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Panzarasa G. Methylene glycol-sulfite pH-clocks for the time-programming of soft materials: advantages, limitations, and yet unexplored opportunities. SOFT MATTER 2024. [PMID: 39027927 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00604f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Coupling nonlinear reaction networks with soft matter building blocks holds great potential for the design of life-mimicking, time-programmable dissipative self-assembly systems. In this regard, clock reactions are especially useful triggers since they allow to autonomously generate in situ chemical stimuli such as pH changes. The methylene glycol-sulfite (MGS) is a well-known acid-to-base pH-clock reaction which is able to produce sharp and intense pH jumps (up to 5 pH units) after a reliable, yet relatively short (tens of seconds rather than minutes), induction time. Here, after an introductory discussion on the main chemical aspects of MGS and MGS-based systems, their applications for the time-programming of soft matter will be showcased - from micelles, vesicles, and droplets to supramolecular aggregates, polymers and gels. Hopefully, this will help attracting more attention and foster research on the broader field of materials programming with chemical reaction networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Panzarasa
- Institute for Building Materials, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zürich, Laura-Hezner-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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2
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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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3
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den Hoed FM, Carlotti M, Palagi S, Raffa P, Mattoli V. Evolution of the Microrobots: Stimuli-Responsive Materials and Additive Manufacturing Technologies Turn Small Structures into Microscale Robots. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:275. [PMID: 38399003 PMCID: PMC10893381 DOI: 10.3390/mi15020275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The development of functional microsystems and microrobots that have characterized the last decade is the result of a synergistic and effective interaction between the progress of fabrication techniques and the increased availability of smart and responsive materials to be employed in the latter. Functional structures on the microscale have been relevant for a vast plethora of technologies that find application in different sectors including automotive, sensing devices, and consumer electronics, but are now also entering medical clinics. Working on or inside the human body requires increasing complexity and functionality on an ever-smaller scale, which is becoming possible as a result of emerging technology and smart materials over the past decades. In recent years, additive manufacturing has risen to the forefront of this evolution as the most prominent method to fabricate complex 3D structures. In this review, we discuss the rapid 3D manufacturing techniques that have emerged and how they have enabled a great leap in microrobotic applications. The arrival of smart materials with inherent functionalities has propelled microrobots to great complexity and complex applications. We focus on which materials are important for actuation and what the possibilities are for supplying the required energy. Furthermore, we provide an updated view of a new generation of microrobots in terms of both materials and fabrication technology. While two-photon lithography may be the state-of-the-art technology at the moment, in terms of resolution and design freedom, new methods such as two-step are on the horizon. In the more distant future, innovations like molecular motors could make microscale robots redundant and bring about nanofabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Marco den Hoed
- Center for Materials Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via R. Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy;
- Smart and Sustainable Polymeric Products, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Marco Carlotti
- Center for Materials Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via R. Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Palagi
- BioRobotics Institute, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, P.zza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Patrizio Raffa
- Smart and Sustainable Polymeric Products, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Virgilio Mattoli
- Center for Materials Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via R. Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy;
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4
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Zhang BY, Luo HN, Zhang W, Liu Y. Research progress in self-oscillating polymer brushes. RSC Adv 2022; 12:1366-1374. [PMID: 35425176 PMCID: PMC8979042 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra07374e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymer brushes possess unique changes in physical and chemical properties when they are exposed to external stimuli and have a wide range of applications. Self-oscillating polymers are anchored on surfaces of certain materials and are coupled with some self-oscillating reactions (with the Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction as an example) to form self-oscillating polymer brushes. As an independent field of stimulus response functional surface research, the development of new intelligent bionic materials has good potential. This article reviews the oscillation mechanisms of self-oscillating polymer brushes and their classifications. First, the oscillation mechanisms of self-oscillating polymer brushes are introduced. Second, the research progress in self-oscillating polymers is discussed in terms of the type of self-oscillation reactions. Finally, possible future developments of self-oscillating polymer brushes are prospected. Polymer brushes possess unique changes in physical and chemical properties when they are exposed to external stimuli and have a wide range of applications.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Ying Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology Xuzhou Jiangsu 221116 China .,School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University Zaozhuang Shandong 277160 China
