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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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2
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Hughes KJ, Cheng J, Iyer KA, Ralhan K, Ganesan M, Hsu CW, Zhan Y, Wang X, Zhu B, Gao M, Wang H, Zhang Y, Huang J, Zhou QA. Unveiling Trends: Nanoscale Materials Shaping Emerging Biomedical Applications. ACS NANO 2024; 18:16325-16342. [PMID: 38888229 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c04514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The realm of biomedical materials continues to evolve rapidly, driven by innovative research across interdisciplinary domains. Leveraging big data from the CAS Content Collection, this study employs quantitative analysis through natural language processing (NLP) to identify six emerging areas within nanoscale materials for biomedical applications. These areas encompass self-healing, bioelectronic, programmable, lipid-based, protein-based, and antibacterial materials. Our Nano Focus delves into the multifaceted utilization of nanoscale materials in these domains, spanning from augmenting physical and electronic properties for interfacing with human tissue to facilitating intricate functionalities like programmable drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Hughes
- CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Rd., Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030. PR China
| | - Kavita A Iyer
- ACS International India Pvt. Ltd., Pune 411044, India
| | | | | | - Chia-Wei Hsu
- CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yutao Zhan
- Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Rd., Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030. PR China
| | - Xinning Wang
- Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Rd., Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030. PR China
| | - Bowen Zhu
- Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Rd., Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030. PR China
| | - Menghua Gao
- Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Rd., Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030. PR China
| | - Huaimin Wang
- Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Rd., Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030. PR China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Rd., Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030. PR China
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Rd., Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030. PR China
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3
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Sartori P, Yadav RS, del Barrio J, DeSimone A, Sánchez‐Somolinos C. Photochemically Induced Propulsion of a 4D Printed Liquid Crystal Elastomer Biomimetic Swimmer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308561. [PMID: 38590131 PMCID: PMC11220691 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Underwater organisms exhibit sophisticated propulsion mechanisms, enabling them to navigate fluid environments with exceptional dexterity. Recently, substantial efforts have focused on integrating these movements into soft robots using smart shape-changing materials, particularly by using light for their propulsion and control. Nonetheless, challenges persist, including slow response times and the need of powerful light beams to actuate the robot. This last can result in unintended sample heating and potentially necessitate tracking specific actuation spots on the swimmer. To tackle these challenges, new azobenzene-containing photopolymerizable inks are introduced, which can be processed by extrusion printing into liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) elements of precise shape and morphology. These LCEs exhibit rapid and significant photomechanical response underwater, driven by moderate-intensity ultraviolet (UV) and green light, being the actuation mechanism predominantly photochemical. Inspired by nature, a biomimetic four-lapped ephyra-like LCE swimmer is printed. The periodically illumination of the entire swimmer with moderate-intensity UV and green light, induces synchronous lappet bending toward the light source and swimmer propulsion away from the light. The platform eliminates the need of localized laser beams and tracking systems to monitor the swimmer's motion through the fluid, making it a versatile tool for creating light-fueled robotic LCE free-swimmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Sartori
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC‐Universidad de ZaragozaDepartamento de Física de la Materia CondensadaZaragoza50009Spain
| | - Rahul Singh Yadav
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC‐Universidad de ZaragozaDepartamento de Química OrgánicaZaragoza50009Spain
| | - Jesús del Barrio
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC‐Universidad de ZaragozaDepartamento de Química OrgánicaZaragoza50009Spain
| | - Antonio DeSimone
- The BioRobotics InstituteScuola Superiore Sant'AnnaPisa56127Italy
- SISSA‐Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi AvanzatiTrieste34136Italy
| | - Carlos Sánchez‐Somolinos
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC‐Universidad de ZaragozaDepartamento de Física de la Materia CondensadaZaragoza50009Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y NanomedicinaInstituto de Salud Carlos IIIZaragoza50018Spain
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4
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Zhu QL, Liu W, Khoruzhenko O, Breu J, Bai H, Hong W, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Closed Twisted Hydrogel Ribbons with Self-Sustained Motions under Static Light Irradiation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2314152. [PMID: 38652466 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Self-sustained motions are widespread in biological systems by harvesting energy from surrounding environments, which inspire scientists to develop autonomous soft robots. However, most-existing soft robots require dynamic heterogeneous stimuli or complex fabrication with different components. Recently, control of topological geometry has been promising to afford soft robots with physical intelligence and thus life-like motions. Reported here are a series of closed twisted ribbon robots, which exhibit self-sustained flipping and rotation under constant light irradiation. Both Möbius strip and Seifert ribbon robots are devised for the first time by using an identical hydrogel, which responds to light irradiation on either side. Experiment and simulation results indicate that the self-regulated motions of the hydrogel robots are related to fast and reversible response of muscle-like gel, self-shadowing effect, and topology-facilitated refresh of light-exposed regions. The motion speeds and directions of the hydrogel robots can be tuned over a wide range. These closed twisted ribbon hydrogels are further applied to execute specific tasks in aqueous environments, such as collecting plastic balls, climbing a vertical rod, and transporting objects. This work presents new design principle for autonomous hydrogel robots by benefiting from material response and topology geometry, which may be inspirative for the robotics community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Weixuan Liu
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Olena Khoruzhenko
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Josef Breu
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Huiying Bai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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Dai CF, Zhu QL, Khoruzhenko O, Thelen M, Bai H, Breu J, Du M, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Reversible Snapping of Constrained Anisotropic Hydrogels Upon Light Stimulations. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2402824. [PMID: 38704682 PMCID: PMC11234394 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Creatures, such as Venus flytrap and hummingbirds, capable of rapid predation through snap-through transition, provide paradigms for the design of soft actuators and robots with fast actions. However, these artificial "snappers" usually need contact stimulations to trigger the flipping. Reported here is a constrained anisotropic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel showing fast snapping upon light stimulation. This hydrogel is prepared by flow-induced orientation of nanosheets (NSs) within a rectangular tube. The precursor containing gold nanoparticles is immediately exposed to UV light for photopolymerization to fix the ordered structure of NSs. Two ends of the slender gel are clamped to form a buckle with bistability nature, which snaps to the other side upon laser irradiation. Systematic experiments are conducted to investigate the influences of power intensity and irradiation angle of the laser, as well as thickness and buckle height of the gel, on the snapping behaviors. The fast snapping is further used to kick a plastic bead and control the switch state. Furthermore, synergetic or oscillated snapping of the gel with two buckles of opposite directions is realized by inclined irradiation of a laser or horizontal irradiation with two lasers, respectively. Such light-steered snapping of hydrogels should merit designing soft robots, energy harvests, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Fei Dai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qing Li Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Olena Khoruzhenko
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Michael Thelen
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Huiying Bai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Josef Breu
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Miao Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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6
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Xu L, Zhu C, Lamont S, Zou X, Yang Y, Chen S, Ding J, Vernerey FJ. Programming Motion into Materials Using Electricity-Driven Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators. Soft Robot 2024; 11:464-472. [PMID: 38265749 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2023.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
