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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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2
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Escobar MC, White TJ. Fast and Slow-Twitch Actuation via Twisted Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fibers. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2401140. [PMID: 38520204 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The performance of robotic systems can benefit from low-density material actuators that emulate muscle typology (e.g., fast and slow twitch) of natural systems. Recent reports detail the thermomechanical, chemical, electrical, and pneumatic response of twisted and coiled fibers. The geometrical constraints imparted on typically commodity materials realize distinguished stimuli-induced actuation including low density, high force, and moderate stroke. Here, actuators are prepared by twisting fibers composed of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). The actuators combine the inherent stimuli-response of LCEs with the geometrical constraints of twisted fiber actuators to dramatically increase the deformation rate, specific work, and achievable force output. In some geometries, the thermomechanical response of the LCE exhibits a pseudo-first-order transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin Colorado Escobar
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Timothy J White
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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3
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Aziz S, Zhang X, Naficy S, Salahuddin B, Jager EWH, Zhu Z. Plant-Like Tropisms in Artificial Muscles. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2212046. [PMID: 36965152 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202212046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Helical plants have the ability of tropisms to respond to natural stimuli, and biomimicry of such helical shapes into artificial muscles has been vastly popular. However, the shape-mimicked actuators only respond to artificially provided stimulus, they are not adaptive to variable natural conditions, thus being unsuitable for real-life applications where on-demand, autonomous operations are required. Novel artificial muscles made of hierarchically patterned helically wound yarns that are self-adaptive to environmental humidity and temperature changes are demonstrated here. Unlike shape-mimicked artificial muscles, a unique microstructural biomimicking approach is adopted, where the muscle yarns can effectively replicate the hydrotropism and thermotropism of helical plants to their microfibril level using plant-like microstructural memories. Large strokes, with rapid movement, are obtained when the individual microfilament of yarn is inlaid with hydrogel and further twisted into a coil-shaped hierarchical structure. The developed artificial muscle provides an average actuation speed of ≈5.2% s-1 at expansion and ≈3.1% s-1 at contraction cycles, being the fastest amongst previously demonstrated actuators of similar type. It is demonstrated that these muscle yarns can autonomously close a window in wet climates. The building block yarns are washable without any material degradation, making them suitable for smart, reusable textile and soft robotic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazed Aziz
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Xi Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sina Naficy
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Bidita Salahuddin
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Edwin W H Jager
- Division of Sensor and Actuator Systems, Department of Physics, Chemistry, and, Biology (IFM), Linköping University, Linköping, SE-58183, Sweden
| | - Zhonghua Zhu
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
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4
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Feng M, Yang D, Ren L, Wei G, Gu G. X-crossing pneumatic artificial muscles. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi7133. [PMID: 37729399 PMCID: PMC10511197 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi7133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Artificial muscles are promising in soft exoskeletons, locomotion robots, and operation machines. However, their performance in contraction ratio, output force, and dynamic response is often imbalanced and limited by materials, structures, or actuation principles. We present lightweight, high-contraction ratio, high-output force, and positive pressure-driven X-crossing pneumatic artificial muscles (X-PAMs). Unlike PAMs, our X-PAMs harness the X-crossing mechanism to directly convert linear motion along the actuator axis, achieving an unprecedented 92.9% contraction ratio and an output force of 207.9 Newtons per kilogram per kilopascal with excellent dynamic properties, such as strain rate (1603.0% per second), specific power (5.7 kilowatts per kilogram), and work density (842.9 kilojoules per meter cubed). These properties can overcome the slow actuation of conventional PAMs, providing robotic elbow, jumping robot, and lightweight gripper with fast, powerful performance. The robust design of X-PAMs withstands extreme environments, including high-temperature, underwater, and long-duration actuation, while being scalable to parallel, asymmetric, and ring-shaped configurations for potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Feng
- Robotics Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, The University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT, UK
| | - Dezhi Yang
- Robotics Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130015, China
| | - Guowu Wei
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, The University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT, UK
| | - Guoying Gu
- Robotics Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Meta Robotics Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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5
