1
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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. Mater Horiz 2024; 11:2143-2152. [PMID: 38376773 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh02247a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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2
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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. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024:e2402824. [PMID: 38704682 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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3
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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. Adv Mater 2024:e2314152. [PMID: 38652466 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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4
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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5
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Ding H, Liu J, Huo P, Ding R, Shen X, Mao H, Wen Y, Li H, Wu ZL. Ultra-stretchable and conductive polyacrylamide/carboxymethyl chitosan composite hydrogels with low modulus and fast self-recoverability as flexible strain sensors. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127146. [PMID: 37778581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
There is a great demand for the fabrication of soft electronics using hydrogels due to their biomimetic structures and good flexibility. However, conventional hydrogels have poor mechanical properties, which restricts their applications as stretchable sensors. Herein, a facile one-step strategy is proposed to fabricate tough and conductive hydrogels by making use of the graftability of carboxymethyl chitosan without extra conductive matter and crosslinking agent. The obtained polyacrylamide/carboxymethyl chitosan composite hydrogels possess outstanding transmittance and excellent mechanical performances, with tensile breaking stress of 630 kPa, breaking strain of 4560 %, toughness of 8490 kJ/m3. These hydrogels have low modulus of 5-20 kPa, fast recoverability after unloading, high conductivity of ∼0.85 S/m without the addition of other conductive substances and good biocompatibility. The ionic conductivity of the gels originates from the counterions of carboxymethyl chitosan, affording the hydrogels as resistive-type sensors. The resultant hydrogel sensors demonstrate a broad strain window (0.12-1500 %), excellent linear response, high sensitivity with the gauge factor reaching 11.72, and great durability, capable of monitoring diverse human motions. This work provides a new strategy to develop stretchable conductive hydrogels with promising applications in the fields of artificial intelligence and flexible electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyao Ding
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jie Liu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Peixian Huo
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Rongjian Ding
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaodong Shen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hongli Mao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuefang Wen
- Key Laboratory for Light-weight Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory for Light-weight Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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6
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Hou LX, Ju H, Hao XP, Zhang H, Zhang L, He Z, Wang J, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Intrinsic Anti-Freezing and Unique Phosphorescence of Glassy Hydrogels with Ultrahigh Stiffness and Toughness at Low Temperatures. Adv Mater 2023; 35:e2300244. [PMID: 36821869 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Most hydrogels become frozen at subzero temperatures, leading to degraded properties and limited applications. Cryoprotectants are massively employed to improve anti-freezing property of hydrogels; however, there are accompanied disadvantages, such as varied networks, reduced mechanical properties, and the risk of cryoprotectant leakage in aqueous conditions. Reported here is the glassy hydrogel having intrinsic anti-freezing capacity and excellent optical and mechanical properties at ultra-low temperatures. Supramolecular hydrogel of poly(acrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) with moderate water content (≈50 wt.%) and dense hydrogen-bond associations is in a glassy state at room temperature. Since hydrogen bonds become strengthened as the temperature decreases, this gel becomes stronger and stiffer, yet still ductile, with Young's modulus of 900 MPa, tensile strength of 30 MPa, and breaking strain of 35% at -45 °C. This gel retains high transparency even in liquid nitrogen. It also exhibits unique phosphorescence due to presence of carbonyl clusters, which is further enhanced at subzero temperatures. Further investigations elucidate that the intrinsic anti-freezing property is related to a fact that most water molecules are tightly bound and confined in the glassy matrix and become non-freezable. This correlation, as validated in several systems, provides a roadmap to develop intrinsic anti-freezing hydrogels for widespread applications at extreme conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xin Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Huaqiang Ju
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Xing Peng Hao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Haoke Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Lab of Modern Optical Instrumentation, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyuan He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Key Laboratory for Green Printing, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
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7
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Ju H, Zhu QL, Zuo M, Liang S, Du M, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Toughening Hydrogels by forming Robust Hydrazide-transition Metal Coordination Complexes. Chemistry 2023:e202300969. [PMID: 37098764 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202300969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Energy dissipation based on dynamic fracture of metal ligands is one of effective means to toughen hydrogel materials for specific applications in biomedical and engineering fields. Exploration of new kinds of metal-ligand coordinates with robust bonding strength is crucial for the facile synthesis of tough gels. Reported here is a hydrogel toughening strategy based on the formation of robust coordination complexes between the hydrazide ligands and zinc ions. The resultant hydrogels exhibit high strength and toughness at room temperature. Their mechanical properties show temperature dependence due to the dynamic nature of coordination bonds. In addition, the amine group of hydrazides in the gel matrix provides reactive site for Schiff's base reaction, enabling surface modification without influence on overall mechanical performances of the gel. The hydrazide ligands are easy-synthesis and can form robust coordination with several transition metals. Such metal-ligand coordinates should be suitable to other systems to develop tough soft materials with versatile applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaqiang Ju
