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Wei L, Chen Y, Hu J, Hu X, Wang J, Li K. A Light-Powered Self-Circling Slider on an Elliptical Track with a Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fiber. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2375. [PMID: 39204594 PMCID: PMC11360780 DOI: 10.3390/polym16162375] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we propose an innovative light-powered LCE-slider system that enables continuous self-circling on an elliptical track and is comprised of a light-powered LCE string, slider, and rigid elliptical track. By formulating and solving dimensionless dynamic equations, we explain static and self-circling states, emphasizing self-circling dynamics and energy balance. Quantitative analysis reveals that the self-circling frequency of LCE-slider systems is independent of the initial tangential velocity but sensitive to light intensity, contraction coefficients, elastic coefficients, the elliptical axis ratio, and damping coefficients. Notably, elliptical motion outperforms circular motion in angular velocity and frequency, indicating greater efficiency. Reliable self-circling under constant light suggests applications in periodic motion fields, especially celestial mechanics. Additionally, the system's remarkable adaptability to a wide range of curved trajectories exemplifies its flexibility and versatility, while its energy absorption and conversion capabilities position it as a highly potential candidate for applications in robotics, construction, and transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (L.W.); (Y.C.); (J.H.); (X.H.); (J.W.)
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2
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Wei L, Chen Y, Hu J, Hu X, Qiu Y, Li K. The Light-Fueled Self-Rotation of a Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fiber-Propelled Slider on a Circular Track. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2263. [PMID: 39204483 PMCID: PMC11359906 DOI: 10.3390/polym16162263] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The self-excited oscillation system, owing to its capability of harvesting environmental energy, exhibits immense potential in diverse fields, such as micromachines, biomedicine, communications, and construction, with its adaptability, efficiency, and sustainability being highly regarded. Despite the current interest in track sliders in self-vibrating systems, LCE fiber-propelled track sliders face significant limitations in two-dime nsional movement, especially self-rotation, necessitating the development of more flexible and mobile designs. In this paper, we design a spatial slider system which ensures the self-rotation of the slider propelled by a light-fueled LCE fiber on a rigid circular track. A nonlinear dynamic model is introduced to analyze the system's dynamic behaviors. The numerical simulations reveal a smooth transition from the static to self-rotating states, supported by ambient illumination. Quantitative analysis shows that increased light intensity, the contraction coefficient, and the elastic coefficient enhance the self-rotating frequency, while more damping decreases it. The track radius exhibits a non-monotonic effect. The initial tangential velocity has no impact. The reliable self-rotating performance under steady light suggests potential applications in periodic motion-demanding fields, especially in the construction industry where energy dissipation and utilization are of utmost urgency. Furthermore, this spatial slider system possesses the ability to rotate and self-vibrate, and it is capable of being adapted to other non-circular curved tracks, thereby highlighting its flexibility and multi-use capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wei
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yanan Chen
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Xueao Hu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yunlong Qiu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
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3
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Meng C, Lu F, Zhang NQ, Zhou J, Yu P, Zhong MC. Optothermal Microparticle Oscillator Induced by Marangoni and Thermal Convection. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:7463-7470. [PMID: 38551336 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The light-fueled microparticle oscillator, exemplifying sustained driving in a static light source, potentially holds applications in fundamental physics, cellular manipulation, fluid dynamics, and various other soft-matter systems. The challenges of photodamage due to laser focusing on particles and the control of the oscillation direction have always been two major issues for microparticle oscillators. Here, we present an optical-thermal method for achieving a 3D microparticle oscillator with a fixed direction by employing laser heating of the gold film surface. First, the microparticle oscillation without direction limitation is studied. The photothermal conversion originates from the laser heating of a gold film. The oscillation mechanism is the coordination of the forces exerted on the particles, including the thermal convective force, thermophoresis force, and gravity. Subsequently, the additional Marangoni convection force, generated by the temperature gradient on the surface of a microbubble, is utilized to control the oscillation direction of the microparticle. Finally, a dual-channel oscillation mode is achieved by utilizing two microbubbles. During the oscillation process, the microparticle is influenced by flow field forces and temperature gradient force, completely avoiding optical damage to the oscillating microparticle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Meng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Measuring Theory and Precision Instrument, School of Instrument Scienceand Optoelectronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Fengya Lu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Nan-Qing Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Measuring Theory and Precision Instrument, School of Instrument Scienceand Optoelectronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Jinhua Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Panpan Yu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Measuring Theory and Precision Instrument, School of Instrument Scienceand Optoelectronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Min-Cheng Zhong
