt Collection by Vertical Salt Deposition. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202400111. [PMID: 38424000 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202400111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) is very promising to solve the issue of fresh water shortage, however, poor salt resistance severely hinders long-term stable SIE and fresh water collection. Here, we report design of superhydrophilic solar evaporators for long-term stable desalination, fresh water collection and salt collection by vertical salt deposition. The evaporators are prepared by sequentially deposition of silicone nanofilaments, polypyrrole and Au nanoparticles on a polyester fabric composed of microfibers. The evaporators feature excellent photothermal effect and ultrafast water transport, due to their unique micro-/nanostructure and superhydrophilicity. As a result, during SIE the salt gradually deposits vertically rather than occupies larger area on the evaporators. Consequently, long-term stable SIE with high evaporation rates of 2.4-2.1 kg m-2 h-1 for 3.5-20 wt % brine in continuous 10 h is achieved under 1 sun illumination. Meanwhile, the loosely deposited salt can be easily collected, realizing zero brine discharge. Moreover, scalable preparation of the evaporator is achieved, which exhibits efficient collection of high quality fresh water (10.08 kg m-2 in 8 h) via SIE desalination under weak natural sunlight (0.46~0.66 sun). This strategy sheds a new light on the design of high-performance solar evaporators and their real-world fresh water collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng P Huang
- Center of Eco-material and Green Chemistry, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Lingxiao X Li
- Center of Eco-material and Green Chemistry, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Kai Chen
- Center of Eco-material and Green Chemistry, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Junping P Zhang
- Center of Eco-material and Green Chemistry, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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4
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Ghelardini MM, Geisler M, Weigel N, Hankwitz JP, Hauck N, Schubert J, Fery A, Tracy JB, Thiele J. 3D-Printed Hydrogels as Photothermal Actuators. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2032. [PMID: 39065349 PMCID: PMC11281285 DOI: 10.3390/polym16142032] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Thermoresponsive hydrogels were 3D-printed with embedded gold nanorods (GNRs), which enable shape change through photothermal heating. GNRs were functionalized with bovine serum albumin and mixed with a photosensitizer and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) macromer, forming an ink for 3D printing by direct ink writing. A macromer-based approach was chosen to provide good microstructural homogeneity and optical transparency of the unloaded hydrogel in its swollen state. The ink was printed into an acetylated gelatin hydrogel support matrix to prevent the spreading of the low-viscosity ink and provide mechanical stability during printing and concurrent photocrosslinking. Acetylated gelatin hydrogel was introduced because it allows for melting and removal of the support structure below the transition temperature of the crosslinked PNIPAAm structure. Convective and photothermal heating were compared, which both triggered the phase transition of PNIPAAm and induced reversible shrinkage of the hydrogel-GNR composite for a range of GNR loadings. During reswelling after photothermal heating, some structures formed an internally buckled state, where minor mechanical agitation recovered the unbuckled structure. The BSA-GNRs did not leach out of the structure during multiple cycles of shrinkage and reswelling. This work demonstrates the promise of 3D-printed, photoresponsive structures as hydrogel actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie M. Ghelardini
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (M.M.G.)
| | - Martin Geisler
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (M.G.)
| | - Niclas Weigel
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (M.G.)
| | - Jameson P. Hankwitz
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (M.M.G.)
| | - Nicolas Hauck
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (M.G.)
| | - Jonas Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (M.G.)
| | - Andreas Fery
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (M.G.)
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Joseph B. Tracy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (M.M.G.)
| | - Julian Thiele
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (M.G.)
- Institute of Chemistry, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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5
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Yin H, Cui S, Cao Y, Ge J, Lou W. Light Controlled Nanobiohybrids for Modulating Chiral Alcohol Synthesis. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 196:2977-2989. [PMID: 37594649 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04667-8] [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] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The modulation of whole-cell activity presents a considerable challenge in biocatalysis. Conventional approaches to whole-cell catalysis, while having their strengths, often rely on complex and deliberate enzyme designs, which could result in difficulties in activity modulation and prolonged response times. Additionally, the activity of intracellular enzymes in whole-cell catalysis is influenced by temperature. To address these limitations, we introduced a relationally designed nanobiohybrid system that utilized light to modulate whole-cell catalysis for chiral alcohol production. By incorporating platinum nanoparticles onto Rhodotorula sp. cell surfaces, the nanobiohybrid capitalized on the photothermal properties of the nanoparticles to regulate the overall cell activity. When exposed to light, the Pt nanoparticles generate heat through the photothermal effect, consequently leading to an increase in the catalytic activity of the whole cells. This innovative approach facilitates control over whole-cell production and provides an efficient method for regulating biocatalytic processes. The findings of this study demonstrate the significant potential of switchable control strategies in biomanufacturing across a wide range of industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yin
- Lab of Applied Biocatalysis, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Shitong Cui
- Key Lab for Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yufei Cao
- Key Lab for Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jun Ge
- Key Lab for Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Wenyong Lou
- Lab of Applied Biocatalysis, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
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6
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Yang J, Shankar MR, Zeng H. Photochemically responsive polymer films enable tunable gliding flights. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4684. [PMID: 38824184 PMCID: PMC11144244 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49108-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Miniaturized passive fliers based on smart materials face challenges in precise control of shape-morphing for aerodynamics and contactless modulation of diverse gliding modes. Here, we present the optical control of gliding performances in azobenzene-crosslinked liquid crystal networks films through photochemical actuation, enabling reversible and bistable shape-morphing. First, an actuator film is integrated with additive constructs to form a rotating glider, inspired by the natural maple samara, surpassing natural counterparts in reversibly optical tuning of terminal velocity, rotational rate, and circling position. We demonstrate optical modulation dispersion of landing points for the photo-responsive microfliers indoors and outdoors. Secondly, we show the scalability of polymer film geometry for miniature gliders with similar light tunability. Thirdly, we extend the material platform to other three gliding modes: Javan cucumber seed-like glider, parachute and artificial dandelion seed. The findings pave the way for distributed microflier with contactless flight dynamics control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Yang
- Light Robots, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, Finland
| | - M Ravi Shankar
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hao Zeng
- Light Robots, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, Finland.