- Zhejiang University, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, CHINA
| | - Qing Li Zhu
- Zhejiang University, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, CHINA
| | - Min Zuo
- Zhejiang University, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, CHINA
| | - Songmiao Liang
- Vontron Technology Co., Guiyang 550018, China, Vontron Technology Co., Guiyang 550018, China, CHINA
| | - Miao Du
- Zhejiang University, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, CHINA
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Zhejiang University, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, CHINA
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Zhejiang University, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, 38 Zheda Road, 310058, Hangzhou, CHINA
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8
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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. Adv Mater 2023; 35:e2211802. [PMID: 36680376 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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9
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Ju H, Zhang H, Hou LX, Zuo M, Du M, Huang F, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Polymerization-Induced Crystallization of Dopant Molecules: An Efficient Strategy for Room-Temperature Phosphorescence of Hydrogels. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:3763-3773. [PMID: 36749032 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Conventional hydrogels such as polyacrylamide and polyacrylic acid ones seldom exhibit phosphorescences at ambient conditions, which limit their applications as optical materials. We propose and demonstrate here a facile strategy to afford these hydrogels with room-temperature phosphorescence by polymerization-induced crystallization of dopant molecules that results in segregation and confinement of the gel matrix with carbonyl groups and thus clusterization-induced phosphorescence. As a model system, crown ethers (CEs) are dissolved in an aqueous solution of concentrated acrylamide that greatly increases the solubility of CEs. During the polymerization process, CEs crystallize to form large spherulites in the polyacrylamide hydrogel. The crystallization arises from the drastically reduced solubility of CEs after the conversion of monomers to polymers during the gel synthesis. The resultant composite hydrogel with a water content of 67 wt % exhibits extraordinary phosphorescence behavior yet maintains good stretchability and resilience. We found that the partial gel matrix is squeezed and confined by in situ-formed crystals, leading to carbonyl clusters and thus phosphorescence emission. The composite gel shows green phosphorescence with an emission peak at 512 nm and a lifetime of 342 ms. The afterglow emission is detectable by the naked eye for several seconds. This strategy has good universality, as validated in other hydrogels with different polymeric matrices and dopant molecules. The development of hydrogels with good mechanical and phosphorescent properties should merit the design of multifunctional soft machines with applications in biomedical and engineering fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaqiang Ju
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Haoke Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.,ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311215, China
| | - Li Xin Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Min Zuo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Miao Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Feihe Huang
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311215, China.,Department of Chemistry, Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.,Green Catalysis Center and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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10
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Fan ZW, Jin XL, Chen Y, Lu M, Wang YR, Yue K, Wen T, Tang L, Wu ZL, Sun T. Topology and Dynamic Regulations of Comb-like Polymers as Strong Adhesives. Macromolecules 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wei Fan
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiao Lin Jin
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yang Chen
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Mengze Lu
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yi Ru Wang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Kan Yue
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Tao Wen
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Liqun Tang
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, No. 381, Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510640, 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
| | - Taolin Sun
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
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11
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Hao XP, Zhang CW, Hong W, Meng M, Hou LX, Du M, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Engineering viscoelastic mismatch for temporal morphing of tough supramolecular hydrogels. Mater Horiz 2023; 10:432-442. [PMID: 36606414 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01339h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Viscoelasticity is a generic characteristic of soft biotissues and polymeric materials, endowing them with unique time- and rate-dependent properties. Here, by spatiotemporally tailoring the viscoelasticity in tough supramolecular hydrogels, we demonstrate reprogrammable morphing of the gels based on differential viscoelastic recovery processes that lead to internal strain mismatch. The spatial heterogeneity of viscoelasticity is encoded through integrating dissimilar hydrogels or by site-specific treatment of a singular hydrogel. The temporal morphing behavior of tough gels, including a fast deformation process and then a slow shape-recovery process, is related to the kinetics of associative interactions and the entropic elasticity of supramolecular networks after pre-stretching and release, which takes place spontaneously in the absence of external stimuli. Such a kinetically driven morphing mechanism resolves the trade-off between the mechanical robustness and shape-changing speed in tough hydrogels with dense entanglements and physical associations, and should be applicable to other viscoelastic materials. A numerical theory for the temporal morphing of tough supramolecular gels has been formulated by dynamic coupling of viscoelastic recovery and mechanics of deformations, which is further implemented to predict the sophisticated morphed structures. Furthermore, magnetic particles are incorporated into the morphed tough hydrogels to devise versatile soft actuators and robots for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Peng Hao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Chuan Wei Zhang