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Measuring Theory and Precision Instrument, School of Instrument Scienceand Optoelectronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
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4
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Deng Z, Zhang H, Priimagi A, Zeng H. Light-Fueled Nonreciprocal Self-Oscillators for Fluidic Transportation and Coupling. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2209683. [PMID: 36525600 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Light-fueled self-oscillators based on soft actuating materials have triggered novel designs for small-scale robotic constructs that self-sustain their motion at non-equilibrium states and possess bioinspired autonomy and adaptive functions. However, the motions of most self-oscillators are reciprocal, which hinders their use in sophisticated biomimetic functions such as fluidic transportation. Here, an optically powered soft material strip that can perform nonreciprocal, cilia-like, self-sustained oscillation under water is reported. The actuator is made of planar-aligned liquid crystal elastomer responding to visible light. Two laser beams from orthogonal directions allow for piecewise control over the strip deformation, enabling two self-shadowing effects coupled in one single material to yield nonreciprocal strokes. The nonreciprocity, stroke pattern and handedness are connected to the fluidic pumping efficiency, which can be controlled by the excitation conditions. Autonomous microfluidic pumping in clockwise and anticlockwise directions, translocation of a micro-object by liquid propulsion, and coupling between two oscillating strips through liquid medium interaction are demonstrated. The results offer new concepts for non-equilibrium soft actuators that can perform bio-like functions under water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Deng
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, FI 33101, Finland
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, FI 02150, Finland
| | - Arri Priimagi
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, FI 33101, Finland
| | - Hao Zeng
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, FI 33101, Finland
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5
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Tanjeem N, Kreienbrink KM, Hayward RC. Modulating photothermocapillary interactions for logic operations at the air-water interface. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1689-1693. [PMID: 38323528 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01487h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
We demonstrate a system for performing logical operations (OR, AND, and NOT gates) at the air-water interface based on Marangoni optical trapping and repulsion between photothermal particles. We identify a critical separation distance at which the trapped particle assemblies become unstable, providing insight into the potential for scaling to larger arrays of logic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Tanjeem
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, USA.
- Department of Physics, California State University, Fullerton, California 92831, USA
| | - Kendra M Kreienbrink
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, USA
| | - Ryan C Hayward
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, USA.
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6
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Sun X, Dai Y, Li K, Xu P. Self-Sustained Chaotic Jumping of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Balloon under Steady Illumination. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4651. [PMID: 38139903 PMCID: PMC10747744 DOI: 10.3390/polym15244651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-sustained chaotic jumping systems composed of active materials are characterized by their ability to maintain motion through drawing energy from the steady external environment, holding significant promise in actuators, medical devices, biomimetic robots, and other fields. In this paper, an innovative light-powered self-sustained chaotic jumping system is proposed, which comprises a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) balloon and an elastic substrate. The corresponding theoretical model is developed by combining the dynamic constitutive model of an LCE with Hertz contact theory. Under steady illumination, the stationary LCE balloon experiences contraction and expansion, and through the work of contact expansion between LCE balloon and elastic substrate, it ultimately jumps up from the elastic substrate, achieving self-sustained jumping. Numerical calculations reveal that the LCE balloon exhibits periodic jumping and chaotic jumping under steady illumination. Moreover, we reveal the mechanism underlying self-sustained periodic jumping of the balloon in which the damping dissipation is compensated through balloon contact with the elastic substrate, as well as the mechanism involved behind self-sustained chaotic jumping. Furthermore, we provide insights into the effects of system parameters on the self-sustained jumping behaviors. The emphasis in this study is on the self-sustained chaotic jumping system, and the variation of the balloon jumping modes with parameters is illustrated through bifurcation diagrams. This work deepens the understanding of chaotic motion, contributes to the research of motion behavior control of smart materials, and provides ideas for the bionic design of chaotic vibrators and chaotic jumping robots.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peibao Xu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (X.S.); (Y.D.); (K.L.)