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7
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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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8
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Chen G, Ma B, Chen Y, Chen Y, Zhang J, Liu H. Soft Robots with Plant-Inspired Gravitropism Based on Fluidic Liquid Metal. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306129. [PMID: 38447146 PMCID: PMC11095172 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Plants can autonomously adjust their growth direction based on the gravitropic response to maximize energy acquisition, despite lacking nerves and muscles. Endowing soft robots with gravitropism may facilitate the development of self-regulating systems free of electronics, but remains elusive. Herein, acceleration-regulated soft actuators are described that can respond to the gravitational field by leveraging the unique fluidity of liquid metal in its self-limiting oxide skin. The soft actuator is obtained by magnetic printing of the fluidic liquid metal heater circuit on a thermoresponsive liquid crystal elastomer. The Joule heat of the liquid metal circuit with gravity-regulated resistance can be programmed by changing the actuator's pose to induce the flow of liquid metal. The actuator can autonomously adjust its bending degree by the dynamic interaction between its thermomechanical response and gravity. A gravity-interactive soft gripper is also created with controllable grasping and releasing by rotating the actuator. Moreover, it is demonstrated that self-regulated oscillation motion can be achieved by interfacing the actuator with a monostable tape spring, allowing the electronics-free control of a bionic walker. This work paves the avenue for the development of liquid metal-based reconfigurable electronics and electronics-free soft robots that can perceive gravity or acceleration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Biao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Yanjie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
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9
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Yao X, Chen H, Qin H, Cong HP. Nanocomposite Hydrogel Actuators with Ordered Structures: From Nanoscale Control to Macroscale Deformations. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300414. [PMID: 37365950 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Flexible intelligent actuators with the characteristics of flexibility, safety and scalability, are highly promising in industrial production, biomedical fields, environmental monitoring, and soft robots. Nanocomposite hydrogels are attractive candidates for soft actuators due to their high pliability, intelligent responsiveness, and capability to execute large-scale rapid reversible deformations under external stimuli. Here, the recent advances of nanocomposite hydrogels as soft actuators are reviewed and focus is on the construction of elaborate and programmable structures by the assembly of nano-objects in the hydrogel matrix. With the help of inducing the gradient or oriented distributions of the nanounits during the gelation process by the external forces or molecular interactions, nanocomposite hydrogels with ordered structures are achieved, which can perform bending, spiraling, patterned deformations, and biomimetic complex shape changes. Given great advantages of these intricate yet programmable shape-morphing, nanocomposite hydrogel actuators have presented high potentials in the fields of moving robots, energy collectors, and biomedicines. In the end, the challenges and future perspectives of this emerging field of nanocomposite hydrogel actuators are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Haili Qin
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Huai-Ping Cong
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
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10
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Nie ZZ, Wang M, Yang H. Self-sustainable autonomous soft actuators. Commun Chem 2024; 7:58. [PMID: 38503863 PMCID: PMC10951225 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01142-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Self-sustainable autonomous locomotion is a non-equilibrium phenomenon and an advanced intelligence of soft-bodied organisms that exhibit the abilities of perception, feedback, decision-making, and self-sustainment. However, artificial self-sustaining architectures are often derived from algorithms and onboard modules of soft robots, resulting in complex fabrication, limited mobility, and low sensitivity. Self-sustainable autonomous soft actuators have emerged as naturally evolving systems that do not require human intervention. With shape-morphing materials integrating in their structural design, soft actuators can direct autonomous responses to complex environmental changes and achieve robust self-sustaining motions under sustained stimulation. This perspective article discusses the recent advances in self-sustainable autonomous soft actuators. Specifically, shape-morphing materials, motion characteristics, built-in negative feedback loops, and constant stimulus response patterns used in autonomous systems are summarized. Artificial self-sustaining autonomous concepts, modes, and deformation-induced functional applications of soft actuators are described. The current challenges and future opportunities for self-sustainable actuation systems are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhou Nie
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Meng Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Hong Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
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11
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Cheng X, Shen Z, Zhang Y. Bioinspired 3D flexible devices and functional systems. Natl Sci Rev 2024; 11:nwad314. [PMID: 38312384 PMCID: PMC10833470 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Flexible devices and functional systems with elaborated three-dimensional (3D) architectures can endow better mechanical/electrical performances, more design freedom, and unique functionalities, when compared to their two-dimensional (2D) counterparts. Such 3D flexible devices/systems are rapidly evolving in three primary directions, including the miniaturization, the increasingly merged physical/artificial intelligence and the enhanced adaptability and capabilities of heterogeneous integration. Intractable challenges exist in this emerging research area, such as relatively poor controllability in the locomotion of soft robotic systems, mismatch of bioelectronic interfaces, and signal coupling in multi-parameter sensing. By virtue of long-time-optimized materials, structures and processes, natural organisms provide rich sources of inspiration to address these challenges, enabling the design and manufacture of many bioinspired 3D flexible devices/systems. In this Review, we focus on bioinspired 3D flexible devices and functional systems, and summarize their representative design concepts, manufacturing methods, principles of structure-function relationship and broad-ranging applications. Discussions on existing challenges, potential solutions and future opportunities are also provided to usher in further research efforts toward realizing bioinspired 3D flexible devices/systems with precisely programmed shapes, enhanced mechanical/electrical performances, and high-level physical/artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Cheng
- Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhangming Shen
- Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yihui Zhang
- Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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12
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Wang Z, Chen Y, Ma Y, Wang J. Bioinspired Stimuli-Responsive Materials for Soft Actuators. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:128. [PMID: 38534813 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9030128] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological species can walk, swim, fly, jump, and climb with fast response speeds and motion complexity. These remarkable functions are accomplished by means of soft actuation organisms, which are commonly composed of muscle tissue systems. To achieve the creation of their biomimetic artificial counterparts, various biomimetic stimuli-responsive materials have been synthesized and developed in recent decades. They can respond to various external stimuli in the form of structural or morphological transformations by actively or passively converting input energy into mechanical energy. They are the core element of soft actuators for typical smart devices like soft robots, artificial muscles, intelligent sensors and nanogenerators. Significant progress has been made in the development of bioinspired stimuli-responsive materials. However, these materials have not been comprehensively summarized with specific actuation mechanisms in the literature. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in biomimetic stimuli-responsive materials that are instrumental for soft actuators. Firstly, different stimuli-responsive principles for soft actuators are discussed, including fluidic, electrical, thermal, magnetic, light, and chemical stimuli. We further summarize the state-of-the-art stimuli-responsive materials for soft actuators and explore the advantages and disadvantages of using electroactive polymers, magnetic soft composites, photo-thermal responsive polymers, shape memory alloys and other responsive soft materials. Finally, we provide a critical outlook on the field of stimuli-responsive soft actuators and emphasize the challenges in the process of their implementation to various industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongbao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yixin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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13
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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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14
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Li S, Aizenberg M, Lerch MM, Aizenberg J. Programming Deformations of 3D Microstructures: Opportunities Enabled by Magnetic Alignment of Liquid Crystalline Elastomers. ACCOUNTS OF MATERIALS RESEARCH 2023; 4:1008-1019. [PMID: 38148997 PMCID: PMC10749463 DOI: 10.1021/accountsmr.3c00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic structures that undergo controlled movement are crucial building blocks for developing new technologies applicable to robotics, healthcare, and sustainable self-regulated materials. Yet, programming motion is nontrivial, and particularly at the microscale it remains a fundamental challenge. At the macroscale, movement can be controlled by conventional electric, pneumatic, or combustion-based machinery. At the nanoscale, chemistry has taken strides in enabling molecularly fueled movement. Yet in between, at the microscale, top-down fabrication becomes cumbersome and expensive, while bottom-up chemical self-assembly and amplified molecular motion does not reach the necessary sophistication. Hence, new approaches that converge top-down and bottom-up methods and enable motional complexity at the microscale are urgently needed. Synthetic anisotropic materials (e.g., liquid crystalline elastomers, LCEs) with encoded molecular anisotropy that are shaped into arbitrary geometries by top-down fabrication promise new opportunities to implement controlled actuation at the microscale. In such materials, motional complexity is directly linked to the built-in molecular anisotropy that can be "activated" by external stimuli. So far, encoding the desired patterns of molecular directionality has relied mostly on either mechanical or surface alignment techniques, which do not allow the decoupling of molecular and geometric features, severely restricting achievable material shapes and thus limiting attainable actuation patterns, unless complex multimaterial constructs are fabricated. Electromagnetic fields have recently emerged as possible alternatives to provide 3D control over local anisotropy, independent of the geometry of a given 3D object. The combination of magnetic alignment and soft lithography, in particular, provides a powerful platform for the rapid, practical, and facile production of microscale soft actuators with field-defined local anisotropy. Recent work has established the feasibility of this approach with low magnetic field strengths (in the lower mT range) and comparably simple setups used for the fabrication of the microactuators, in which magnetic fields can be engineered through arrangement of permanent magnets. This workflow gives access to microstructures with unusual spatial patterning of molecular alignment and has enabled a multitude of nontrivial deformation types that would not be possible to program by any other means at the micron scale. A range of "activating" stimuli can be used to put these structures in motion, and the type of the trigger plays a key role too: directional and dynamic stimuli (such as light) make it possible to activate the patterned anisotropic material locally and transiently, which enables one to achieve and further program motional complexity and communication in microactuators. In this Account, we will discuss recent advances in magnetic alignment of molecular anisotropy and its use in soft lithography and related fabrication approaches to create LCE microactuators. We will examine how design choices-from the molecular to the fabrication and the operational levels-control and define the achievable LCE deformations. We then address the role of stimuli in realizing the motional complexity and how one can engineer feedback within and communication between microactuator arrays fabricated by soft lithography. Overall, we outline emerging strategies that make possible a completely new approach to designing for desired sets of motions of active, microscale objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shucong Li
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard
University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael Aizenberg
- John
A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Michael M. Lerch
- John
A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joanna Aizenberg
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard
University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- John
A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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15
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Wang S, Wang L, Zhao Q, Wang X. Massive laser pulling of graphene nanosheets in water. OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 31:34057-34063. [PMID: 37859170 DOI: 10.1364/oe.500995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Light manipulation of graphene-based materials attracts much attentions. As a new light manipulation concept, optical pulling develops rapidly in the past decade. However, optical pulling of graphene in liquid is rarely reported. In this work, laser pulling of graphene nanosheets (GN) in pure water by using common gauss beams is presented. This phenomenon holds for multiple incident laser wavelengths including 405 nm, 488 nm, 532 nm and 650 nm. A particle image velocimetry software PIVlab is adopted to analyze the velocity field information of GN. The laser pulling velocity of the GN is approximately ∼ 0.5 mm/s corresponding to ∼ 103 body length/s, which increases with an increase of the incident laser energy. This work presents a contactless mothed to massively pull microscale graphene materials in simple liquid, which supplies a potential manipulation technique for micro-nanofluidic devices and also provides a platform to investigate laser-graphene interaction in a simple liquid phase medium.