As thermally driven smart materials capable of large reversible deformations, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have great potential for applications in bionic soft robots, artificial muscles, controllable actuators, and flexible sensors due to their ability to program controllable motion into materials. In this article, we introduce conductive LCE actuators using a liquid metal electrothermal layer and a polyethylene terephthalate substrate. Our LCE actuators can be stimulated at low currents from 2 to 4 A and produce a maximum work density of 9.4 k J ∕ m 3 . We illustrate the potential applications of this system by designing a palm-activated artificial muscle gripper, which can be used to grasp soft objects ranging from 5 to 55 mm in size, and even ring-shaped workpieces with precise external or internal support. Furthermore, inspired by the movement of fruit fly larvae, we designed a new soft robot capable of bioinspired crawling and turning by inducing anisotropic friction with an asymmetric design. Finally, we illustrate advanced motional control by designing an autonomously rotating wheel based on the asymmetric contraction of its spokes. To assist in the production of autonomously moving robots, we provide a thorough characterization of its motion dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Chen Zhu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
| | - Samuel Lamont
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science & Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Xiang Zou
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
| | - Yabing Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
| | - Jianning Ding
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Franck J Vernerey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science & Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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7
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Song W, Li L, Liu X, Zhu Y, Yu S, Wang H, Wang L. Hydrogel microrobots for biomedical applications. Front Chem 2024; 12:1416314. [PMID: 38841335 PMCID: PMC11150770 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1416314] [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: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a surge in the application of microrobots within the medical sector, with hydrogel microrobots standing out due to their distinctive advantages. These microrobots, characterized by their exceptional biocompatibility, adjustable physico-mechanical attributes, and acute sensitivity to biological environments, have emerged as pivotal tools in advancing medical applications such as targeted drug delivery, wound healing enhancement, bio-imaging, and precise surgical interventions. The capability of hydrogel microrobots to navigate and perform tasks within complex biological systems significantly enhances the precision, efficiency, and safety of therapeutic procedures. Firstly, this paper delves into the material classification and properties of hydrogel microrobots and compares the advantages of different hydrogel materials. Furthermore, it offers a comprehensive review of the principal categories and recent innovations in the synthesis, actuation mechanisms, and biomedical application of hydrogel-based microrobots. Finally, the manuscript identifies prevailing obstacles and future directions in hydrogel microrobot research, aiming to furnish insights that could propel advancements in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Song
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- Chongqing Research Institute of HIT, Chongqing, China
| | - Leike Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Xuejia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanhe Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Shimin Yu
- College of Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Haocheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
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8
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Dong M, Liu W, Dai CF, Jiao D, Zhu QL, Hong W, Yin J, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Photo-steered rapid and multimodal locomotion of 3D-printed tough hydrogel robots. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:2143-2152. [PMID: 38376773 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh02247a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels are an ideal material to develop soft robots. However, it remains a grand challenge to develop miniaturized hydrogel robots with mechanical robustness, rapid actuation, and multi-gait motions. Reported here is a facile strategy to fabricate hydrogel-based soft robots by three-dimensional (3D) printing of responsive and nonresponsive tough gels for programmed morphing and locomotion upon stimulations. Highly viscoelastic poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) and poly(acrylic acid-co-N-isopropyl acrylamide) aqueous solutions, as well as their mixtures, are printed with multiple nozzles into 3D constructs followed by incubation in a solution of zirconium ions to form robust carboxyl-Zr4+ coordination complexes, to produce tough metallo-supramolecular hydrogel fibers. Gold nanorods are incorporated into ink to afford printed gels with response to light. Owing to the mechanical excellence and small diameter of gel fibers, the printed hydrogel robots exhibit high robustness, fast response, and agile motions when remotely steered by dynamic light. The design of printed constructs and steering with spatiotemporal light allow for multimodal motions with programmable trajectories of the gel robots. The hydrogel robots can walk, turn, flip, and transport cargos upon light stimulations. Such printed hydrogels with good mechanical performances, fast response, and agile locomotion may open opportunities for soft robots in biomedical and engineering fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Dong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Weixuan Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Soft Mechanics & Smart Manufacturing, Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chen Fei Dai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Dejin Jiao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Qing Li Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Wei Hong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Soft Mechanics & Smart Manufacturing, Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jun Yin
- The State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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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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Sheng J, Jiang S, Geng T, Huang Z, Li J, Jiang L. Ultrarobust Actuator Comprising High-Strength Carbon Fibers and Commercially Available Polycarbonate with Multi-Stimulus Responses and Programmable Deformation. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1144. [PMID: 38675063 PMCID: PMC11053830 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081144] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymer-based actuators have gained extensive attention owing to their potential applications in aerospace, soft robotics, etc. However, poor mechanical properties, the inability of multi-stimuli response and programmable deformation, and the costly fabrication procedure have significantly hindered their practical application. Herein, these issues are overcome via a simple and scalable one-step molding method. The actuator is fabricated by hot-pressing commercial unidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy prepregs with a commodity PC membrane. Notable CTE differences between the CF and PC layers endow the bilayer actuator with fast and reliable actuation deformation. Benefiting from the high strength of CF, the actuator exhibits excellent mechanical performance. Moreover, the anisotropy of CF endows the actuator with design flexibility. Furthermore, the multifunction of CF makes the actuator capable of responding to thermal, optical, and electrical stimulation simultaneously. Based on the bilayer actuator, we successfully fabricated intelligent devices such as light-driven biomimetic flowers, intelligent grippers, and gesture-simulating apparatuses, which further validate the programmability and multi-stimuli response characteristics of this actuator. Strikingly, the prepared gripper possesses a grasping capacity approximately 31.2 times its own weight. It is thus believed that the concept presented paves the way for building next-generation robust robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Sheng
- Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Automotive Composite Materials, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (J.S.); (S.J.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Carbon Composition Material, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shengkun Jiang
- Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Automotive Composite Materials, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (J.S.); (S.J.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Carbon Composition Material, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Tie Geng
- Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Automotive Composite Materials, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (J.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Zhengqiang Huang
- Zhong Yuan Institute, Zhejiang University, Zhengzhou 451191, China;
| | - Jiquan Li
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China;
| | - Lin Jiang
- Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Automotive Composite Materials, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (J.S.); (S.J.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Carbon Composition Material, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China;
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11
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Long S, Liu C, Ren H, Hu Y, Chen C, Huang Y, Li X. NIR-Mediated Deformation from a CNT-Based Bilayer Hydrogel. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1152. [PMID: 38675070 PMCID: PMC11053785 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Shape-shifting polymers are widely used in various fields such as intelligent switches, soft robots and sensors, which require both multiple stimulus-response functions and qualified mechanical strength. In this study, a novel near-infrared-light (NIR)-responsible shape-shifting hydrogel system was designed and fabricated through embedding vinylsilane-modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into particle double-network (P-DN) hydrogels by micellar copolymerisation. The dispersed brittle Poly(sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-1-sulfonate) (PNaAMPS) network of the microgels can serve as sacrificial bonds to toughen the hydrogels, and the CNTs endow it with NIR photothermal conversion ability. The results show that the CNTs embedded in the P-DN hydrogels present excellent mechanical strength, i.e., a fracture strength of 312 kPa and a fracture strain of 357%. Moreover, an asymmetric bilayer hydrogel, where the active layer contains CNTs, can achieve 0°-110° bending deformation within 10 min under NIR irradiation and can realise complex deformation movement. This study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the design and manufacture of photoresponsive soft actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijun Long
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (C.L.); (H.R.); (Y.H.); (Y.H.)