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Konda R, Bombara D, Zhang J. Overtwisting and Coiling Highly Enhance Strain Generation of Twisted String Actuators. Soft Robot 2023; 10:760-769. [PMID: 37192497 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2021.0079] [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: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Twisted string actuators (TSAs) have exhibited great promise in robotic applications by generating high translational force with low input torque. To further facilitate their robotic applications, it is strongly desirable but challenging to enhance their consistent strain generation while maintaining compliance. Existing studies predominantly considered overtwisting and coiling after the regular twisting stage to be undesirable-nonuniform and unpredictable knots, entanglements, and coils formed to create an unstable and failure-prone structure. Overtwisting would work well for TSAs when uniform coils can be consistently formed. In this study, we realize uniform and consistent coil formation in overtwisted TSAs, which greatly increases their strain. Furthermore, we investigate methods for enabling uniform coil formation upon overtwisting the strings in a TSA and present a procedure to systematically "train" the strings. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study to experimentally investigate overtwisting for TSAs with different stiffnesses and realize consistent uniform coil formation. Ultrahigh molecular-weight polyethylene strings form the stiff TSAs, whereas compliant TSAs are realized with stretchable and conductive supercoiled polymer strings. The strain, force, velocity, and torque of each overtwisted TSA were studied. Overtwisting and coiling resulted in ∼70% strain in stiff TSAs and ∼60% strain in compliant TSAs. This is more than twice the strain achieved through regular twisting. Finally, the overtwisted TSA was successfully demonstrated in a robotic bicep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revanth Konda
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - David Bombara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
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6
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Bin Asghar Abbasi B, Gigliotti M, Aloko S, Jolfaei MA, Spinks GM, Jiang Z. Designing strong, fast, high-performance hydrogel actuators. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:7141-7150. [PMID: 37194593 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc01545a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogel actuators displaying programmable shape transformations are particularly attractive for integration into future soft robotics with safe human-machine interactions. However, these materials are still in their infancy, and many significant challenges remain presenting impediments to their practical implementation, including poor mechanical properties, slow actuation speed and limited actuation performance. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in hydrogel designs to address these critical limitations. First, the material design concepts to improve mechanical properties of hydrogel actuators will be introduced. Examples are also included to highlight strategies to realize fast actuation speed. In addition, recent progress about creating strong and fast hydrogel actuators are sumarized. Finally, a discussion of different methods to realize high values in several aspects of actuation performance metrics for this class of materials is provided. The advances and challenges discussed in this highlight could provide useful guidelines for rational design to manipulate the properties of hydrogel actuators toward widespread real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burhan Bin Asghar Abbasi
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Matthew Gigliotti
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Sinmisola Aloko
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Maryam Adavoudi Jolfaei
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey M Spinks
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Zhen Jiang
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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7
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Leng X, Mei G, Zhang G, Liu Z, Zhou X. Tethering of twisted-fiber artificial muscles. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:2377-2390. [PMID: 36919405 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00489e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Twisted-fiber artificial muscles, a new type of soft actuator, exhibit significant potential for use in applications related to lightweight smart devices and soft robotics. Fiber twisting generates internal torque and a spiral architecture, exhibiting rotation, contraction, or elongation as a result of fiber volume change. Untethering a twisted fiber often results in fiber untwisting and loss of stored torque energy. Preserving the torque in twisted fibers during actuation is necessary to realize a reversible and stable artificial muscle performance; this is a key issue that has not yet been systematically discussed and reviewed. This review summarizes the mechanisms for preserving the torque within twisted fibers and the potential applications of such systems. The potential challenges and future directions of research related to twisted-fiber artificial muscles are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Leng
- Department of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Guangkai Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Guanghao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Zunfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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8
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Oscillating light engine realized by photothermal solvent evaporation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5621. [PMID: 36153322 PMCID: PMC9509359 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33374-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous mechanical work output can be generated by using combustion engines and electric motors, as well as actuators, through on/off control via external stimuli. Solar energy has been used to generate electricity and heat in human daily life; however, the direct conversion of solar energy to continuous mechanical work has not been realized. In this work, a solar engine is developed using an oscillating actuator, which is realized through an alternating volume decrease of each side of a polypropylene/carbon black polymer film induced by photothermal-derived solvent evaporation. The anisotropic solvent evaporation and fast gradient diffusion in the polymer film sustains oscillating bending actuation under the illumination of divergent light. This light-driven oscillator shows excellent oscillation performance, excellent loading capability, and high energy conversion efficiency, and it can never stop with solvent supply. The oscillator can cyclically lift up a load and output work, exhibiting a maximum specific work of 30.9 × 10−5 J g−1 and a maximum specific power of 15.4 × 10−5 W g−1 under infrared light. This work can inspire the development of autonomous devices and provide a design strategy for solar engines. Developing an oscillating actuator that can directly convert solar energy into mechanical energy is highly desirable. Here, authors report a solvent-assisted light-driven oscillator by porous film that achieves excellent oscillating actuation performance and can even oscillate by carrying a load under light irradiation.