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16
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Hauck M, Saure LM, Zeller-Plumhoff B, Kaps S, Hammel J, Mohr C, Rieck L, Nia AS, Feng X, Pugno NM, Adelung R, Schütt F. Overcoming Water Diffusion Limitations in Hydrogels via Microtubular Graphene Networks for Soft Actuators. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2302816. [PMID: 37369361 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogel-based soft actuators can operate in sensitive environments, bridging the gap of rigid machines interacting with soft matter. However, while stimuli-responsive hydrogels can undergo extreme reversible volume changes of up to ≈90%, water transport in hydrogel actuators is in general limited by their poroelastic behavior. For poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) the actuation performance is even further compromised by the formation of a dense skin layer. Here it is shown, that incorporating a bioinspired microtube graphene network into a PNIPAM matrix with a total porosity of only 5.4% dramatically enhances actuation dynamics by up to ≈400% and actuation stress by ≈4000% without sacrificing the mechanical stability, overcoming the water transport limitations. The graphene network provides both untethered light-controlled and electrically powered actuation. It is anticipated that the concept provides a versatile platform for enhancing the functionality of soft matter by combining responsive and 2D materials, paving the way toward designing soft intelligent matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarethe Hauck
- Functional Nanomaterials, Department of Materials Science, Kiel University, 24143, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lena M Saure
- Functional Nanomaterials, Department of Materials Science, Kiel University, 24143, Kiel, Germany
| | - Berit Zeller-Plumhoff
- Institute of Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sören Kaps
- Functional Nanomaterials, Department of Materials Science, Kiel University, 24143, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jörg Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Caprice Mohr
- Functional Nanomaterials, Department of Materials Science, Kiel University, 24143, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lena Rieck
- Institute of Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Ali Shaygan Nia
- Department of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed), Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Xinliang Feng
- Department of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed), Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Nicola M Pugno
- Laboratory for Bioinspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials & Mechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, via Mesiano 77, Trento, I-38123, Italy
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Rainer Adelung
- Functional Nanomaterials, Department of Materials Science, Kiel University, 24143, Kiel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Fabian Schütt
- Functional Nanomaterials, Department of Materials Science, Kiel University, 24143, Kiel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, 24118, Kiel, Germany
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17
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Ge C, Xu D, Du H, Zhang X, Song Z, Zhao H, Chen Z, Song B, Shen Z, Gao C, Yan G, Xu W, Fang J. All-In-One Evaporators for Efficient Solar-Driven Simultaneous Collection of Water and Electricity. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300227. [PMID: 37254235 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The shortage of fossil fuels and freshwater resources has become a serious global issue. Using solar energy to extract clean water with a photothermal conversion technology is a green and sustainable desalination method. Integrated electricity generation during the desalination process maximizes energy utilization efficiency. Herein, a solar-driven steam and electricity generation (SSEG) system based on an all-in-one evaporator is prepared via a scalable technology. Carbon black is selected as the absorber for solar energy harvesting as well as the functional substance for simultaneous electricity generation. Fabric substrate with flexible structure, porous channel, and capillary effect is vital for directional brine supply, multiple solar absorption, and thermal management. The high evaporation rate (1.87 kg m-2 h-1 ) and voltage output (324 mV) can be achieved with an all-in-one device. The stable electricity output can be maintained over 40000 s. The SSEG performance remains constant after 15 operation cycles or 20 wash cycles. The integrated device balances excellent effectiveness and practicality, providing a viable path for clean desalination and electricity generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Ge
- College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Duo Xu
- College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Heng Du
- College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohan Zhang
- College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Zheheng Song
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Haoyue Zhao
- College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Ze Chen
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
| | - Beibei Song
- College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Zhuoer Shen
- College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Chong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
| | - Guilong Yan
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, P. R. China
| | - Weilin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
| | - Jian Fang
- College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
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18
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Hou G, Zhang X, Du F, Wu Y, Zhang X, Lei Z, Lu W, Zhang F, Yang G, Wang H, Liu Z, Wang R, Ge Q, Chen J, Meng G, Fang NX, Qian X. Self-regulated underwater phototaxis of a photoresponsive hydrogel-based phototactic vehicle. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023:10.1038/s41565-023-01490-4. [PMID: 37605045 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01490-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Incorporating a negative feedback loop in a synthetic material to enable complex self-regulative behaviours akin to living organisms remains a design challenge. Here we show that a hydrogel-based vehicle can follow the directions of photonic illumination with directional regulation inside a constraint-free, fluidic space. By manipulating the customized photothermal nanoparticles and the microscale pores in the polymeric matrix, we achieved strong chemomechanical deformation of the soft material. The vehicle swiftly assumes an optimal pose and creates directional flow around itself, which it follows to achieve robust full-space phototaxis. In addition, this phototaxis enables a series of complex underwater locomotions. We demonstrate that this versatility is generated by the synergy of photothermofluidic interactions resulting in closed-loop self-control and fast reconfigurability. The untethered, electronics-free, ambient-powered hydrogel vehicle manoeuvres through obstacles agilely, following illumination cues of moderate intensities, similar to that of natural sunlight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feihong Du
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yadong Wu
- Institute of Aerospace Propulsion, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feiyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huamiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyu Liu
- Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qi Ge
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiangping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nicholas X Fang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xiaoshi Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Xin C, Ren Z, Zhang L, Yang L, Wang D, Hu Y, Li J, Chu J, Zhang L, Wu D. Light-triggered multi-joint microactuator fabricated by two-in-one femtosecond laser writing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4273. [PMID: 37460571 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40038-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Inspired by the flexible joints of humans, actuators containing soft joints have been developed for various applications, including soft grippers, artificial muscles, and wearable devices. However, integrating multiple microjoints into soft robots at the micrometer scale to achieve multi-deformation modalities remains challenging. Here, we propose a two-in-one femtosecond laser writing strategy to fabricate microjoints composed of hydrogel and metal nanoparticles, and develop multi-joint microactuators with multi-deformation modalities (>10), requiring short response time (30 ms) and low actuation power (<10 mW) to achieve deformation. Besides, independent joint deformation control and linkage of multi-joint deformation, including co-planar and spatial linkage, enables the microactuator to reconstruct a variety of complex human-like modalities. Finally, as a proof of concept, the collection of multiple microcargos at different locations is achieved by a double-joint micro robotic arm. Our microactuators with multiple modalities will bring many potential application opportunities in microcargo collection, microfluid operation, and cell manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xin
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Zhongguo Ren
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Leran Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Minde Building, Renai Road, 215123, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yanlei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jiawen Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jiaru Chu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
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20
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Hu Z, Zhang Y, Jiang H, Lv JA. Bioinspired helical-artificial fibrous muscle structured tubular soft actuators. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh3350. [PMID: 37352358 PMCID: PMC10289666 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh3350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Biological tubular actuators show diverse deformations, which allow for sophisticated deformations with well-defined degrees of freedom (DOF). Nonetheless, synthetic active tubular soft actuators largely only exhibit few simple deformations with limited and undesignable DOF. Inspired by 3D fibrous architectures of tubular muscular hydrostats, we devised conceptually new helical-artificial fibrous muscle structured tubular soft actuators (HAFMS-TSAs) with locally tunable molecular orientations, materials, mechanics, and actuation via a modular fabrication platform using a programmable filament winding technique. Unprecedentedly, HAFMS-TSAs can be endowed with 11 different morphing modes through programmable regulation of their 3D helical fibrous architectures. We demonstrate a single "living" artificial plant rationally structured by HAFMS-TSAs exhibiting diverse photoresponsive behaviors that enable adaptive omnidirectional reorientation of its hierarchical 3D structures in the response to environmental irradiation, resembling morphing intelligence of living plants in reacting to changing environments. Our methodology would be significantly beneficial for developing sophisticated soft actuators with designable and tunable DOF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Hu
- Key Laboratory of 3D Micro/Nano Fabrication and Characterization of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanlin Zhang
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hanqing Jiang