- Hubei Longzhong Laboratory, Xiangyang 441000, China
- New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (C.L.); (H.R.); (Y.H.); (Y.H.)
| | - Han Ren
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (C.L.); (H.R.); (Y.H.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yali Hu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (C.L.); (H.R.); (Y.H.); (Y.H.)
| | - Chao Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China;
| | - Yiwan Huang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (C.L.); (H.R.); (Y.H.); (Y.H.)
- Hubei Longzhong Laboratory, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (C.L.); (H.R.); (Y.H.); (Y.H.)
- Hubei Longzhong Laboratory, Xiangyang 441000, China
- New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
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12
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Wu L, Huang X, Wang M, Chen J, Chang J, Zhang H, Zhang X, Conn A, Rossiter J, Birchall M, Song W. Tunable Light-Responsive Polyurethane-urea Elastomer Driven by Photochemical and Photothermal Coupling Mechanism. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:19480-19495. [PMID: 38581369 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Light-driven soft actuators based on photoresponsive materials can be used to mimic biological motion, such as hand movements, without involving rigid or bulky electromechanical actuations. However, to our knowledge, no robust photoresponsive material with desireable mechanical and biological properties and relatively simple manufacture exists for robotics and biomedical applications. Herein, we report a new visible-light-responsive thermoplastic elastomer synthesized by introducing photoswitchable moieties (i.e., azobenzene derivatives) into the main chain of poly(ε-caprolactone) based polyurethane urea (PAzo). A PAzo elastomer exhibits controllable light-driven stiffness softening due to its unique nanophase structure in response to light, while possessing excellent hyperelasticity (stretchability of 575.2%, elastic modulus of 17.6 MPa, and strength of 44.0 MPa). A bilayer actuator consisting of PAzo and polyimide films is developed, demonstrating tunable bending modes by varying incident light intensities. Actuation mechanism via photothermal and photochemical coupling effects of a soft-hard nanophase is demonstrated through both experimental and theoretical analyses. We demonstrate an exemplar application of visible-light-controlled soft "fingers" playing a piano on a smartphone. The robustness of the PAzo elastomer and its scalability, in addition to its excellent biocompatibility, opens the door to the development of reproducible light-driven wearable/implantable actuators and lightweight soft robots for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wu
- Centre of Biomaterials for in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Xia Huang
- Centre of Biomaterials for in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Meng Wang
- Centre of Biomaterials for in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Jishizhan Chen
- Centre of Biomaterials for in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Jinke Chang
- Centre of Biomaterials for in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Han Zhang
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Xuetong Zhang
- Centre of Biomaterials for in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, PR China
| | - Andrew Conn
- Dept of Engineering Mathematics and Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UB, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Rossiter
- Dept of Engineering Mathematics and Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UB, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Birchall
- UCL Ear Institute, Royal National Ear Nose and Throat and Eastman Dental Hospitals (UCLH NHS Foundation Trust), University College London, London WC1X 8EE, United Kingdom
| | - Wenhui Song
- Centre of Biomaterials for in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
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Lin H, Qian Y, Zhou P, Lin J, Luo Z, Zhang W, Chen L. Electricity-Driven Strategies for Bioinspired Multifunctional Swimming Marangoni Robots Based on Super-Aligned Carbon Nanotube Composites. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2400906. [PMID: 38593313 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Marangoni actuators that are propelled by surface tension gradients hold significant potential in small-scale swimming robots. Nevertheless, the release of "fuel" for conventional chemical Marangoni actuators is not easily controllable, and the single swimming function also limits application areas. Constructing controllable Marangoni robots with multifunctions is still a huge challenge. Herein, inspired by water striders, electricity-driven strategies are proposed for a multifunctional swimming Marangoni robot (MSMR), which is fabricated by super-aligned carbon nanotube (SACNT) and polyimide (PI) composite. The MSMR consists of a Marangoni actuator and air-ambient actuators. Owing to the temperature gradient generated by the electrical stimulation on the water surface, the Marangoni actuators can swim controllably with linear, turning, and rotary motions, mimicking the walking motion of water striders. In addition, the Marangoni actuators can also be driven by light. Importantly, the air-ambient actuators fabricated by SACNT/PI bilayer structures demonstrate the function of grasping objects on the water surface when electrically Joule-heated, mimicking the predation behavior of water striders. With the synergistic effect of the Marangoni actuator and air-ambient actuators, the MSMR can navigate mazes with tunnels and grasp objects. This research will provide a new inspiration for smart actuators and swimming robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering, Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Yongqiang Qian
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering, Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Peidi Zhou
- Institute of Smart Marine and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Smart Equipment, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, 350118, China
| | - Jian Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering, Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Zhiling Luo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering, Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering, Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Luzhuo Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering, Fuzhou, 350117, China
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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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15
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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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16
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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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17
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Guo K, Yang X, Zhou C, Li C. Self-regulated reversal deformation and locomotion of structurally homogenous hydrogels subjected to constant light illumination. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1694. [PMID: 38402204 PMCID: PMC10894256 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46100-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmentally adaptive hydrogels that are capable of reconfiguration in response to external stimuli have shown great potential toward bioinspired actuation and soft robotics. Previous efforts have focused mainly on either the sophisticated design of heterogeneously structured hydrogels or the complex manipulation of external stimuli, and achieving self-regulated reversal shape deformation in homogenous hydrogels under a constant stimulus has been challenging. Here, we report the molecular design of structurally homogenous hydrogels containing simultaneously two spiropyrans that exhibit self-regulated transient deformation reversal when subjected to constant illumination. The deformation reversal mechanism originates from the molecular sequential descending-ascending charge variation of two coexisting spiropyrans upon irradiation, resulting in a macroscale volumetric contraction-expansion of the hydrogels. Hydrogel film actuators were developed to display complex temporary bidirectional shape transformations and self-regulated reversal rolling under constant illumination. Our work represents an innovative strategy for programming complex shape transformations of homogeneous hydrogels using a single constant stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine and i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Xuehan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine and i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
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18
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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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19
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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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20