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7
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Wu H, Dai Y, Li K. Self-Vibration of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Strings under Steady Illumination. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3483. [PMID: 37631540 PMCID: PMC10458575 DOI: 10.3390/polym15163483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-vibrating systems based on active materials have been widely developed, but most of the existing self-oscillating systems are complex and difficult to control. To fulfill the requirements of different functions and applications, it is necessary to construct more self-vibrating systems that are easy to control, simple in material preparation and fast in response. This paper proposes a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) string-mass structure capable of continuous vibration under steady illumination. Based on the linear elastic model and the dynamic LCE model, the dynamic governing equations of the LCE string-mass system are established. Through numerical calculation, two regimes of the LCE string-mass system, namely the static regime and the self-vibration regime, are obtained. In addition, the light intensity, contraction coefficient and elastic coefficient of the LCE can increase the amplitude and frequency of the self-vibration, while the damping coefficient suppresses the self-oscillation. The LCE string--mass system proposed in this paper has the advantages of simple structure, easy control and customizable size, which has a wide application prospect in the fields of energy harvesting, autonomous robots, bionic instruments and medical equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (H.W.); (Y.D.)
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8
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Ge D, Dai Y, Li K. Self-Oscillating Liquid Crystal Elastomer Helical Spring Oscillator with Combined Tension and Torsion. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3294. [PMID: 37571189 PMCID: PMC10422366 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-oscillation is the autonomous maintenance of continuous periodic motion through energy absorption from non-periodic external stimuli, making it particularly attractive for fabricating soft robots, energy-absorbing devices, mass transport devices, and so on. Inspired by the self-oscillating system that presents high degrees of freedom and diverse complex oscillatory motions, we created a self-oscillating helical spring oscillator with combined tension and torsion under steady illumination, among which a mass block and a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) helical spring made with LCE wire are included. Considering the well-established helical spring model and the dynamic LCE model, a nonlinear dynamic model of the LCE helical spring oscillator under steady illumination is proposed. From numerical calculation, the helical spring oscillator upon exposure to steady illumination possesses two motion regimes, which are the static regime and the self-tension-torsion regime. Contraction of the LCE wire under illumination is necessary to generate the self-tension-torsion of the helical spring oscillator, with its continuous periodic motion being maintained by the mutual balance between light energy input and damping dissipation. Additionally, the critical conditions for triggering the self-tension-torsion, as well as the vital system parameters affecting its frequencies and amplitudes of the translation and the rotation, were investigated in detail. This self-tension-torsion helical spring oscillator is unique in its customizable mechanical properties via its structural design, small material strain but large structural displacement, and ease of manufacture. We envision a future of novel designs for soft robotics, energy harvesters, active machinery, and so on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dali Ge
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (D.G.); (Y.D.)
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (D.G.); (Y.D.)
| | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (D.G.); (Y.D.)