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiu-an Lv
- Key Laboratory of 3D Micro/Nano Fabrication and Characterization of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
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21
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Li S, Cai Z, Han J, Ma Y, Tong Z, Wang M, Xiao L, Jia S, Chen X. Fast-response photothermal bilayer actuator based on poly( N-isopropylacrylamide)-graphene oxide-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/polydimethylsiloxane. RSC Adv 2023; 13:18090-18098. [PMID: 37323431 PMCID: PMC10267671 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra03213b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Demands for highly deformable and responsive intelligent actuators are increasing rapidly. Herein, a photothermal bilayer actuator consisting of a photothermal-responsive composite hydrogel layer and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer is presented. The photothermal-responsive composite hydrogel is prepared by compositing hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and the photothermal material graphene oxide (GO) with the thermal-responsive hydrogel poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). The HEMA improves the transport efficiency of water molecules inside the hydrogel network, eliciting a fast response and large deformation, facilitating greater bending behavior of the bilayer actuator, and improving the mechanical and tensile properties of the hydrogel. Moreover, GO enhances the mechanical properties and the photothermal conversion efficiency of the hydrogel in the thermal environment. This photothermal bilayer actuator can be driven under various conditions, such as hot solution, simulated sunlight, and laser, and can achieve large bending deformation with desirable tensile properties, broadening the application conditions for bilayer actuators, such as artificial muscles, bionic actuators, and soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Zhuo Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Jiemin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Yifei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Zhaomin Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Mei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Liantuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Suotang Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Xuyuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
- Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Department of Microsystems, University of Southeast Norway Borre N-3184 Norway
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22
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Huang X, Li L, Zhao X, Zhang J. Highly Salt-Resistant interfacial solar evaporators based on Melamine@Silicone nanoparticles for stable Long-Term desalination and water harvesting. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 646:141-149. [PMID: 37187047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Interfacial solar-driven evaporation (ISE) is one of the most promising solutions for collecting fresh water, however, poor salt-resistance severely limits the long-term stability of solar evaporators. Here, highly salt-resistant solar evaporators for stable long-term desalination and water harvesting were fabricated by depositing silicone nanoparticles onto melamine sponge, and then modifying the hybrid sponge sequentially with polypyrrole and Au nanoparticles. The solar evaporators have a superhydrophilic hull for water transport and solar desalination, and a superhydrophobic nucleus for reducing heat loss. Spontaneous rapid salt exchange and reduction in salt concentration gradient were achieved due to ultrafast water transport and replenishment in the superhydrophilic hull with a hierachical micro-/nanostructure, which effectively prevents salt deposition during ISE. Consequently, the solar evaporators have long-term stable evaporation performance of 1.65 kg m-2h-1 for 3.5 wt% NaCl solution under 1 sun illumination. Moreover, 12.87 kg m-2 fresh water was collected during consecutive 10 h ISE of 20 wt% brine under 1 sun without any salt precipitation. We believe that this strategy will shed a new light on the design of long-term stable solar evaporators for fresh water harvesting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Petrochemical Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Center of Eco-Material and Green Chemistry, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Lingxiao Li
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China; Center of Eco-Material and Green Chemistry, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Petrochemical Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Junping Zhang
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China; Center of Eco-Material and Green Chemistry, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
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23
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Zhao Y, Li Q, Liu Z, Alsaid Y, Shi P, Khalid Jawed M, He X. Sunlight-powered self-excited oscillators for sustainable autonomous soft robotics. Sci Robot 2023; 8:eadf4753. [PMID: 37075101 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adf4753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
As the field of soft robotics advances, full autonomy becomes highly sought after, especially if robot motion can be powered by environmental energy. This would present a self-sustained approach in terms of both energy supply and motion control. Now, autonomous movement can be realized by leveraging out-of-equilibrium oscillatory motion of stimuli-responsive polymers under a constant light source. It would be more advantageous if environmental energy could be scavenged to power robots. However, generating oscillation becomes challenging under the limited power density of available environmental energy sources. Here, we developed fully autonomous soft robots with self-sustainability based on self-excited oscillation. Aided by modeling, we have successfully reduced the required input power density to around one-Sun level through a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE)-based bilayer structure. The autonomous motion of the low-intensity LCE/elastomer bilayer oscillator "LiLBot" under low energy supply was achieved by high photothermal conversion, low modulus, and high material responsiveness simultaneously. The LiLBot features tunable peak-to-peak amplitudes from 4 to 72 degrees and frequencies from 0.3 to 11 hertz. The oscillation approach offers a strategy for designing autonomous, untethered, and sustainable small-scale soft robots, such as a sailboat, walker, roller, and synchronized flapping wings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusen Zhao
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Qiaofeng Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Zixiao Liu
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Yousif Alsaid
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Pengju Shi
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Mohammad Khalid Jawed
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Ximin He
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
- California Nanosystems Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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24
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Li N, Sun WJ, Wang YY, Yan DX, Li ZM. A programable biomimetic actuator with large and reversible deformation based on commercial poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate). POLYMER 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.125591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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25
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Sun M, Hao B, Yang S, Wang X, Majidi C, Zhang L. Exploiting ferrofluidic wetting for miniature soft machines. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7919. [PMID: 36564394 PMCID: PMC9789085 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35646-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Miniature magnetic soft machines could significantly impact minimally invasive robotics and biomedical applications. However, most soft machines are limited to solid magnetic materials, whereas further progress also relies on fluidic constructs obtained by reconfiguring liquid magnetic materials, such as ferrofluid. Here we show how harnessing the wettability of ferrofluids allows for controlled reconfigurability and the ability to create versatile soft machines. The ferrofluid droplet exhibits multimodal motions, and a single droplet can be controlled to split into multiple sub-droplets and then re-fuse back on demand. The soft droplet machine can negotiate changing terrains in unstructured environments. In addition, the ferrofluid droplets can be configured as a liquid capsule, enabling cargo delivery; a wireless omnidirectional liquid cilia matrix capable of pumping biofluids; and a wireless liquid skin, allowing multiple types of miniature soft machine construction. This work improves small magnetic soft machines' achievable complexity and boosts their future biomedical applications capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Sun
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bo Hao
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shihao Yang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xin Wang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carmel Majidi
- grid.147455.60000 0001 2097 0344Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Li Zhang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Chow Yuk Ho Technology Center for Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482CUHK T Stone Robotics Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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26
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Zhang F, Yang M, Xu X, Liu X, Liu H, Jiang L, Wang S. Unperceivable motion mimicking hygroscopic geometric reshaping of pine cones. NATURE MATERIALS 2022; 21:1357-1365. [PMID: 36357689 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01391-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The hygroscopic deformation of pine cones, featured by opening and closing their scales depending on the environmental humidity, is a well-known stimuli-responsive model system for artificial actuators. However, it has not been noted that the deformation of pine cones is an ultra-slow process. Here, we reveal that vascular bundles with unique parallelly arranged spring/square microtubular heterostructures dominate the hygroscopic movement, characterized as ultra-slow motion with the outer sclereids. The spring microtubes give a much larger hygroscopic deformation than that of the square microtubes along the longitudinal axis direction, which bends the vascular bundles and consequently drives the scales to move. The outer sclereids with good water retention enable the vascular-bundle-triggered deformation to proceed ultra-slowly. Drawing inspiration, we developed soft actuators enabling controllable yet unperceivable motion. The motion velocity is almost two orders of magnitude lower than that of the same-class actuators reported, which made the as-developed soft actuators applicable in camouflage and reconnaissance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feilong Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Man Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xuetao Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xi Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Huan Liu
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, Beihang University, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Lei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, Beihang University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shutao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China.