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Qi F, Li Y, Hong Y, Zhao Y, Qing H, Yin J. Defected twisted ring topology for autonomous periodic flip-spin-orbit soft robot. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312680121. [PMID: 38194462 PMCID: PMC10801889 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312680121] [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] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Periodic spin-orbit motion is ubiquitous in nature, observed from electrons orbiting nuclei to spinning planets orbiting the Sun. Achieving autonomous periodic orbiting motions, along circular and noncircular paths, in soft mobile robotics is crucial for adaptive and intelligent exploration of unknown environments-a grand challenge yet to be accomplished. Here, we report leveraging a closed-loop twisted ring topology with a defect for an autonomous soft robot capable of achieving periodic spin-orbiting motions with programmed circular and re-programmed irregular-shaped trajectories. Constructed by bonding a twisted liquid crystal elastomer ribbon into a closed-loop ring topology, the robot exhibits three coupled periodic self-motions in response to constant temperature or constant light sources: inside-out flipping, self-spinning around the ring center, and self-orbiting around a point outside the ring. The coupled spinning and orbiting motions share the same direction and period. The spinning or orbiting direction depends on the twisting chirality, while the orbital radius and period are determined by the twisted ring geometry and thermal actuation. The flip-spin and orbiting motions arise from the twisted ring topology and a bonding site defect that breaks the force symmetry, respectively. By utilizing the twisting-encoded autonomous flip-spin-orbit motions, we showcase the robot's potential for intelligently mapping the geometric boundaries of unknown confined spaces, including convex shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and pentagons and concaves shapes with multi-robots, as well as health monitoring of unknown confined spaces with boundary damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangjie Qi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC27695
| | - Yanbin Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC27695
| | - Yaoye Hong
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC27695
| | - Yao Zhao
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC27695
| | - Haitao Qing
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC27695
| | - Jie Yin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC27695
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21
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Zhu QL, Liu W, Khoruzhenko O, Breu J, Hong W, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Animating hydrogel knotbots with topology-invoked self-regulation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:300. [PMID: 38182606 PMCID: PMC10770334 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44608-x] [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: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Steering soft robots in a self-regulated manner remains a grand challenge, which often requires continuous symmetry breaking and recovery steps for persistent motion. Although structural morphology is found significant for robotic functions, geometric topology has rarely been considered and appreciated. Here we demonstrate a series of knotbots, namely hydrogel-based robots with knotted structures, capable of autonomous rolling and spinning/rotating motions. With symmetry broken by external stimuli and restored by self-regulation, the coupling between self-constraint-induced prestress and photothermal strain animates the knotbots continuously. Experiments and simulations reveal that nonequilibrium processes are regulated dynamically and cooperatively by self-constraints, active deformations, and self-shadowing effect of the photo-responsive gel. The active motions enable the knotbots to execute tasks including gear rotation and rod climbing. This work paves the way to devise advanced soft robots with self-regulated sustainable motions by harnessing the topology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weixuan Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Soft Mechanics & Smart Manufacturing, Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Olena Khoruzhenko
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Josef Breu
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Wei Hong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Soft Mechanics & Smart Manufacturing, Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
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22
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Zhao Y, Ran B, Lee D, Liao J. Photo-Controllable Smart Hydrogels for Biomedical Application: A Review. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301095. [PMID: 37884456 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301095] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, smart hydrogels are being widely studied by researchers because of their advantages such as simple preparation, stable performance, response to external stimuli, and easy control of response behavior. Photo-controllable smart hydrogels (PCHs) are a class of responsive hydrogels whose physical and chemical properties can be changed when stimulated by light at specific wavelengths. Since the light source is safe, clean, simple to operate, and easy to control, PCHs have broad application prospects in the biomedical field. Therefore, this review timely summarizes the latest progress in the PCHs field, with an emphasis on the design principles of typical PCHs and their multiple biomedical applications in tissue regeneration, tumor therapy, antibacterial therapy, diseases diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Meanwhile, the challenges and perspectives of widespread practical implementation of PCHs are presented in biomedical applications. This study hopes that PCHs will flourish in the biomedical field and this review will provide useful information for interested researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Bei Ran
- Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Dashiell Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Jinfeng Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
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23
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Choi M, Shin B, Kim HY. Hygromachines: Humidity-Powered Wheels, Seesaws, and Vehicles. Soft Robot 2023; 10:1171-1180. [PMID: 37339438 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2022.0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hygroscopic soft actuators offer an attractive means to convert environmental energy to mechanical motions as they use water vapor, a ubiquitous substance in the atmosphere. To overcome the limits of existing hygroactuators, such as simplistic actuation mode, slow response, and low efficiency, here we present three kinds of humidity-powered soft machines adopting directionally electrospun hygroresponsive nanofibrous sheets. The wheels, seesaws, and vehicles developed in this work utilize spatial humidity gradient naturally established near moist surfaces such as human skin, so that they operate spontaneously, realizing energy scavenging or harvesting. We also constructed a theoretical framework to mechanically analyze their dynamics, which allowed us to optimize their design to obtain the highest motion speed physically possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munkyeong Choi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Beomjune Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ho-Young Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul National University, Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul, South Korea
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24
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Ni C, Chen D, Wen X, Jin B, He Y, Xie T, Zhao Q. High speed underwater hydrogel robots with programmable motions powered by light. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7672. [PMID: 37996451 PMCID: PMC10667353 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43576-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive shape-changing hydrogels are attractive candidates for use as underwater soft robots. The bottleneck lies in the low actuation speed inherently limited by the water diffusion between hydrogels and their surrounding environment. In addition, accessing complex motions is restricted by the material fabrication methods. Here we report a hitherto unknown mechanism to achieve high-speed and programmable actuations for a disulfide crosslinked thermally responsive hydrogel. The dynamic photo-activated disulfide bond exchange allows photo-mechanical programming to introduce spatio-selective network anisotropy. This gives rise to an actuation behavior dominated by thermally driven conformation change of the locally oriented polymer chains instead of the common mass-diffusion-based mechanism. With the incorporation of photothermal fillers, light-powered oscillation at frequencies as high as 1.7 Hz is realized. This, coupled with the versatility of the programming, allows access to robots with diverse high-speed motions including continuous swimming, step-wise walking, and rotating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chujun Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Chen
- Ningbo innovation center, Zhejiang University, 315100, Ningbo, China
| | - Xin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Binjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi He
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Ningbo innovation center, Zhejiang University, 315100, Ningbo, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
- Ningbo innovation center, Zhejiang University, 315100, Ningbo, China.