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9
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Ding H, Kollipara PS, Yao K, Chang Y, Dickinson DJ, Zheng Y. Multimodal Optothermal Manipulations along Various Surfaces. ACS NANO 2023; 17:9280-9289. [PMID: 37017427 PMCID: PMC10391738 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c00583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Optical tweezers have provided tremendous opportunities for fundamental studies and applications in the life sciences, chemistry, and physics by offering contact-free manipulation of small objects. However, it requires sophisticated real-time imaging and feedback systems for conventional optical tweezers to achieve controlled motion of micro/nanoparticles along textured surfaces, which are required for such applications as high-resolution near-field characterizations of cell membranes with nanoparticles as probes. In addition, most optical tweezers systems are limited to single manipulation modes, restricting their broader applications. Herein, we develop an optothermal platform that enables the multimodal manipulation of micro/nanoparticles along various surfaces. Specifically, we achieve the manipulation of micro/nanoparticles through the synergy between the optical and thermal forces, which arise due to the temperature gradient self-generated by the particles absorbing the light. With a simple control of the laser beam, we achieve five switchable working modes [i.e., tweezing, rotating, rolling (toward), rolling (away), and shooting] for the versatile manipulation of both synthesized particles and biological cells along various substrates. More interestingly, we realize the manipulation of micro/nanoparticles on rough surfaces of live worms and their embryos for localized control of biological functions. By enabling the three-dimensional control of micro/nano-objects along various surfaces, including topologically uneven biological tissues, our multimodal optothermal platform will become a powerful tool in life sciences, nanotechnology, and colloidal sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Ding
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Pavana Siddhartha Kollipara
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Kan Yao
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Materials Science & Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Yiran Chang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Daniel J Dickinson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Yuebing Zheng
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Materials Science & Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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10
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Ding H, Chen Z, Ponce C, Zheng Y. Optothermal rotation of micro-/nano-objects. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:2208-2221. [PMID: 36723196 PMCID: PMC10189788 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc06955e] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Due to its contactless and fuel-free operation, optical rotation of micro-/nano-objects provides tremendous opportunities for cellular biology, three-dimensional (3D) imaging, and micro/nanorobotics. However, complex optics, extremely high operational power, and the applicability to limited objects restrict the broader use of optical rotation techniques. This Feature Article focuses on a rapidly emerging class of optical rotation techniques, termed optothermal rotation. Based on light-mediated thermal phenomena, optothermal rotation techniques overcome the bottlenecks of conventional optical rotation by enabling versatile rotary control of arbitrary objects with simpler optics using lower powers. We start with the fundamental thermal phenomena and concepts: thermophoresis, thermoelectricity, thermo-electrokinetics, thermo-osmosis, thermal convection, thermo-capillarity, and photophoresis. Then, we highlight various optothermal rotation techniques, categorizing them based on their rotation modes (i.e., in-plane and out-of-plane rotation) and the thermal phenomena involved. Next, we explore the potential applications of these optothermal manipulation techniques in areas such as single-cell mechanics, 3D bio-imaging, and micro/nanomotors. We conclude the Feature Article with our insights on the operating guidelines, existing challenges, and future directions of optothermal rotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Ding
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Zhihan Chen
- Materials Science & Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Carolina Ponce
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Yuebing Zheng
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Materials Science & Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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11
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Ding H, Chen Z, Ponce C, Zheng Y. Optothermal rotation of micro-/nano-objects in liquids. ARXIV 2023:arXiv:2301.04297v2. [PMID: 36713256 PMCID: PMC9882580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Controllable rotation of micro-/nano-objects provides tremendous opportunities for cellular biology, three-dimensional (3D) imaging, and micro/nanorobotics. Among different rotation techniques, optical rotation is particularly attractive due to its contactless and fuel-free operation. However, optical rotation precision is typically impaired by the intrinsic optical heating of the target objects. Optothermal rotation, which harnesses light-modulated thermal effects, features simpler optics, lower operational power, and higher applicability to various objects. In this Feature Article, we discuss the recent progress of optothermal rotation with a focus on work from our research group. We categorize the various rotation techniques based on distinct physical mechanisms, including thermophoresis, thermoelectricity, thermo-electrokinetics, thermo-osmosis, thermal convection, and thermo-capillarity. Benefiting from the different rotation modes (i.e., in-plane and out-of-plane rotation), diverse applications in single-cell mechanics, 3D bio-imaging, and micro/nanomotors are demonstrated. We conclude the article with our perspectives on the operating guidelines, existing challenges, and future directions of optothermal rotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Ding
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Zhihan Chen
- Materials Science & Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Carolina Ponce
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Yuebing Zheng