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27
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Cao Y, Feng X, Wang S, Li Q, Li X, Li H, Hong W, Duan H, Lv P. Multiple configuration transitions of soft actuators under single external stimulus. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:8633-8640. [PMID: 36341857 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01058e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators have a wide range of applications in medical instruments, soft robotics, 3D electronics, and deployable structures, where configuration transitions are crucial for their function realization. However, most soft actuators can only morph from the initial configuration directly to the final configuration under a single external stimulus. Herein, we report a novel soft actuator by 3D printing parallel strips with crescent cross-sections onto a thin PDMS film. Multiple configuration transitions are observed when the soft actuator swells in ethyl acetate. Four factors, i.e., the geometric asymmetry of the strips, the fabrication-induced heterogeneity of the film, the differential swelling ratios of the strips and the film, and the geometric parameters of the actuator, are demonstrated to synergistically regulate the multiple configuration transitions of the actuator. Particularly, the underlying mechanisms for the configuration transitions are systematically investigated through experiments and theoretical analysis, and verified via finite element simulation. Benefitting from the multiple configuration transitions, the grasp-release-re-grab function of the actuator is demonstrated under a single stimulus. This work contributes to fundamental understanding of the morphing behaviors and the novel design of soft actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
- CAPT, HEDPS and IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center of MoE, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xianke Feng
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.
| | - Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Xiying Li
- State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Hongyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
- CAPT, HEDPS and IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center of MoE, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Huiling Duan
- State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
- CAPT, HEDPS and IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center of MoE, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Pengyu Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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28
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Dinker MK, Zhao K, Dai Z, Ding L, Liu X, Sun L. Porous Liquids Responsive to Light**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202212326. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202212326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar Dinker
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM) College of Chemical Engineering Nanjing Tech University Nanjing 211816 China
| | - Kan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM) College of Chemical Engineering Nanjing Tech University Nanjing 211816 China
| | - Zhengxing Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM) College of Chemical Engineering Nanjing Tech University Nanjing 211816 China
| | - Lifeng Ding
- Department of Chemistry Xi'an JiaoTong-Liverpool University Suzhou 215123 Jiangsu China
| | - Xiao‐Qin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM) College of Chemical Engineering Nanjing Tech University Nanjing 211816 China
| | - Lin‐Bing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM) College of Chemical Engineering Nanjing Tech University Nanjing 211816 China
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29
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Ko J, Kim C, Kim D, Song Y, Lee S, Yeom B, Huh J, Han S, Kang D, Koh JS, Cho J. High-performance electrified hydrogel actuators based on wrinkled nanomembrane electrodes for untethered insect-scale soft aquabots. Sci Robot 2022; 7:eabo6463. [DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abo6463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels have diverse chemical properties and can exhibit reversibly large mechanical deformations in response to external stimuli; these characteristics suggest that hydrogels are promising materials for soft robots. However, reported actuators based on hydrogels generally suffer from slow response speed and/or poor controllability due to intrinsic material limitations and electrode fabrication technologies. Here, we report a hydrogel actuator that operates at low voltages (<3 volts) with high performance (strain > 50%, energy density > 7 × 10
5
joules per cubic meter, and power density > 3 × 10
4
watts per cubic meter), surpassing existing hydrogel actuators and other types of electroactive soft actuators. The enhanced performance of our actuator is due to the formation of wrinkled nanomembrane electrodes that exhibit high conductivity and excellent mechanical deformation through capillary-assisted assembly of metal nanoparticles and deswelling-induced wrinkled structures. By applying an electric potential through the wrinkled nanomembrane electrodes that sandwich the hydrogel, we were able to trigger a reversible and substantial electroosmotic water flow inside a hydrogel film, which drove the controlled swelling of the hydrogel. The high energy efficiency and power density of our wrinkled nanomembrane electrode–induced actuator enabled the fabrication of an untethered insect-scale aquabot integrated with an on-board control unit demonstrating maneuverability with fast locomotion speed (1.02 body length per second), which occupies only 2% of the total mass of the robot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongkuk Ko
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Changhwan Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongkwon Song
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokmin Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Bongjun Yeom
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - June Huh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyong Han
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeshik Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Sung Koh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhan Cho
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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30
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Tran TS, Balu R, Mettu S, Roy Choudhury N, Dutta NK. 4D Printing of Hydrogels: Innovation in Material Design and Emerging Smart Systems for Drug Delivery. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15101282. [PMID: 36297394 PMCID: PMC9609121 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in the material design of smart hydrogels have transformed the way therapeutic agents are encapsulated and released in biological environments. On the other hand, the expeditious development of 3D printing technologies has revolutionized the fabrication of hydrogel systems for biomedical applications. By combining these two aspects, 4D printing (i.e., 3D printing of smart hydrogels) has emerged as a new promising platform for the development of novel controlled drug delivery systems that can adapt and mimic natural physio-mechanical changes over time. This allows printed objects to transform from static to dynamic in response to various physiological and chemical interactions, meeting the needs of the healthcare industry. In this review, we provide an overview of innovation in material design for smart hydrogel systems, current technical approaches toward 4D printing, and emerging 4D printed novel structures for drug delivery applications. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges in 4D printing hydrogels for drug delivery and their prospects.
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31
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Tu Z, Wang J, Liu W, Chen Z, Huang J, Li J, Lou H, Qiu X. A fast-response biomimetic phototropic material built by a coordination-assisted photothermal domino strategy. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:2613-2625. [PMID: 35959764 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh00859a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fast-response artificial phototropic materials are a promising tool for solar energy utilisation, yet their preparation remains challenging. Herein, we report the so-called photothermal domino strategy for constructing fast-response artificial phototropic materials. In this strategy, photothermal generation, heat conduction and thermal actuation are sequentially optimised by a coordination effect. For the first time, lignin-based organic radicals boosted by this coordination effect are used to significantly enhance photothermal conversion. Interfacial coordination bonds between lignin and an elastomer matrix promote interfacial heat conduction. Light-stimulated thermal actuation is significantly improved by coordination-assisted mechanical training. The prepared biomimetic phototropic material exhibits excellent phototropic ability, with a 2.5 s light-tracking process, showing great application potential for efficient solar energy utilisation. This strategy shows great significance for fabricating high-performance intelligent phototropic materials using widely available, green raw materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikai Tu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Green Chemical Product Technology, State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China.
| | - Jin Wang
- The National Engineering Research Center of Novel Equipment for Polymer Processing, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| | - Weifeng Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Green Chemical Product Technology, State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China.
| | - Zhijun Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials and Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science & Technology Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, P. R. China
| | - Jinhao Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Green Chemical Product Technology, State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China.
| | - Jinxing Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Green Chemical Product Technology, State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China.
| | - Hongming Lou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Green Chemical Product Technology, State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China.
| | - Xueqing Qiu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.
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32
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Bio-Inspired Robots and Structures toward Fostering the Modernization of Agriculture. Biomimetics (Basel) 2022; 7:biomimetics7020069. [PMID: 35735585 PMCID: PMC9220914 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics7020069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomimetics is the interdisciplinary cooperation of biology and technology that offers solutions to practical problems by analyzing biological systems and transferring their principles into applications. This review article focused on biomimetic innovations, including bio-inspired soft robots and swarm robots that could serve multiple functions, including the harvesting of fruits, pest control, and crop management. The research demonstrated commercially available biomimetic innovations, including robot bees by Arugga AI Farming and the Robotriks Traction Unit (RTU) precision farming equipment. Additionally, soft robotic systems have made it possible to mitigate the risk of surface bruises, rupture, the crushing destruction of plant tissue, and plastic deformation in the harvesting of fruits with a soft rind such as apples, cherries, pears, stone fruits, kiwifruit, mandarins, cucumbers, peaches, and pome. Even though the smart farming technologies, which were developed to mimic nature, could help prevent climate change and enhance the intensification of agriculture, there are concerns about long-term ecological impact, cost, and their inability to complement natural processes such as pollination. Despite the problems, the market for bio-inspired technologies with potential agricultural applications to modernize farming and solve the abovementioned challenges has increased exponentially. Future research and development should lead to low-cost FEA robotic grippers and FEA-tendon-driven grippers for crop harvesting. In brief, soft robots and swarm robotics have immense potential in agriculture.