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25
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Mezzasalma SA, Kruse J, Merkens S, Lopez E, Seifert A, Morandotti R, Grzelczak M. Light-Driven Self-Oscillation of Thermoplasmonic Nanocolloids. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2302987. [PMID: 37343949 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Self-oscillation-the periodic change of a system under a non-periodic stimulus-is vital for creating low-maintenance autonomous devices in soft robotics technologies. Soft composites of macroscopic dimensions are often doped with plasmonic nanoparticles to enhance energy dissipation and generate periodic response. However, while it is still unknown whether a dispersion of photonic nanocrystals may respond to light as a soft actuator, a dynamic analysis of nanocolloids self-oscillating in a liquid is also lacking. This study presents a new self-oscillator model for illuminated colloidal systems. It predicts that the surface temperature of thermoplasmonic nanoparticles and the number density of their clusters jointly oscillate at frequencies ranging from infrasonic to acoustic values. New experiments with spontaneously clustering gold nanorods, where the photothermal effect alters the interplay of light (stimulus) with the disperse system on a macroscopic scale, strongly support the theory. These findings enlarge the current view on self-oscillation phenomena and anticipate the colloidal state of matter to be a suitable host for accommodating light-propelled machineries. In broad terms, a complex system behavior is observed, which goes from periodic solutions (Hopf-Poincaré-Andronov bifurcation) to a new dynamic attractor driven by nanoparticle interactions, linking thermoplasmonics to nonlinearity and chaos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano A Mezzasalma
- Laboratory of Optics and Optical Thin Films, Materials Physics Division, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijeniška cesta 54, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
- LINXS - Institute for advanced Neutron and X-ray Science, Lund University, Ideon Building, Delta 5 Scheelevägen 19, 223 70, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joscha Kruse
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC-UPV/EHU) and Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Manuel Lardizabal Ibilbidea 5, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20018, Spain
| | - Stefan Merkens
- CIC nanoGUNE BRTA, Tolosa Hiribidea 76, Donostia-Sebastián, 20018, Spain
| | - Eneko Lopez
- CIC nanoGUNE BRTA, Tolosa Hiribidea 76, Donostia-Sebastián, 20018, Spain
| | - Andreas Seifert
- CIC nanoGUNE BRTA, Tolosa Hiribidea 76, Donostia-Sebastián, 20018, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48009, Spain
| | - Roberto Morandotti
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Varennes, Québec, J3X 1S2, Canada
| | - Marek Grzelczak
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC-UPV/EHU) and Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Manuel Lardizabal Ibilbidea 5, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20018, Spain
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26
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Li X, Wu Z, Li B, Xing Y, Huang P, Liu L. Selaginella lepidophylla-Inspired Multi-Stimulus Cooperative Control MXene-Based Flexible Actuator. Soft Robot 2023; 10:861-872. [PMID: 37335927 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2022.0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Predictable bending deformation, high cycle stability, and multimode complex motion have always been the goals pursued in the field of flexible robots. In this study, inspired by the delicate structure and humidity response characteristics of Selaginella lepidophylla, a new multilevel assisted assembly strategy was developed to construct MXene-CoFe2O4 (MXCFO) flexible actuators with different concentration gradients, to achieve predictable bending deformation and multi-stimulus cooperative control of the actuators, revealing the intrinsic link between the gradient change and the bending deformation ability of the actuator. The thickness of the actuator shows uniformity compared with the common layer-by-layer assembly strategy. And, the bionic gradient structured actuator shows high cycle stability, and it maintains excellent interlayer bonding after bending 100 times. The flexible robots designed based on the predictable bending deformation and the multi-stimulus cooperative response characteristics of the actuator initially realize conceptual models of humidity monitoring, climbing, grasping, cargo transportation, and drug delivery. The designed bionic gradient structure and unbound multi-stimulus cooperative control strategy may show great potential in the design and development of robots in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingjue Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Youqiang Xing
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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27
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Cao Q, Chen W, Zhong Y, Ma X, Wang B. Biomedical Applications of Deformable Hydrogel Microrobots. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1824. [PMID: 37893261 PMCID: PMC10609176 DOI: 10.3390/mi14101824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogel, a material with outstanding biocompatibility and shape deformation ability, has recently become a hot topic for researchers studying innovative functional materials due to the growth of new biomedicine. Due to their stimulus responsiveness to external environments, hydrogels have progressively evolved into "smart" responsive (such as to pH, light, electricity, magnetism, temperature, and humidity) materials in recent years. The physical and chemical properties of hydrogels have been used to construct hydrogel micro-nano robots which have demonstrated significant promise for biomedical applications. The different responsive deformation mechanisms in hydrogels are initially discussed in this study; after which, a number of preparation techniques and a variety of structural designs are introduced. This study also highlights the most recent developments in hydrogel micro-nano robots' biological applications, such as drug delivery, stem cell treatment, and cargo manipulation. On the basis of the hydrogel micro-nano robots' current state of development, current difficulties and potential future growth paths are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Cao
- School of Materials Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China;
| | - Wenjun Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China; (Y.Z.); (X.M.)
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ying Zhong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China; (Y.Z.); (X.M.)
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xing Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China; (Y.Z.); (X.M.)
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bo Wang
- School of Materials Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China;
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28
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Zhai Z, Dong X, Qi H, Tao R, Zhang P. Carbon Quantum Dots with High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency and Their Application in Photothermal Modulated Reversible Deformation of Poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogel. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:3395-3405. [PMID: 37133748 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00046] [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] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The fluorescence of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) has been paid a lot of attention, but its photothermal performance attracts less attention since preparing CQDs with high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) is a big challenge. In this work, CQDs with an average size of 2.3 nm and a PCE of up to 59.4% under 650 nm laser irradiation were synthesized by a simple one-pot microwave-assisted solvothermal method using citric acid (CA) and urea (UR) as the precursors and N,N-dimethylformamide as the solvent under an optimized condition (CA/UR = 1/7, 150 °C, and 1 h). The as-prepared CQDs were demonstrated to have unique surface chemical states; i.e., abundant pyrrole, amide, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups were found on the surfaces of CQDs, which ensure a high PCE. These CQDs were introduced into a thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) to form a CQDs@PNIPAM nanocomposite, and then, a bilayer hydrogel composed of CQDs@PNIPAM and polyacrylamide (PAM) was fabricated. The bilayer hydrogel can be reversibly deformed just by a light switching on/off operation. Based on the excellent photothermal performance, the developed CQDs are expected to be used in photothermal therapy, photoacoustic imaging, and other biomedical fields, and the CQDs@PNIPAM hydrogel nanocomposite is promising to be applied in intelligent device systems as a light-driven smart flexible material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhuo Zhai
- College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xipeng Dong
- College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hongxia Qi
- College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ranting Tao
- Analysis and Test Center, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Pudun Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Analysis and Test Center, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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29
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Zhao Y, Hong Y, Li Y, Qi F, Qing H, Su H, Yin J. Physically intelligent autonomous soft robotic maze escaper. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi3254. [PMID: 37682998 PMCID: PMC10491293 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi3254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Autonomous maze navigation is appealing yet challenging in soft robotics for exploring priori unknown unstructured environments, as it often requires human-like brain that integrates onboard power, sensors, and control for computational intelligence. Here, we report harnessing both geometric and materials intelligence in liquid crystal elastomer-based self-rolling robots for autonomous escaping from complex multichannel mazes without the need for human-like brain. The soft robot powered by environmental thermal energy has asymmetric geometry with hybrid twisted and helical shapes on two ends. Such geometric asymmetry enables built-in active and sustained self-turning capabilities, unlike its symmetric counterparts in either twisted or helical shapes that only demonstrate transient self-turning through untwisting. Combining self-snapping for motion reflection, it shows unique curved zigzag paths to avoid entrapment in its counterparts, which allows for successful self-escaping from various challenging mazes, including mazes on granular terrains, mazes with narrow gaps, and even mazes with in situ changing layouts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhao
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Yaoye Hong
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Yanbin Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Fangjie Qi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Haitao Qing
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Joint NCSU/UNC Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jie Yin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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30
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Li J, Zhang G, Cui Z, Bao L, Xia Z, Liu Z, Zhou X. High Performance and Multifunction Moisture-Driven Yin-Yang-Interface Actuators Derived from Polyacrylamide Hydrogel. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303228. [PMID: 37194983 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
High actuation performance of a moisture actuator highly depends on the presence of a large property difference between the two layers, which may cause interfacial delamination. Improving interfacial adhesion strength while increasing the difference between the layers is a challenge. In this study, a moisture-driven tri-layer actuator with a Yin-Yang-interface (YYI) design is investigated in which a moisture-responsive polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel layer (Yang) is combined with a moisture-inert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer (Yin) using an interfacial poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate) (PEA) adhesion layer. Fast and large reversible bending, oscillation, and programmable morphing motions in response to moisture are realized. The response time, bending curvature, and response speed normalized by thickness are among the best compared with those of previously reported moisture-driven actuators. The excellent actuation performance of the actuator has potential multifunctional applications in moisture-controlled switches, mechanical grippers, and crawling and jumping motions. The Yin-Yang-interface design proposed in this work provides a new design strategy for high-performance intelligent materials and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Guanghao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhanpeng Cui
- Department of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lili Bao
- Department of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Zhigang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, China
| | - Zunfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
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31
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Wang Y, Chen J, Su G, Mei J, Li J. A Review of Single-Cell Microrobots: Classification, Driving Methods and Applications. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1710. [PMID: 37763873 PMCID: PMC10537272 DOI: 10.3390/mi14091710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell microrobots are new microartificial devices that use a combination of single cells and artificial devices, with the advantages of small size, easy degradation and ease of manufacture. With externally driven strategies such as light fields, sound fields and magnetic fields, microrobots are able to carry out precise micromanipulations and movements in complex microenvironments. Therefore, single-cell microrobots have received more and more attention and have been greatly developed in recent years. In this paper, we review the main classifications, control methods and recent advances in the field of single-cell microrobot applications. First, different types of robots, such as cell-based microrobots, bacteria-based microrobots, algae-based microrobots, etc., and their design strategies and fabrication processes are discussed separately. Next, three types of external field-driven technologies, optical, acoustic and magnetic, are presented and operations realized in vivo and in vitro by applying these three technologies are described. Subsequently, the results achieved by these robots in the fields of precise delivery, minimally invasive therapy are analyzed. Finally, a short summary is given and current challenges and future work on microbial-based robotics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Junyang Li
- School of Electronic Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China; (Y.W.); (J.C.); (G.S.); (J.M.)