- 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
| | - Meng Meng
- Design Informatics, Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JS, UK
| | - Li Xin Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Miao Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, 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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12
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Zhang CW, Zou W, Yu HC, Hao XP, Li G, Li T, Yang W, Wu ZL, Zheng Q. Manta Ray Inspired Soft Robot Fish with Tough Hydrogels as Structural Elements. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:52430-52439. [PMID: 36351752 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c17009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The design of soft robots capable of navigation underwater has received tremendous research interest due to the robots' versatile applications in marine explorations. Inspired by marine animals such as jellyfish, scientists have developed various soft robotic fishes by using elastomers as the major material. However, elastomers have a hydrophobic network without embedded water, which is different from the gel-state body of the prototypes and results in high contrast to the surrounding environment and thus poor acoustic stealth. Here, we demonstrate a manta ray-inspired soft robot fish with tailored swimming motions by using tough and stiff hydrogels as the structural elements, as well as a dielectric elastomer as the actuating unit. The switching between actuated and relaxed states of this unit under wired power leads to the flapping of the pectoral fins and swimming of the gel fish. This robot fish has good stability and swims with a fast speed (∼10 cm/s) in freshwater and seawater over a wide temperature range (4-50 °C). The high water content (i.e., ∼70 wt %) of the robot fish affords good optical and acoustic stealth properties under water. The excellent mechanical properties of the gels also enable easy integration of other functional units/systems with the robot fish. As proof-of-concept examples, a temperature sensing system and a soft gripper are assembled, allowing the robot fish to monitor the local temperature, raise warning signals by lighting, and grab and transport an object on demand. Such a robot fish should find applications in environmental detection and execution tasks under water. This work should also be informative for the design of other soft actuators and robots with tough hydrogels as the building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Wei Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Weifeng Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Hai Chao Yu
- 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
| | - Guorui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Tiefeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Center for X-Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Center for X-Mechanics, 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
| | - Qiang Zheng
- 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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13
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Dong M, Jiao D, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Recent progress in fabrications and applications of functional hydrogel films. Journal of Polymer Science 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20220451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Min Dong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Dejin Jiao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
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14
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Zhang XN, Du C, Wang YJ, Hou LX, Du M, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Influence of the α-Methyl Group on Elastic-To-Glassy Transition of Supramolecular Hydrogels with Hydrogen-Bond Associations. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c00829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ning Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Cong Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yan Jie Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Li Xin Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Miao Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, 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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15
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Dai CF, Khoruzhenko O, Zhang C, Zhu QL, Jiao D, Du M, Breu J, Zhao P, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Magneto-Orientation of Magnetic Double Stacks for Patterned Anisotropic Hydrogels with Multiple Responses and Modulable Motions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202207272. [PMID: 35749137 PMCID: PMC9541020 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202207272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Reported here is a multi-response anisotropic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel developed by using a rotating magnetic field to align magnetic double stacks (MDSs) that are fixed by polymerization. The magneto-orientation of MDSs originates from the unique structure with γ-Fe2 O3 nanoparticles sandwiched by two silicate nanosheets. The resultant gels not only exhibit anisotropic optical and mechanical properties but also show anisotropic responses to temperature and light. Gels with complex ordered structures of MDSs are further devised by multi-step magnetic orientation and photolithographic polymerization. These gels show varied birefringence patterns with potentials as information materials, and can deform into specific configurations upon stimulations. Multi-gait motions are further realized in the patterned gel through dynamic deformation under spatiotemporal light and friction regulation by imposed magnetic force. The magneto-orientation assisted fabrication of hydrogels with anisotropic structures and additional functions should bring opportunities for gel materials in biomedical devices, soft actuators/robots, 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, 310027, China
| | - Olena Khoruzhenko
- The State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power Transmission and Control Systems, Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310028, China
| | - Chengqian Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power Transmission and Control Systems, Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310028, China
| | - Qing Li Zhu