| | - Hai-Nan Luo
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University Zaozhuang Shandong 277160 China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University Zaozhuang Shandong 277160 China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University Zaozhuang Shandong 277160 China
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Chemical pumps and flexible sheets spontaneously form self-regulating oscillators in solution. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2022987118. [PMID: 33723069 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022987118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The synchronization of self-oscillating systems is vital to various biological functions, from the coordinated contraction of heart muscle to the self-organization of slime molds. Through modeling, we design bioinspired materials systems that spontaneously form shape-changing self-oscillators, which communicate to synchronize both their temporal and spatial behavior. Here, catalytic reactions at the bottom of a fluid-filled chamber and on mobile, flexible sheets generate the energy to "pump" the surrounding fluid, which also transports the immersed sheets. The sheets exert a force on the fluid that modifies the flow, which in turn affects the shape and movement of the flexible sheets. This feedback enables a single coated (active) and even an uncoated (passive) sheet to undergo self-oscillation, displaying different oscillatory modes with increases in the catalytic reaction rate. Two sheets (active or passive) introduce excluded volume, steric interactions. This distinctive combination of the hydrodynamic, fluid-structure, and steric interactions causes the sheets to form coupled oscillators, whose motion is synchronized in time and space. We develop a heuristic model that rationalizes this behavior. These coupled self-oscillators exhibit rich and tunable phase dynamics, which depends on the sheets' initial placement, coverage by catalyst and relative size. Moreover, through variations in the reactant concentration, the system can switch between the different oscillatory modes. This breadth of dynamic behavior expands the functionality of the coupled oscillators, enabling soft robots to display a variety of self-sustained, self-regulating moves.
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Osypova A, Dübner M, Panzarasa G. Oscillating Reactions Meet Polymers at Interfaces. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E2957. [PMID: 32630641 PMCID: PMC7372367 DOI: 10.3390/ma13132957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Chemo-mechanical phenomena, including oscillations and peristaltic motions, are widespread in nature-just think of heartbeats-thanks to the ability of living organisms to convert directly chemical energy into mechanical work. Their imitation with artificial systems is still an open challenge. Chemical clocks and oscillators (such as the popular Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction) are reaction networks characterized by the emergence of peculiar spatiotemporal dynamics. Their application to polymers at interfaces (grafted chains, layer-by-layer assemblies, and polymer brushes) offers great opportunities for developing novel smart biomimetic materials. Despite the wide field of potential applications, limited research has been carried out so far. Here, we aim to showcase the state-of-the-art of this fascinating field of investigation, highlighting the potential for future developments and providing a personal outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Osypova
- Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG, Stegrütistrasse 14, 9642 Ebnat-Kappel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Dübner
- Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Guido Panzarasa
- Laboratory of Soft and Living Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Sproncken CCM, Gumí‐Audenis B, Panzarasa G, Voets IK. Two‐Stage Polyelectrolyte Assembly Orchestrated by a Clock Reaction. CHEMSYSTEMSCHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/syst.202000005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian C M. Sproncken
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter and Laboratory of Macro-Organic Chemistry Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 516 5600 MB Eindhoven (The Netherlands
| | - Berta Gumí‐Audenis
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter and Laboratory of Macro-Organic Chemistry Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 516 5600 MB Eindhoven (The Netherlands
| | - Guido Panzarasa
- Laboratory of Soft and Living Materials Department of Materials ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1–5/10 Zürich 8093 Switzerland
| | - Ilja K. Voets
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter and Laboratory of Macro-Organic Chemistry Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 516 5600 MB Eindhoven (The Netherlands
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Panzarasa G, Torzynski AL, Sai T, Smith-Mannschott K, Dufresne ER. Transient supramolecular assembly of a functional perylene diimide controlled by a programmable pH cycle. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:591-594. [PMID: 31859330 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm02026h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Self-regulating materials require embedded control systems. Active networks of enzymes fulfill this function in living organisms, and the development of chemical controls for synthetic systems is still in its infancy. While previous work has focused on enzymatic controls, small-molecule networks have unexplored potential. We describe a simple small-molecule network that is able to produce transient pH cycles with tunable lagtimes and lifetimes, based on coupling the acid-to-alkali methylene glycol-sulfite reaction to 1,3-propanesultone, a slow acid generator. Applied to transient pH-driven supramolecular self-assembly of a perylene diimide, our system matches the flexibility of in vitro enzymatic systems, including the ability to perform repeated cycles of assembly and disassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Panzarasa