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9
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Hu X, Li J, Li S, Zhang G, Wang R, Liu Z, Chen M, He W, Yu K, Zhai W, Zhao W, Khan AQ, Fang S, Baughman RH, Zhou X, Liu Z. Morphology modulation of artificial muscles by thermodynamic-twist coupling. Natl Sci Rev 2022; 10:nwac196. [PMID: 36684513 PMCID: PMC9843299 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwac196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Human muscles can grow and change their length with body development; therefore, artificial muscles that modulate their morphology according to changing needs are needed. In this paper, we report a strategy to transform an artificial muscle into a new muscle with a different morphology by thermodynamic-twist coupling, and illustrate its structural evolution during actuation. The muscle length can be continuously modulated over a large temperature range, and actuation occurs by continuously changing the temperature. This strategy is applicable to different actuation modes, including tensile elongation, tensile contraction and torsional rotation. This is realized by twist insertion into a fibre to produce torsional stress. Fibre annealing causes partial thermodynamic relaxation of the spiral molecular chains, which serves as internal tethering and inhibits fibre twist release, thus producing a self-supporting artificial muscle that actuates under heating. At a sufficiently high temperature, further relaxation of the spiral molecular chains occurs, resulting in a new muscle with a different length. A structural study provides an understanding of the thermodynamic-twist coupling. This work provides a new design strategy for intelligent materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Guanghao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Run Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhongsheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mengmeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wenqian He
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Kaiqing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wenzhong Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Weiqiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Abdul Qadeer Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shaoli Fang
- Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Ray H Baughman
- Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
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10
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Wei Y, Wang K, Luo S, Li F, Zuo X, Fan C, Li Q. Programmable DNA Hydrogels as Artificial Extracellular Matrix. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107640. [PMID: 35119201 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The cell microenvironment plays a crucial role in regulating cell behavior and fate in physiological and pathological processes. As the fundamental component of the cell microenvironment, extracellular matrix (ECM) typically possesses complex ordered structures and provides essential physical and chemical cues to the cells. Hydrogels have attracted much attention in recapitulating the ECM. Compared to natural and synthetic polymer hydrogels, DNA hydrogels have unique programmable capability, which endows the material precise structural customization and tunable properties. This review focuses on recent advances in programmable DNA hydrogels as artificial extracellular matrix, particularly the pure DNA hydrogels. It introduces the classification, design, and assembly of DNA hydrogels, and then summarizes the state-of-the-art achievements in cell encapsulation, cell culture, and tissue engineering with DNA hydrogels. Ultimately, the challenges and prospects for cellular applications of DNA hydrogels are delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Wei
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Kaizhe Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Shihua Luo
- Department of Traumatology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acids Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolei Zuo
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acids Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
- WLA Laboratories, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
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11
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12
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Fang J, Zhuang Y, Liu K, Chen Z, Liu Z, Kong T, Xu J, Qi C. A Shift from Efficiency to Adaptability: Recent Progress in Biomimetic Interactive Soft Robotics in Wet Environments. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104347. [PMID: 35072360 PMCID: PMC8922102 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Research field of soft robotics develops exponentially since it opens up many imaginations, such as human-interactive robot, wearable robots, and transformable robots in unpredictable environments. Wet environments such as sea and in vivo represent dynamic and unstructured environments that adaptive soft robots can reach their potentials. Recent progresses in soft hybridized robotics performing tasks underwater herald a diversity of interactive soft robotics in wet environments. Here, the development of soft robots in wet environments is reviewed. The authors recapitulate biomimetic inspirations, recent advances in soft matter materials, representative fabrication techniques, system integration, and exemplary functions for underwater soft robots. The authors consider the key challenges the field faces in engineering material, software, and hardware that can bring highly intelligent soft robots into real world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jielun Fang