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33
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Pan Y, Yang Z, Li C, Hassan SU, Shum HC. Plant-inspired TransfOrigami microfluidics. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo1719. [PMID: 35507654 PMCID: PMC9067916 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo1719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The healthy functioning of the plants' vasculature depends on their ability to respond to environmental changes. In contrast, synthetic microfluidic systems have rarely demonstrated this environmental responsiveness. Plants respond to environmental stimuli through nastic movement, which inspires us to introduce transformable microfluidics: By embedding stimuli-responsive materials, the microfluidic device can respond to temperature, humidity, and light irradiance. Furthermore, by designing a foldable geometry, these responsive movements can follow the preset origami transformation. We term this device TransfOrigami microfluidics (TOM) to highlight the close connection between its transformation and the origami structure. TOM can be used as an environmentally adaptive photomicroreactor. It senses the environmental stimuli and feeds them back positively into photosynthetic conversion through morphological transformation. The principle behind this morphable microsystem can potentially be extended to applications that require responsiveness between the environment and the devices, such as dynamic artificial vascular networks and shape-adaptive flexible electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Pan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhenyu Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chang Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sammer Ul Hassan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Corresponding author.
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34
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Li S, Lerch MM, Waters JT, Deng B, Martens RS, Yao Y, Kim DY, Bertoldi K, Grinthal A, Balazs AC, Aizenberg J. Self-regulated non-reciprocal motions in single-material microstructures. Nature 2022; 605:76-83. [PMID: 35508775 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04561-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Living cilia stir, sweep and steer via swirling strokes of complex bending and twisting, paired with distinct reverse arcs1,2. Efforts to mimic such dynamics synthetically rely on multimaterial designs but face limits to programming arbitrary motions or diverse behaviours in one structure3-8. Here we show how diverse, complex, non-reciprocal, stroke-like trajectories emerge in a single-material system through self-regulation. When a micropost composed of photoresponsive liquid crystal elastomer with mesogens aligned oblique to the structure axis is exposed to a static light source, dynamic dances evolve as light initiates a travelling order-to-disorder transition front, transiently turning the structure into a complex evolving bimorph that twists and bends via multilevel opto-chemo-mechanical feedback. As captured by our theoretical model, the travelling front continuously reorients the molecular, geometric and illumination axes relative to each other, yielding pathways composed from series of twisting, bending, photophobic and phototropic motions. Guided by the model, here we choreograph a wide range of trajectories by tailoring parameters, including illumination angle, light intensity, molecular anisotropy, microstructure geometry, temperature and irradiation intervals and duration. We further show how this opto-chemo-mechanical self-regulation serves as a foundation for creating self-organizing deformation patterns in closely spaced microstructure arrays via light-mediated interpost communication, as well as complex motions of jointed microstructures, with broad implications for autonomous multimodal actuators in areas such as soft robotics7,9,10, biomedical devices11,12 and energy transduction materials13, and for fundamental understanding of self-regulated systems14,15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shucong Li
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael M Lerch
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - James T Waters
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bolei Deng
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Reese S Martens
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yuxing Yao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Do Yoon Kim
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Katia Bertoldi
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alison Grinthal
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anna C Balazs
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joanna Aizenberg
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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35
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Qi Y, Zhou C, Qiu Y, Cao X, Niu W, Wu S, Zheng Y, Ma W, Ye H, Zhang S. Biomimetic Janus photonic soft actuator with structural color self-reporting. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:1243-1252. [PMID: 35080571 DOI: 10.1039/d1mh01693h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators with variable signal/color play an important role in the fields of targeted locomotion, artificial phototropism, drug screening, cargo transportation, and interactive sensing. The ability to achieve rapid response, large curvature, wide bending angle, and full-color display continues to be an unresolved challenge for artificial actuating materials. Inspired by the angle-dependent structural color of broad-tailed hummingbird and the Janus wettability of the lotus leaf, a Janus photonic soft actuator (JPSA) was fabricated by integrating an underwater super-oleophilic copper micro-nano array and oil-phobic inverse opal through a Laplace channel. The JPSA exhibits unidirectional permeability to underwater oil droplets. Attractively, with the combination of a swellable super-oleophilic surface and photonic crystals, JPSAs were endowed with oil-controlled reversible bending behavior with self-reporting angle-dependent color indication. We described for the first time the directional actuating mechanism induced by underwater oil unidirectional penetration and revealed the corresponding actuating kinetics and the inner-stress distribution/transfer by using structural color. As an extension of such theory, a rapid responsive JPSA with a wide bending angle and full-color self-reporting is further fabricated. This work provides an efficient strategy for oil directional transportation and separation in aqueous media and inspires the fabrication of a soft actuator/sensor with structural color self-reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Changtong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yisong Qiu
- International Research Center for Computational Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Faculty of Vehicle Engineering and Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xianfei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Wenbin Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Suli Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yonggang Zheng
- International Research Center for Computational Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Faculty of Vehicle Engineering and Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Wei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Hongfei Ye
- International Research Center for Computational Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Faculty of Vehicle Engineering and Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Shufen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
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Xia N, Jin B, Jin D, Yang Z, Pan C, Wang Q, Ji F, Iacovacci V, Majidi C, Ding Y, Zhang L. Decoupling and Reprogramming the Wiggling Motion of Midge Larvae Using a Soft Robotic Platform. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2109126. [PMID: 35196405 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The efficient motility of invertebrates helps them survive under evolutionary pressures. Reconstructing the locomotion of invertebrates and decoupling the influence of individual basic motion are crucial for understanding their underlying mechanisms, which, however, generally remain a challenge due to the complexity of locomotion gaits. Herein, a magnetic soft robot to reproduce midge larva's key natural swimming gaits is developed, and the coupling effect between body curling and rotation on motility is investigated. Through the authors' systematically decoupling studies using programmed magnetic field inputs, the soft robot (named LarvaBot) experiences various coupled gaits, including biomimetic side-to-side flexures, and unveils that the optimal rotation amplitude and the synchronization of curling and rotation greatly enhance its motility. The LarvaBot achieves fast locomotion and upstream capability at the moderate Reynolds number regime. The soft robotics-based platform provides new insight to decouple complex biological locomotion, and design programmed swimming gaits for the fast locomotion of soft-bodied swimmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neng Xia
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Bowen Jin
- Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Dongdong Jin
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Zhengxin Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Chengfeng Pan
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Fengtong Ji
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Veronica Iacovacci
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, 56025, Italy
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Soft Machines Lab, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yang Ding
- Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- Chow Yuk Ho Technology Center for Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- CUHK T Stone Robotics Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
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Paikar A, Novichkov AI, Hanopolskyi AI, Smaliak VA, Sui X, Kampf N, Skorb EV, Semenov SN. Spatiotemporal Regulation of Hydrogel Actuators by Autocatalytic Reaction Networks. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2106816. [PMID: 34910837 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202106816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Regulating hydrogel actuators with chemical reaction networks is instrumental for constructing life-inspired smart materials. Herein, hydrogel actuators are engineered that are regulated by the autocatalytic front of thiols. The actuators consist of two layers. The first layer, which is regular polyacrylamide hydrogel, is in a strained conformation. The second layer, which is polyacrylamide hydrogel with disulfide crosslinks, maintains strain in the first layer. When thiols released by the autocatalytic front reduce disulfide crosslinks, the hydrogel actuates by releasing the mechanical strain in the first layer. The autocatalytic front is sustained by the reaction network, which uses thiouronium salts, disulfides of β-aminothiols, and maleimide as starting components. The gradual actuation by the autocatalytic front enables movements such as gradual unrolling, screwing, and sequential closing of "fingers." This actuation also allows the transmission of chemical signals in a relay fashion and the conversion of a chemical signal to an electrical signal. Locations and times of spontaneous initiation of autocatalytic fronts can be preprogrammed in the spatial distribution of the reactants in the hydrogel. To approach the functionality of living matter, the actuators triggered by an autocatalytic front can be integrated into smart materials regulated by chemical circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Paikar
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Alexander I Novichkov