- 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
| | - Miao Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Josef Breu
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Peng Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power Transmission and Control Systems, Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310028, 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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16
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Dong M, Han Y, Hao XP, Yu HC, Yin J, Du M, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Digital Light Processing 3D Printing of Tough Supramolecular Hydrogels with Sophisticated Architectures as Impact-Absorption Elements. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2204333. [PMID: 35763430 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202204333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Processing tough hydrogels into sophisticated architectures is crucial for their applications as structural elements. However, Digital Light Processing (DLP) printing of tough hydrogels is challenging because of the low-speed gelation and toughening process. Described here is a simple yet versatile system suitable for DLP printing to form tough hydrogel architectures. The aqueous precursor consists of commercial photoinitiator, acrylic acid, and zirconium ion (Zr4+ ), readily forming tough metallo-supramolecular hydrogel under digital light because of in situ formation of carboxyl-Zr4+ coordination complexes. The high-stiffness and antiswelling properties of as-printed gel enable high-efficiency printing to form high-fidelity constructs. Furthermore, swelling-induced morphing of the gel is also achieved by encoding structure gradients during the printing with grayscale digital light. Mechanical properties of the printed hydrogels are further improved after incubation in water due to the variation of local pH and rearrangement of coordination complex. The swelling-enhanced stiffness affords the printed hydrogel with shape fixation ability after manual deformations, and thereby provides an additional avenue to form more complex configurations. These printed hydrogels are used to devise an impact-absorption element or a high-sensitivity pressure sensor as proof-of-concept examples. This work should merit engineering of other tough gels and extend their scope of applications in diverse 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, 310027, China
| | - Ying Han
- 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, 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
| | - Hai Chao Yu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, 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, 310027, China
| | - Miao Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, 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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17
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Dai CF, Khoruzhenko O, Zhang C, Zhu QL, Jiao D, Du M, Breu J, Zhao P, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Magneto‐Orientation of Magnetic Double Stacks for Patterned Anisotropic Hydrogels with Multiple Responses and Modulable Motions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202207272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Fei Dai
- Zhejiang University Department of Polymer Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Olena Khoruzhenko
- Bayreuth University: Universitat Bayreuth Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry GERMANY
| | | | - Qing Li Zhu
- Zhenjiang University: Zhejiang University Department of Polymer Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Dejin Jiao
- Zhejiang University Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, CHINA
| | - Miao Du
- Zhenjiang University: Zhejiang University Department of Polymer Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Josef Breu
- Universität Bayreuth Lehrstuhl für Anorganische Chemie I Universitatsstraße 30 95440 Bayreuth GERMANY
| | - Peng Zhao
- Zhenjiang University: Zhejiang University School of Mechanical Engineering CHINA
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Zhenjiang University: Zhejiang University Department of Polymer Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Zhenjiang University: Zhejiang University Department of Polymer Science and Engineering CHINA
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18
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Jiao D, Zhu QL, Li CY, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Programmable Morphing Hydrogels for Soft Actuators and Robots: From Structure Designs to Active Functions. Acc Chem Res 2022; 55:1533-1545. [PMID: 35413187 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ConspectusNature provides abundant inspiration and elegant paradigms for the development of smart materials that can actuate, morph, and move on demand. One remarkable capacity of living organisms is to adapt their shapes or positions in response to stimuli. Programmed deformations or movements in plant organs are mainly driven by water absorption/dehydration of cells, while versatile motions of mollusks are based on contraction/extension of muscles. Understanding the general principles of these morphing and motion behaviors can give rise to disruptive technologies for soft robotics, flexible electronics, biomedical devices, etc. As one kind of intelligent material, hydrogels with high similarity to soft biotissues and diverse responses to external stimuli are an ideal candidate to construct soft actuators and robots.The objective of this Account is to give an overview of the fundamental principles for controllable deformations and motions of hydrogels, with a focus on the structure designs and responsive functions of the corresponding soft actuators and robots. This field has been rapidly developed in recent years with a growing understanding of working principles in natural organisms and a substantial revolution of manufacturing technologies to devise bioinspired hydrogel systems with desired structures. Diverse morphing hydrogels and soft actuators/robots have been developed on the basis of several pioneering works, ranging from bending and folding deformations of bilayer hydrogels to self-shaping of non-Euclidean hydrogel surfaces, and from thermoactuated bilayer gel "hands" to electrodriven polyelectrolyte gel "worms". These morphing hydrogels have demonstrated active functions and versatile applications in biomedical and engineering fields.In this Account, we discuss recent progress in morphing hydrogels and highlight the design principles and relevant applications. First, we introduce the fundamentals of basic deformation modes, together with generic structure features, actuation strategies, and morphing mechanisms. The advantages of in-plane gradient structures are highlighted for programmable deformations by harnessing the out-of-plane buckling with bistability nature to