- College of Mechatronics and Control EngineeringShenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
| | - Yanfeng Zhuang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of MedicineShenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Kailang Liu
- College of Mechatronics and Control EngineeringShenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringDepartment of Chemical EngineeringTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Zhou Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental EngineeringShenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Tiantian Kong
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of MedicineShenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringDepartment of Chemical EngineeringTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Cheng Qi
- College of Mechatronics and Control EngineeringShenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
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13
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Higueras-Ruiz DR, Nishikawa K, Feigenbaum H, Shafer M. What is an artificial muscle? A comparison of soft actuators to biological muscles. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2021; 17:011001. [PMID: 34792040 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac3adf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Interest in emulating the properties of biological muscles that allow for fast adaptability and control in unstructured environments has motivated researchers to develop new soft actuators, often referred to as 'artificial muscles'. The field of soft robotics is evolving rapidly as new soft actuator designs are published every year. In parallel, recent studies have also provided new insights for understanding biological muscles as 'active' materials whose tunable properties allow them to adapt rapidly to external perturbations. This work presents a comparative study of biological muscles and soft actuators, focusing on those properties that make biological muscles highly adaptable systems. In doing so, we briefly review the latest soft actuation technologies, their actuation mechanisms, and advantages and disadvantages from an operational perspective. Next, we review the latest advances in understanding biological muscles. This presents insight into muscle architecture, the actuation mechanism, and modeling, but more importantly, it provides an understanding of the properties that contribute to adaptability and control. Finally, we conduct a comparative study of biological muscles and soft actuators. Here, we present the accomplishments of each soft actuation technology, the remaining challenges, and future directions. Additionally, this comparative study contributes to providing further insight on soft robotic terms, such as biomimetic actuators, artificial muscles, and conceptualizing a higher level of performance actuator named artificial supermuscle. In conclusion, while soft actuators often have performance metrics such as specific power, efficiency, response time, and others similar to those in muscles, significant challenges remain when finding suitable substitutes for biological muscles, in terms of other factors such as control strategies, onboard energy integration, and thermoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego R Higueras-Ruiz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ-86011, United States of America
| | - Kiisa Nishikawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ-86011, United States of America
| | - Heidi Feigenbaum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ-86011, United States of America
| | - Michael Shafer
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ-86011, United States of America
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Yu K, Ji X, Yuan T, Cheng Y, Li J, Hu X, Liu Z, Zhou X, Fang L. Robust Jumping Actuator with a Shrimp-Shell Architecture. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2104558. [PMID: 34514641 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202104558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
It is highly desirable to develop compact- and robust-film jumping robots that can withstand severe conditions. Besides, the demands for strong actuation force, large bending curvature in a short response time, and good environmental tolerance are significant challenges to the material design. To address these challenges, this paper reports the fabrication of a thin-film jumping actuator, which exhibits a shrimp-shell architecture, from a conjugated ladder polymer (cLP) that is connected by carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets. The hierarchical porous structure ensures the fast absorption and desorption of organic vapor, thereby achieving a high response rate. The actuator does not exhibit shape distortion at temperatures of up to 225 °C and in concentrated sulfuric acid, as well as when immersed in many organic solvents. This work avails a new design strategy for high-performance actuators that function under harsh and complicated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xiaozhou Ji
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Tianyu Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Yao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zunfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Department of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Madden JDW. Unraveling DNA inspires artificial muscle. Sci Robot 2021; 6:6/53/eabi5066. [PMID: 34043576 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abi5066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Super-contractile artificial muscle that is inspired by DNA generates more work than skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D W Madden
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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