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Materials Science & Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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12
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Ding H, Kollipara PS, Kim Y, Kotnala A, Li J, Chen Z, Zheng Y. Universal optothermal micro/nanoscale rotors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn8498. [PMID: 35704582 PMCID: PMC9200276 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn8498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Rotation of micro/nano-objects is important for micro/nanorobotics, three-dimensional imaging, and lab-on-a-chip systems. Optical rotation techniques are especially attractive because of their fuel-free and remote operation. However, current techniques require laser beams with designed intensity profile and polarization or objects with sophisticated shapes or optical birefringence. These requirements make it challenging to use simple optical setups for light-driven rotation of many highly symmetric or isotropic objects, including biological cells. Here, we report a universal approach to the out-of-plane rotation of various objects, including spherically symmetric and isotropic particles, using an arbitrary low-power laser beam. Moreover, the laser beam is positioned away from the objects to reduce optical damage from direct illumination. The rotation mechanism based on opto-thermoelectrical coupling is elucidated by rigorous experiments combined with multiscale simulations. With its general applicability and excellent biocompatibility, our universal light-driven rotation platform is instrumental for various scientific research and engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Ding
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | | | - Youngsun Kim
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Abhay Kotnala
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jingang Li
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Zhihan Chen
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Yuebing Zheng
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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13
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Manna RK, Shklyaev OE, Stone HA, Balazs AC. Solutal-buoyancy-driven intertwining and rotation of patterned elastic sheets. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac072. [PMID: 36713315 PMCID: PMC9802271 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac072] [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: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The intertwining of strands into 3D spirals is ubiquitous in biology, enabling functions from information storage to maintenance of cell structure and directed locomotion. In synthetic systems, entwined fibers can provide superior mechanical properties and act as artificial muscle or structural reinforcements. Unlike structures in nature, the entwinement of synthetic materials typically requires application of an external stimulus, such as mechanical actuation, light, or a magnetic field. Herein, we use computational modeling to design microscale sheets that mimic biology by transducing chemical energy into mechanical action, and thereby self-organize and interlink into 3D spirals, which spontaneously rotate. These flexible sheets are immersed in a fluid-filled microchamber that encompasses an immobilized patch of catalysts on the bottom wall. The sheets themselves can be passive or active (coated with catalyst). Catalytic reactions in the solution generate products that occupy different volumes than the reactants. The resulting density variations exert a force on the fluid (solutal buoyancy force) that causes motion, which in turn drives the interlinking and collective swirling of the sheets. The individual sheets do not rotate; rotation only occurs when the sheets are interlinked. This level of autonomous, coordinated 3D structural organization, intertwining, and rotation is unexpected in synthetic materials systems operating without external controls. Using physical arguments, we identify dimensionless ratios that are useful in scaling these ideas to other systems. These findings are valuable for creating materials that act as "machines", and directing soft matter to undergo self-sustained, multistep assembly that is governed by intrinsic chemical reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar Manna
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Oleg E Shklyaev
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Howard A Stone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Anna C Balazs
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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14
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Cheng Q, Zhou L, Li K. A Self-Stabilized Inverted Pendulum Made of Optically Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Front Robot AI 2022; 8:808262. [PMID: 35087874 PMCID: PMC8787283 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2021.808262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The inverted pendulum system has great potential for various engineering applications, and its stabilization is challenging because of its unstable characteristic. The well-known Kapitza’s pendulum adopts the parametrically excited oscillation to stabilize itself, which generally requires a complex controller. In this paper, self-sustained oscillation is utilized to stabilize an inverted pendulum, which is made of a V-shaped, optically responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) bar under steady illumination. Based on the well-established dynamic LCE model, a theoretical model of the LCE inverted pendulum is formulated, and numerical calculations show that it always develops into the unstable static state or the self-stabilized oscillation state. The mechanism of the self-stabilized oscillation originates from the reversal of the gravity moment of the inverted pendulum accompanied with its own movement. The critical condition for triggering self-stabilized oscillation is fully investigated, and the effects of the system parameters on the stability of the inverted pendulum are explored. The self-stabilized inverted pendulum does not need an additional controller and offers new designs of self-stabilized inverted pendulum systems for potential applications in robotics, military industry, aerospace, and other fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanbao Cheng
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Kai Li,
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