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32
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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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33
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Yang Y, Li C, Palmer LC, Stupp SI. Autonomous hydrogel locomotion regulated by light and electric fields. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi4566. [PMID: 37531426 PMCID: PMC10396299 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi4566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Autonomous robotic functions in materials beyond simple stimulus-response actuation require the development of functional soft matter that can complete well-organized tasks without step-by-step control. We report the design of photo- and electroactivated hydrogels that can capture and deliver cargo, avoid obstacles, and return without external, stepwise control. By incorporating two spiropyran monomers with different chemical substituents in the hydrogel, we created chemically random networks that enabled photoregulated charge reversal and autonomous behaviors under a constant electric field. In addition, using perturbations in the electric field induced by a dielectric inhomogeneity, the hydrogel could be attracted to high dielectric constant materials and autonomously bypasses the low dielectric constant materials under the guidance of the electric field vector. The photo- and electroactive hydrogels investigated here can autonomously perform tasks using constant external stimuli, an encouraging observation for the potential development of molecularly designed intelligent robotic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Center for Bio-Inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Chuang Li
- Center for Bio-Inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Liam C Palmer
- Center for Bio-Inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Samuel I Stupp
- Center for Bio-Inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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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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35
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He Q, Yin R, Hua Y, Jiao W, Mo C, Shu H, Raney JR. A modular strategy for distributed, embodied control of electronics-free soft robots. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade9247. [PMID: 37418520 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade9247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Robots typically interact with their environments via feedback loops consisting of electronic sensors, microcontrollers, and actuators, which can be bulky and complex. Researchers have sought new strategies for achieving autonomous sensing and control in next-generation soft robots. We describe here an electronics-free approach for autonomous control of soft robots, whose compositional and structural features embody the sensing, control, and actuation feedback loop of their soft bodies. Specifically, we design multiple modular control units that are regulated by responsive materials such as liquid crystal elastomers. These modules enable the robot to sense and respond to different external stimuli (light, heat, and solvents), causing autonomous changes to the robot's trajectory. By combining multiple types of control modules, complex responses can be achieved, such as logical evaluations that require multiple events to occur in the environment before an action is performed. This framework for embodied control offers a new strategy toward autonomous soft robots that operate in uncertain or dynamic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiguang He
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rui Yin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yucong Hua
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Weijian Jiao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chengyang Mo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hang Shu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jordan R Raney
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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36
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Wang Q, Tian X, Zhang D, Zhou Y, Yan W, Li D. Programmable spatial deformation by controllable off-center freestanding 4D printing of continuous fiber reinforced liquid crystal elastomer composites. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3869. [PMID: 37391425 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39566-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to their high deformation ability, 4D printed structures have various applications in origami structures, soft robotics and deployable mechanisms. As a material with programmable molecular chain orientation, liquid crystal elastomer is expected to produce the freestanding, bearable and deformable three-dimensional structure. However, majority of the existing 4D printing methods for liquid crystal elastomers can only fabricate planar structures, which limits their deformation designability and bearing capacity. Here we propose a direct ink writing based 4D printing method for freestanding continuous fiber reinforced composites. Continuous fibers can support freestanding structures during the printing process and improve the mechanical property and deformation ability of 4D printed structures. In this paper, the integration of 4D printed structures with fully impregnated composite interfaces, programmable deformation ability and high bearing capacity are realized by adjusting the off-center distribution of the fibers, and the printed liquid crystal composite can carry a load of up to 2805 times its own weight and achieve a bending deformation curvature of 0.33 mm-1 at 150 °C. This research is expected to open new avenues for creating soft robotics, mechanical metamaterials and artificial muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingrui Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyong Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Daokang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wanquan Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dichen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
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37
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Jiang J, Xu S, Ma H, Li C, Huang Z. Photoresponsive hydrogel-based soft robot: A review. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100657. [PMID: 37229213 PMCID: PMC10205512 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft robots have received a lot of attention because of their great human-robot interaction and environmental adaptability. Most soft robots are currently limited in their applications due to wired drives. Photoresponsive soft robotics is one of the most effective ways to promote wireless soft drives. Among the many soft robotics materials, photoresponsive hydrogels have received a lot of attention due to their good biocompatibility, ductility, and excellent photoresponse properties. This paper visualizes and analyzes the research hotspots in the field of hydrogels using the literature analysis tool Citespace, demonstrating that photoresponsive hydrogel technology is currently a key research direction. Therefore, this paper summarizes the current state of research on photoresponsive hydrogels in terms of photochemical and photothermal response mechanisms. The progress of the application of photoresponsive hydrogels in soft robots is highlighted based on bilayer, gradient, orientation, and patterned structures. Finally, the main factors influencing its application at this stage are discussed, including the development directions and insights. Advancement in photoresponsive hydrogel technology is crucial for its application in the field of soft robotics. The advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods and structures should be considered in different application scenarios to select the best design scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, 150080, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Shuainan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, 150080, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Hongyuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, 150080, Heilongjiang, PR China
- Harbin Branch of Taili Communication Technology Limited, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, Harbin, 150080, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Changpeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, 150080, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, PR China
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38
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Ma ZC, Fan J, Wang H, Chen W, Yang GZ, Han B. Microfluidic Approaches for Microactuators: From Fabrication, Actuation, to Functionalization. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300469. [PMID: 36855777 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Microactuators can autonomously convert external energy into specific mechanical motions. With the feature sizes varying from the micrometer to millimeter scale, microactuators offer many operation and control possibilities for miniaturized devices. In recent years, advanced microfluidic techniques have revolutionized the fabrication, actuation, and functionalization of microactuators. Microfluidics can not only facilitate fabrication with continuously changing materials but also deliver various signals to stimulate the microactuators as desired, and consequently improve microfluidic chips with multiple functions. Herein, this cross-field that systematically correlates microactuator properties and microfluidic functions is comprehensively reviewed. The fabrication strategies are classified into two types according to the flow state of the microfluids: stop-flow and continuous-flow prototyping. The working mechanism of microactuators in microfluidic chips is discussed in detail. Finally, the applications of microactuator-enriched functional chips, which include tunable imaging devices, micromanipulation tools, micromotors, and microsensors, are summarized. The existing challenges and future perspectives are also discussed. It is believed that with the rapid progress of this cutting-edge field, intelligent microsystems may realize high-throughput manipulation, characterization, and analysis of tiny objects and find broad applications in various fields, such as tissue engineering, micro/nanorobotics, and analytical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Chen Ma