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Anton I Hanopolskyi
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Viktoryia A Smaliak
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Xiaomeng Sui
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Nir Kampf
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Ekaterina V Skorb
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, 191002, Russia
| | - Sergey N Semenov
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
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38
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Yan X, Chen Q, Huo Z, Zhang N, Ma M. Programmable Multistimuli-Responsive and Multimodal Polymer Actuator Based on a Designed Energy Transduction Network. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:13768-13777. [PMID: 35262326 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A polymer actuator typically responds to only one or two types of stimuli, where sensing and actuation are simultaneously exerted by the same responsive polymer. In cells, sensing and actuation are exerted separately by different biomolecules, which are integrated into nanoscale assemblies to construct the signaling network, making cells a multistimuli responsive and multimodal system. Inspired by the structure-function relationship of the signaling network in cells, we have developed a strategy to select and assemble proper functional polymers into assemblies, where sensing and actuation are exerted by different polymers, and the assemblies can present novel functions beyond that of each polymer component. Three polymers [polyaniline, PANi; poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), PNIPAm; and polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS] are integrated as nodes into a simple energy transduction network, which can be regulated by three molecular factors (pH, kosmotropic anions, and polyethylene glycol). PANi converts the light or electric stimulus into heat, which triggers the actuation of PNIPAm and PDMS. Relying on this energy transduction network, the polymer assembly can respond to six types of stimuli (light, electricity, temperature, water, ions, and organic solvents) and perform different actuation modes, serving as a powerful actuator. Programmable complex deformation upon multiple simultaneous or sequential stimuli has also been achieved by this actuator. An adaptive gripper to catch thin objects and a self-regulating switch to maintain environmental humidity illustrate the wide potential of this actuator for next-generation smart materials and soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiunan Yan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Hamburg 22607, Germany
| | - Ziyu Huo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Mingming Ma
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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39
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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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40
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Zhang J, Sun D, Zhang B, Sun Q, Zhang Y, Liu S, Wang Y, Liu C, Chen J, Chen J, Song Y, Liu X. Intrinsic carbon nanotube liquid crystalline elastomer photoactuators for high-definition biomechanics. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:1045-1056. [PMID: 35040453 DOI: 10.1039/d1mh01810h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Photoresponsive soft actuators with the unique merits of flexibility, contactless operation, and remote control have huge potential in technological applications of bionic robotics and biomedical devices. Herein, a facile strategy was proposed to prepare an intrinsically-photoresponsive elastomer by chemically grafting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into a thermally-sensitive liquid-crystalline elastomer (LCE) network. Highly effective dispersion and nematic orientation of CNTs in the intrinsic LCE matrix were observed to yield anchoring energies ranging from 1.65 × 10-5 J m-2 to 5.49 × 10-7 J m-2, which significantly enhanced the mechanical and photothermal properties of the photoresponsive elastomer. When embedding an ultralow loading of CNTs (0.1 wt%), the tensile strength of the LCE increased by 420% to 13.89 MPa (||) and 530% to 3.94 MPa (⊥) and exhibited a stable response to repeated alternating cooling and heating cycles, as well as repeated UV and infrared irradiation. Furthermore, the shape transformation, locomotion, and photo-actuation capabilities allow the CNT/LCE actuator to be applied in high-definition biomechanical applications, such as phototactic flowers, serpentine robots and artificial muscles. This design strategy may provide a promising method to manufacture high-precision, remote-control smart devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juzhong Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Dandan Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Bin Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Qingqing Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- Center of Advanced Analysis & Gene Sequencing, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shuiren Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Yaming Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing & Mold, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chuntai Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing & Mold, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jinzhou Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Jingbo Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Yanlin Song
- Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongguancun North First Street 2, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xuying Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Wang H, Zhang C, Ji X, Yang J, Zhang Z, Ma Y, Zhang Z, Zhou B, Shen J, Du A. Over 11 kg m -2 h -1 Evaporation Rate Achieved by Cooling Metal-Organic Framework Foam with Pine Needle-Like Hierarchical Structures to Subambient Temperature. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:10257-10266. [PMID: 35170310 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c20769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Solar steam generation has become a hot research topic because of its great potential to alleviate the drinking water crisis without extra energy input. Although some efforts focusing on designing spatial geometry have been made to multiply the evaporation performances of up-to-date three-dimensional evaporators, they still have some shortcomings, such as low material and space utilization efficiencies, complex spatial geometry, energy loss due to the hot solar absorption surface, and salt crystallization due to inefficient water supply. Herein, a biomimetic copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-Cu(OH)2-MOF) foam sheet with interconnected pores and pine needle-like hierarchical structures consisting of Cu(OH)2 nanowires and MOF nanowhiskers is fabricated. The pine needle-like hierarchical structures of Cu-Cu(OH)2-MOF foam contribute to absorbing solar energy and supplying sufficient water by trapping incident light and enhancing the capillary force, respectively. Inspired by drying clothes outside under solar irradiation, through exposing one end of the Cu-Cu(OH)2-MOF foam to air, the biface evaporator achieves a subambient evaporation surface temperature and an evaporation rate of up to 3.27 kg m-2 h-1 under only one sun illumination. Furthermore, when coupled with an air flow, the biface evaporator realizes an excellent evaporation rate of 11.58 kg m-2 h-1 with an energy efficiency of 160.07% even in seawater, ensuring its great application prospect to be used in drinking water production and seawater desalination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqiang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
| | - Xiujie Ji
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
| | - Jianming Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
| | - Zehui Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
| | - Yi Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
| | - Jun Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
| | - Ai Du
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
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Abstract
Progress in optical manipulation has stimulated remarkable advances in a wide range of fields, including materials science, robotics, medical engineering, and nanotechnology. This Review focuses on an emerging class of optical manipulation techniques, termed heat-mediated optical manipulation. In comparison to conventional optical tweezers that rely on a tightly focused laser beam to trap objects, heat-mediated optical manipulation techniques exploit tailorable optothermo-matter interactions and rich mass transport dynamics to enable versatile control of matter of various compositions, shapes, and sizes. In addition to conventional tweezing, more distinct manipulation modes, including optothermal pulling, nudging, rotating, swimming, oscillating, and walking, have been demonstrated to enhance the functionalities using simple and low-power optics. We start with an introduction to basic physics involved in heat-mediated optical manipulation, highlighting major working mechanisms underpinning a variety of manipulation techniques. Next, we categorize the heat-mediated optical manipulation techniques based on different working mechanisms and discuss working modes, capabilities, and applications for each technique. We conclude this Review with our outlook on current challenges and future opportunities in this rapidly evolving field of heat-mediated optical manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Chen
- Materials Science & Engineering Program, Texas Materials Institute, and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jingang Li
- Materials Science & Engineering Program, Texas Materials Institute, and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Yuebing Zheng
- Materials Science & Engineering Program, Texas Materials Institute, and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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43
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Ge Q, Jian B, Li H. Shaping soft materials via digital light processing-based 3D printing: A review. FORCES IN MECHANICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.finmec.2022.100074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Li L, Li Q, Feng Y, Chen K, Zhang J. Melamine/Silicone Hybrid Sponges with Controllable Microstructure and Wettability for Efficient Solar-Driven Interfacial Desalination. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:2360-2368. [PMID: 34951538 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c20734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) has received extensive attention as a very promising desalination technique to solve the fresh water shortage crisis. However, evaporation rate decline and salt-fouling during long-term SIE seriously hinder applications of solar evaporators. Here, we report the preparation of melamine/silicone (MS) hybrid sponges with controllable microstructure and wettability for efficient SIE by further combination with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The MS sponges are synthesized by hydrolytic condensation and phase separation of two silanes in the melamine sponge. The microstructure and wettability of the MS sponges are highly controllable by the silanes concentration. The CNTs@MS solar evaporators have a unique three-tier hierarchical macro-/micro-/nanostructure, very low thermal conductivity as well as a superhydrophilic hull and a superhydrophobic nucleus. Consequently, the CNTs@MS solar evaporators show a highly stable evaporation rate of ∼1.75 kg m-2 h-1 without any salt precipitation during a long-term cyclic solar desalination of 3.5 wt % NaCl solution under 1 sun illumination. Furthermore, salt precipitation is completely hindered even during SIE of 20 wt % NaCl solution under 1 sun. The CNTs@MS solar evaporators are very promising for practical SIE because of their excellent performance and simple preparation method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiao Li