- Laboratory of Soft and Living Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Zhao Y, Xuan C, Qian X, Alsaid Y, Hua M, Jin L, He X. Soft phototactic swimmer based on self-sustained hydrogel oscillator. Sci Robot 2019; 4:4/33/eaax7112. [PMID: 33137784 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.aax7112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Oscillations are widely found in living organisms to generate propulsion-based locomotion often driven by constant ambient conditions, such as phototactic movements. Such environment-powered and environment-directed locomotions may advance fully autonomous remotely steered robots. However, most man-made oscillations require nonconstant energy input and cannot perform environment-dictated movement. Here, we report a self-sustained soft oscillator that exhibits perpetual and untethered locomotion as a phototactic soft swimming robot, remotely fueled and steered by constant visible light. This particular out-of-equilibrium actuation arises from a self-shadowing-enabled negative feedback loop inherent in the dynamic light-material interactions, promoted by the fast and substantial volume change of the photoresponsive hydrogel. Our analytical model and governing equation unveil the oscillation mechanism and design principle with key parameters identified to tune the dynamics. On this autonomous oscillator platform, we establish a broadly applicable principle for converting a continuous input into a discontinuous output. The modular design can be customized to accommodate various forms of input energy and to generate diverse oscillatory behaviors. The hydrogel oscillator showcases agile life-like omnidirectional motion in the entire three-dimensional space with near-infinite degrees of freedom. The large force generated by the powerful and long-lasting oscillation can sufficiently overcome water damping and effectively self-propel away from a light source. Such a hydrogel oscillator-based all-soft swimming robot, named OsciBot, demonstrated high-speed and controllable phototactic locomotion. This autonomous robot is battery free, deployable, scalable, and integratable. Artificial phototaxis opens broad opportunities in maneuverable marine automated systems, miniaturized transportation, and solar sails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusen Zhao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chen Xuan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiaoshi Qian
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yousif Alsaid
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mutian Hua
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lihua Jin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ximin He
- Department of Materials 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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Panzarasa G, Osypova A, Sicher A, Bruinink A, Dufresne ER. Controlled formation of chitosan particles by a clock reaction. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:6415-6418. [PMID: 30062339 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm01060a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Clock reactions allow precise control of chemical composition in the time domain. Such nonlinear chemical systems have recently been introduced to mimic the self-assembly pathways common in living organisms. Here, we demonstrate the use of a clock reaction to trigger the formation of polymeric nanoparticles. By adjusting the delay of a formaldehyde clock reaction, we controlled the precipitation of chitosan to form particles with sizes tunable in a wide range (from about 200 to 600 nm diameter). The chemical structure of chitosan was not significantly perturbed by the clock reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Panzarasa
- Laboratory for Soft and Living Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, Zürich 8093, Switzerland.
| | - Alina Osypova
- Innovative Sensor Technology, IST AG, Stegrütistrasse 14, Ebnat-Kappel 9462, Switzerland
| | - Alba Sicher
- Laboratory for Soft and Living Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, Zürich 8093, Switzerland. and Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, St. Gallen CH-9014, Switzerland
| | - Arie Bruinink
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Joining Technologies and Corrosion, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Eric R Dufresne
- Laboratory for Soft and Living Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, Zürich 8093, Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Támás Bánsági
- Department of Chemistry; University of Birmingham; Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT UK
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; University of Sheffield; Sheffield S1 3JD UK
| | - Annette F. Taylor
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; University of Sheffield; Sheffield S1 3JD UK
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12
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Dúzs B, Szalai I. Design of localized spatiotemporal pH patterns by means of antagonistic chemical gradients. RSC Adv 2018; 8:41756-41761. [PMID: 35558810 PMCID: PMC9091980 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra08028c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatially localized moving and stationary pH patterns are generated in two-side-fed reaction-diffusion systems. The patterns are sandwiched between two quiescent zones and positioned by the antagonistic gradients of the reactants of the self-activatory process. Spatial bistability, spatiotemporal oscillations, and formation of stationary Turing patterns have been predicted by numerical simulations and observed in experiments performed by using different hydrogen ion autocatalytic chemical systems. The formation of stationary patterns due to long-range inhibition is promoted by a large molecular weight hydrogen ion binding polymer. Spatially localized moving and stationary pH patterns are generated in two-side-fed reaction-diffusion systems.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitta Dúzs
- Institute of Chemistry
- Eötvös Loránd University
- Budapest
- Hungary
| | - István Szalai
- Institute of Chemistry
- Eötvös Loránd University
- Budapest
- Hungary
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Isakova A, Novakovic K. Oscillatory chemical reactions in the quest for rhythmic motion of smart materials. Eur Polym J 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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