- Department of Automation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Key Laboratory of System Control and Information Processing, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Control and Management, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Institute of Medical Robotics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jiahao Fan
- Department of Automation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Key Laboratory of System Control and Information Processing, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Control and Management, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hesheng Wang
- Department of Automation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Key Laboratory of System Control and Information Processing, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Control and Management, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Weidong Chen
- Department of Automation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Key Laboratory of System Control and Information Processing, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Control and Management, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Institute of Medical Robotics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Guang-Zhong Yang
- Institute of Medical Robotics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Bing Han
- Institute of Medical Robotics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
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39
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Wang B, Handschuh-Wang S, Shen J, Zhou X, Guo Z, Liu W, Pumera M, Zhang L. Small-Scale Robotics with Tailored Wettability. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2205732. [PMID: 36113864 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202205732] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Small-scale robots (SSRs) have emerged as promising and versatile tools in various biomedical, sensing, decontamination, and manipulation applications, as they are uniquely capable of performing tasks at small length scales. With the miniaturization of robots from the macroscale to millimeter-, micrometer-, and nanometer-scales, the viscous and surface forces, namely adhesive forces and surface tension have become dominant. These forces significantly impact motion efficiency. Surface engineering of robots with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functionalization presents a brand-new pathway to overcome motion resistance and enhance the ability to target and regulate robots for various tasks. This review focuses on the current progress and future perspectives of SSRs with hydrophilic and hydrophobic modifications (including both tethered and untethered robots). The study emphasizes the distinct advantages of SSRs, such as improved maneuverability and reduced drag forces, and outlines their potential applications. With continued innovation, rational surface engineering is expected to endow SSRs with exceptional mobility and functionality, which can broaden their applications, enhance their penetration depth, reduce surface fouling, and inhibit bacterial adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Stephan Handschuh-Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Spine Surgery, Department of Spine Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Xuechang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhiguang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Centre for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Weimin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Martin Pumera
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno, 61200, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, 70800, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong, 999077, China
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40
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Kollipara PS, Chen Z, Zheng Y. Optical Manipulation Heats up: Present and Future of Optothermal Manipulation. ACS NANO 2023; 17:7051-7063. [PMID: 37022087 PMCID: PMC10197158 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Optothermal manipulation is a versatile technique that combines optical and thermal forces to control synthetic micro-/nanoparticles and biological entities. This emerging technique overcomes the limitations of traditional optical tweezers, including high laser power, photon and thermal damage to fragile objects, and the requirement of refractive-index contrast between target objects and the surrounding solvents. In this perspective, we discuss how the rich opto-thermo-fluidic multiphysics leads to a variety of working mechanisms and modes of optothermal manipulation in both liquid and solid media, underpinning a broad range of applications in biology, nanotechnology, and robotics. Moreover, we highlight current experimental and modeling challenges in the pursuit of optothermal manipulation and propose future directions and solutions to the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavana Siddhartha Kollipara
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712, United States
| | - Zhihan Chen
- Materials Science and Engineering program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Yuebing Zheng
- Materials Science and Engineering program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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41
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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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42
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Li CY, Jiao D, Hao XP, Hong W, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Bistable Joints Enable the Morphing of Hydrogel Sheets with Multistable Configurations. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211802. [PMID: 36680376 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Joints, as a flexing element to connect different parts, are widespread in natural systems. Various joints exist in the body and play crucial roles to execute gestures and gaits. These scenarios have inspired the design of mechanical joints with passive, hard materials, which usually need an external power supply to drive the transformations. The incorporation of soft and active joints provides a modular strategy to devise soft actuators and robots. However, transformations of responsive joints under external stimuli are usually in uni-mode with a pre-determined direction. Here, hydrogel joints capable of folding and twisting transformation in bi-mode are reported, which enable the composite hydrogel to form multiple configurations under constant conditions. These joints have an in-plane gradient structure and comprise stiff, passive gel as the frame and soft, active gel as the actuating unit. Under external stimuli, the response mismatch between different gels leads to out-of-plane folding or twisting deformation with the feature of bistability. These joints can be modularly integrated with other gels to afford complex deformations and multistable configurations. This approach favors selective control of hydrogel's architectures and versatile design of hydrogel devices, as demonstrated by proof-of-concept examples. It shall also merit the development of metamaterials, soft actuators, and robots, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yu Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Dejin Jiao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xing Peng Hao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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43
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Fusi AD, Li Y, Llopis-Lorente A, Patiño T, van Hest JCM, Abdelmohsen LKEA. Achieving Control in Micro-/Nanomotor Mobility. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202214754. [PMID: 36413146 PMCID: PMC10107182 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Unprecedented opportunities exist for the generation of advanced nanotechnologies based on synthetic micro/nanomotors (MNMs), such as active transport of medical agents or the removal of pollutants. In this regard, great efforts have been dedicated toward controlling MNM motion (e.g., speed, directionality). This was generally performed by precise engineering and optimizing of the motors' chassis, engine, powering mode (i.e., chemical or physical), and mechanism of motion. Recently, new insights have emerged to control motors mobility, mainly by the inclusion of different modes that drive propulsion. With high degree of synchronization, these modes work providing the required level of control. In this Minireview, we discuss the diverse factors that impact motion; these include MNM morphology, modes of mobility, and how control over motion was achieved. Moreover, we highlight the main limitations that need to be overcome so that such motion control can be translated into real applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander D Fusi
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Yudong Li
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - A Llopis-Lorente
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Molecular Recognition and Technological Development (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Tania Patiño
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Loai K E A Abdelmohsen
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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44
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Ge D, Dai Y, Li K. Self-Sustained Euler Buckling of an Optically Responsive Rod with Different Boundary Constraints. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15020316. [PMID: 36679197 PMCID: PMC9862129 DOI: 10.3390/polym15020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-sustained oscillations can directly absorb energy from the constant environment to maintain its periodic motion by self-regulating. As a classical mechanical instability phenomenon, the Euler compression rod can rapidly release elastic strain energy and undergo large displacement during buckling. In addition, its boundary configuration is usually easy to be modulated. In this paper, we develop a self-sustained Euler buckling system based on optically responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) rod with different boundary constraints. The buckling of LCE rod results from the light-induced expansion and compressive force, and the self-buckling is maintained by the energy competition between the damping dissipation and the net work done by the effective elastic force. Based on the dynamic LCE model, the governing equations for dynamic Euler buckling of the LCE rod is formulated, and the approximate admissible trigonometric functions and Runge-Kutta method are used to solve the dynamic Euler buckling. Under different illumination parameters, there exists two motion modes of the Euler rod: the static mode and the self-buckling mode, including alternating and unilateral self-buckling modes. The triggering conditions, frequency, and amplitude of the self-sustained Euler buckling can be modulated by several system parameters and boundary constraints. Results indicate that strengthening the boundary constraint can increase the frequency and reduce the amplitude. It is anticipated that this system may open new avenues for energy harvesters, signal sensors, mechano-logistic devices, and autonomous robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dali Ge