- Center of Eco-Material and Green Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 730000 Lanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Qingwei Li
- Center of Eco-Material and Green Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 730000 Lanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yange Feng
- Center of Eco-Material and Green Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 730000 Lanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Kai Chen
- Center of Eco-Material and Green Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 730000 Lanzhou, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Junping Zhang
- Center of Eco-Material and Green Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 730000 Lanzhou, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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45
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Xia X, Spadaccini CM, Greer JR. Responsive materials architected in space and time. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2022; 7:683-701. [PMID: 35757102 PMCID: PMC9208549 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-022-00450-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Rationally designed architected materials have attained previously untapped territories in materials property space. The properties and behaviours of architected materials need not be stagnant after fabrication; they can be encoded with a temporal degree of freedom such that they evolve over time. In this Review, we describe the variety of materials architected in both space and time, and their responses to various stimuli, including mechanical actuation, changes in temperature and chemical environment, and variations in electromagnetic fields. We highlight the additive manufacturing methods that can precisely prescribe complex geometries and local inhomogeneities to make such responsiveness possible. We discuss the emergent physics phenomena observed in architected materials that are analogous to those in classical materials, such as the formation and behaviour of defects, phase transformations and topologically protected properties. Finally, we offer a perspective on the future of architected materials that have a degree of intelligence through mechanical logic and artificial neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxing Xia
- Center for Engineered Materials and Manufacturing, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA USA
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA USA
| | - Christopher M. Spadaccini
- Center for Engineered Materials and Manufacturing, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA USA
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA USA
| | - Julia R. Greer
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
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46
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Li D, Zhou C, Meng Y, Chen C, Yu C, Long Y, Li S. Deformable Thermo-Responsive Smart Windows Based on a Shape Memory Polymer for Adaptive Solar Modulations. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:61196-61204. [PMID: 34918896 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c19273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Thermo-responsive smart windows that control solar transmission are expected to be the promising solution to excessive building energy consumption and overheating of solar cell devices. The two performance indices, namely, the luminous transmission (Tlum) and the solar modulation (ΔTsol), are often intrinsically limited by conventional thermo-responsive materials, which restrict their applications in smart windows. Alternatively, constructing a deformable surface morphology of smart windows can be an effective strategy to modulate the solar transmission. Here, we report a new category of thermo-responsive smart windows with a deformable surface morphology, which can be custom designed to achieve both desirable ΔTsol and Tlum according to the sunlight incident angles of actual applications. This design is based on a thermo-responsive shape memory polymer and an optical coating, which is termed the butterfly-wing-like smart window (BSW). The BSW reversibly transforms from a temporary shape of flat topography to a predefined original shape of tilted configuration upon heating. It is demonstrated that the BSW has a high ΔTsol of 32.6% and an excellent Tlum(average) of 64.5%. This work provides a new design strategy and mechanism for thermo-responsive smart windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue,Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Chengzhi Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue,Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Energy Research Institute @ NTU, Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553, Singapore
| | - Yun Meng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue,Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Chao Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue,Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Chengjiao Yu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Yi Long
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue,Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Shuzhou Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue,Singapore 639798, Singapore
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47
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Giving Penetrable Remote-Control Ability to Thermoresponsive Fibrous Composite Actuator with Fast Response Induced by Alternative Magnetic Field. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 12:nano12010053. [PMID: 35010003 PMCID: PMC8746523 DOI: 10.3390/nano12010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
An alternative magnetic field (AMF)-induced electrospun fibrous thermoresponsive composite actuator showing penetrable remote-control ability with fast response is shown here for the first time. The built-in heater of magnetothermal Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the actuator and the porous structure of the fibrous layer contribute to a fast actuation with a curvature of 0.4 mm−1 in 2 s. The higher loading amount of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles and higher magnetic field strength result in a faster actuation. Interestingly, the composite actuator showed a similar actuation even when it was covered by a piece of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film, which shows a penetrable remote-control ability.
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48
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Lei C, Guo Y, Guan W, Yu G. Polymeric materials for solar water purification. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuxin Lei
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, Texas Materials Institute The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Youhong Guo
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, Texas Materials Institute The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Weixin Guan
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, Texas Materials Institute The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Guihua Yu
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, Texas Materials Institute The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
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49
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Li Z, Myung NV, Yin Y. Light-powered soft steam engines for self-adaptive oscillation and biomimetic swimming. Sci Robot 2021; 6:eabi4523. [PMID: 34851711 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abi4523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oscillation plays a vital role in the survival of living organisms in changing environments, and its relevant research has inspired many biomimetic approaches to soft autonomous robotics. However, it remains challenging to create mechanical oscillation that can work under constant energy input and actively adjust the oscillation mode. Here, a steam-driven photothermal oscillator operating under constant light irradiation has been developed to perform continuous or pulsed, damped harmonic mechanical oscillations. The key component of the oscillator comprises a hydrogel containing Fe3O4/Cu hybrid nanorods, which can convert light into heat and generate steam bubbles. Controllable perturbation to the thermomechanical equilibrium of the oscillator can thus be achieved, leading to either continuous or pulsed oscillation depending on the light intensity. Resembling the conventional heat steam engine, this environment-dictated multimodal oscillator uses steam as the working fluid, enabling the design of self-adaptive soft robots that can actively adjust their body functions and working modes in response to environmental changes. An untethered biomimetic neuston-like robot is further developed based on this soft steam engine, which can adapt its locomotion mechanics between uniform and recurrent swimming to light intensity changes and perform on-demand turning under continuous light irradiation. Fueled by water and remotely powered by light, this unique hydrogel oscillator enables easy control over the oscillation dynamics and modes, offering an effective approach to self-adaptive soft robots and solar steam engines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Nosang Vincent Myung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Yadong Yin
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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50
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Responsive and self-healing structural color supramolecular hydrogel patch for diabetic wound treatment. Bioact Mater 2021; 15:194-202. [PMID: 35386338 PMCID: PMC8940762 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of diabetic wounds remains a great challenge for medical community. Here, we present a novel structural color supramolecular hydrogel patch for diabetic wound treatment. This hydrogel patch was created by using N-acryloyl glycinamide (NAGA) and 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole (VTZ) mixed supramolecular hydrogel as the inverse opal scaffold, and temperature responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel loaded with vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) as a filler. Supramolecular hydrogel renders hydrogel patch with superior mechanical properties, in which NAGA and VTZ also provide self-healing and antibacterial properties, respectively. Besides, as the existence of PNIPAM, the hydrogel patch was endowed with thermal-responsiveness property, which could release actives in response to temperature stimulus. Given these excellent performances, we have demonstrated that the supramolecular hydrogel patch could significantly enhance the wound healing process in diabetes rats by downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors, promoting collagen deposition and angiogenesis. Attractively, due to responsive optical property of inverse opal scaffold, the hydrogel patch could display color-sensing behavior that was suitable for the wound monitoring and management as well as guidance of clinical treatment. These distinctive features indicate that the presented hydrogel patches have huge potential values in biomedical fields. Inverse opal scaffolds generated from self-healing supramolecular hydrogel. Hydrogel patches exerted antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect in a drug-free way. Hydrogel patches with thermal-responsive delivery system for delivery of treatments. Hydrogel patches exhibited color-sensing property in response to temperature variations. Hydrogel patches promoted re-epithelialization and vascularisation of granulation tissue in diabetic wounds.
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