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- 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
| | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- Correspondence:
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45
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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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46
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Zhang J, Li Q, Dai C, Cheng M, Hu X, Kim HS, Yang H, Preston DJ, Li Z, Zhang X, Lee WK. Hydrogel-Based, Dynamically Tunable Plasmonic Metasurfaces with Nanoscale Resolution. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2205057. [PMID: 36269881 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Flat metasurfaces with subwavelength meta-atoms can be designed to manipulate the electromagnetic parameters of incident light and enable unusual light-matter interactions. Although hydrogel-based metasurfaces have the potential to control optical properties dynamically in response to environmental conditions, the pattern resolution of these surfaces has been limited to microscale features or larger, limiting capabilities at the nanoscale, and precluding effective use in metamaterials. This paper reports a general approach to developing tunable plasmonic metasurfaces with hydrogel meta-atoms at the subwavelength scale. Periodic arrays of hydrogel nanodots with continuously tunable diameters are fabricated on silver substrates, resulting in humidity-responsive surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at the nanostructure-metal interfaces. The peaks of the SPPs are controlled reversibly by absorbing or releasing water within the hydrogel matrix, the matrix-generated plasmonic color rendering in the visible spectrum. This work demonstrates that metasurfaces designed with these spatially patterned nanodots of varying sizes benefit applications in anti-counterfeiting and generate multicolored displays with single-nanodot resolution. Furthermore, this work shows system versatility exhibited by broadband beam-steering on a phase modulator consisting of hydrogel supercell units in which the size variations of constituent hydrogel nanostructures engineer the wavefront of reflected light from the metasurface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Information Research Center for EM Metamaterials and Institute of Advanced Magnetic Materials, College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Qiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Chenjie Dai
- Electronic Information School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Mingliang Cheng
- Information Research Center for EM Metamaterials and Institute of Advanced Magnetic Materials, College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Information Research Center for EM Metamaterials and Institute of Advanced Magnetic Materials, College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Hyun-Sik Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Korea
| | - Heesun Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, 04066, Korea
| | - Daniel J Preston
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77006, USA
| | - Zhongyang Li
- Electronic Information School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- Information Research Center for EM Metamaterials and Institute of Advanced Magnetic Materials, College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Won-Kyu Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, 04066, Korea
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47
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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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48
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Zhang H, Zeng H, Eklund A, Guo H, Priimagi A, Ikkala O. Feedback-controlled hydrogels with homeostatic oscillations and dissipative signal transduction. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 17:1303-1310. [PMID: 36443600 PMCID: PMC9747616 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-022-01241-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Driving systems out of equilibrium under feedback control is characteristic for living systems, where homeostasis and dissipative signal transduction facilitate complex responses. This feature not only inspires dissipative dynamic functionalities in synthetic systems but also poses great challenges in designing novel pathways. Here we report feedback-controlled systems comprising two coupled hydrogels driven by constant light, where the system can be tuned to undergo stable homeostatic self-oscillations or damped steady states of temperature. We demonstrate that stable temperature oscillations can be utilized for dynamic colours and cargo transport, whereas damped steady states enable signal transduction pathways. Here mechanical triggers cause temperature changes that lead to responses such as bending motions inspired by the single-touch mechanoresponse in Mimosa pudica and the frequency-gated snapping motion inspired by the plant arithmetic in the Venus flytrap. The proposed concepts suggest generalizable feedback pathways for dissipative dynamic materials and interactive soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Hao Zeng
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Amanda Eklund
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Hongshuang Guo
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Arri Priimagi
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Olli Ikkala
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.
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49
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Wang Y, Guan Q, Lei D, Esmaeely Neisiany R, Guo Y, Gu S, You Z. Meniscus-Climbing System Inspired 3D Printed Fully Soft Robotics with Highly Flexible Three-Dimensional Locomotion at the Liquid-Air Interface. ACS NANO 2022; 16:19393-19402. [PMID: 36367434 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Soft robotics locomotion at the liquid-air interface has become more and more important for an intelligent society. However, existing locomotion of soft robotics is limited to two dimensions. It remains a formidable challenge to realize three-dimensional locomotion (X, Y, and Z axes) at the liquid-air two-phase interface due to the unbalanced mechanical environment. Inspired by meniscus-climbing beetle larva Pyrrhalta, the mechanism of a three-phase (liquid-solid-air) contact line is here proposed to address the aforementioned challenge. A corresponding 3D printed fully soft robotics (named larvobot) based on photoresponsive liquid crystal elastomer/carbon nanotubes composites endowed repeatable programmable deformation and high degree-of-freedom locomotion. Three-dimensional locomotion at the liquid-air interface including twisting and rolling-up has been developed. The equation of motion is established by analyzing the mechanics along the solid-water surface of the larvobot. Meanwhile, ANSYS is used to calculate the stress distribution, which coincides with the speculation. Moreover, soft robotics is remotely driven by light in a precise spatiotemporal control, which provides a great advantage for applications. As an example, we demonstrate the controllable locomotion of the soft robotics inside closed tubes, which could be used for drug delivery and intelligent transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Qingbao Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Dong Lei
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200011, P. R. China
| | - Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany
- Department of Materials and Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar9617976487, Iran
| | - Yue Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Shijia Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Zhengwei You
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
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50
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Nakamura S, Yamanaka M, Oishi Y, Narita T. Light-driven autonomous swing of multi-layered hydrogel. RSC Adv 2022; 12:33612-33616. [PMID: 36505673 PMCID: PMC9682406 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra05722k] [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: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Light-driven self-oscillators without electronic circuits or conventional heat engines are carbon-emission-free systems and hold promise for developing autonomous transmission pumps and self-swimming micromotors. Thermosensitive hydrogels as self-oscillators can be used in the exploitation of low-temperature heat sources and in medical applications since the driving temperature is close to body temperature. Here, the autonomous swinging of the hydrogel was achieved by irradiating a constant light beam onto a head laminated with two thermosensitive hydrogels with different transition temperatures. Hysteresis resulting from the transition point difference between the two hydrogels allowed the light-driven self-oscillation without self-shadowing from the irradiation. The proposed theoretical model and numerical simulations explain this light-driven continuous swing, and the results agree qualitatively well with the experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Nakamura
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Saga University 1 Honjo Saga 840-8502 Japan +81 952-28-8805 +81 952-28-8805
| | - Momoka Yamanaka
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Saga University 1 Honjo Saga 840-8502 Japan +81 952-28-8805 +81 952-28-8805
| | - Yushi Oishi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Saga University 1 Honjo Saga 840-8502 Japan +81 952-28-8805 +81 952-28-8805
| | - Takayuki Narita
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Saga University 1 Honjo Saga 840-8502 Japan +81 952-28-8805 +81 952-28-8805
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