obtain sophisticated three-dimensional configurations. Next, we give an overview of soft actuators and robots based on morphing hydrogels and focus on the working principles of the active systems with different structure designs. We discuss the advancements of hydrogel-based soft robots capable of swift locomotion with different gaits and emphasize the significances of structure control and dynamic actuation. Then we summarize versatile applications of hydrogel-based actuators and robots in biomedicines, cargo delivery, soft electronics, information encryption, and so forth. Some hydrogel robots with a built-in feedback loop and self-sensing system exhibit collaborative functions and advanced intelligence that are informative for the design of next-generation hydrogel machines. Finally, concluding remarks are given to discuss future opportunities and remaining challenges in this field. For example, miniature hydrogel-based actuators/robots with therapeutic or diagnostic functions are highly desired for biomedical applications. The morphing mechanisms summarized in this Account should be applicable to other responsive materials. We hope that this Account will inspire more scientists to be involved in this emerging area and make contributions to reveal novel working principles, design multifunctional soft machines, and explore applications in diverse fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejin Jiao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Qing Li Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Chen Yu Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, 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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19
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Guo G, Sun J, Wu Y, Wang J, Zou LY, Huang JJ, Ren KF, Liu CM, Wu ZL, Zheng Q, Qian J. Tough complex hydrogels transformed from highly swollen polyelectrolyte hydrogels based on Cu 2+ coordination with anti-bacterial properties. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:6414-6424. [PMID: 35642602 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00830k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The development of broad-spectrum anti-bacterial tough hydrogels without antibiotics remains a challenge in biomedical applications. In this study, we have synthesized a novel tough anti-bacterial complex hydrogel based on Cu2+ coordination. A swollen and weak poly(acrylamide-co-4-vinylbenzyl-(trihydroxymethyl-phosphonium)chloride) (P(AAm-co-VBzTHPC)) hydrogel was prepared by the radical copolymerization of AAm and VBzTHPC monomer solutions, followed by immersion in CuSO4 solution to coordinate with Cu2+ to form a strong and tough hydrogel. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) were used to characterize the coordination structure between phosphorus and oxygen atoms in the VBzTHPC monomer and copper ions. The water content and mechanical properties of the obtained hydrogel varied with gel composition. The prepared toughened hydrogel exhibited excellent anti-bacterial performance because of the introduction of copper ion coordination and the slow release of copper ions, with bacterial viability of 5.1% when the mole fraction of VBzTHPC was 10 mol%. Cell viability when cocultured with the toughened hydrogel was above 85% using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) method, indicating the good biocompatibility of the hydrogel. Compared with the control group experiment in vivo, this tough hydrogel can also promote wound healing, making it a promising candidate for wound dressing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Jian Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Yi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Ling Yun Zou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Jun Jie Huang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Ke-Feng Ren
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Cheng-Mei Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, 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.
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Jin Qian
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
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20
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Hao XP, Zhang CW, Zhang XN, Hou LX, Hu J, Dickey MD, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Healable, Recyclable, and Multifunctional Soft Electronics Based on Biopolymer Hydrogel and Patterned Liquid Metal. Small 2022; 18:e2201643. [PMID: 35532205 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of sustainable materials. Along this line, developing biodegradable or recyclable soft electronics is challenging yet important due to their versatile applications in biomedical devices, soft robots, and wearables. Although some degradable bulk hydrogels are directly used as the soft electronics, the sensing performances are usually limited due to the absence of distributed conducting circuits. Here, sustainable hydrogel-based soft electronics (HSE) are reported that integrate sensing elements and patterned liquid metal (LM) in the gelatin-alginate hybrid hydrogel. The biopolymer hydrogel is transparent, robust, resilient, and recyclable. The HSE is multifunctional; it can sense strain, temperature, heart rate (electrocardiogram), and pH. The strain sensing is sufficiently sensitive to detect a human pulse. In addition, the device serves as a model system for iontophoretic drug delivery by using patterned LM as the soft conductor and electrode. Noncontact detection of nearby objects is also achieved based on electrostatic-field-induced voltage. The LM and biopolymer hydrogel are healable, recyclable, and degradable, favoring sustainable applications and reconstruction of the device with new functions. Such HSE with multiple functions and favorable attributes should open opportunities in next-generation electronic skins and hydrogel machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Peng Hao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Chuan Wei Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xin Ning Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Li Xin Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jian Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - 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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21
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Li CY, Zheng SY, Hao XP, Hong W, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Spontaneous and rapid electro-actuated snapping of constrained polyelectrolyte hydrogels. Sci Adv 2022; 8:eabm9608. [PMID: 35417235 PMCID: PMC9007498 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Venus flytrap and bladderwort, capable of rapid predation through a snapping transition, have inspired various designs of soft actuators and robots with fast actions. These designs, in contrast to their natural counterparts, often require a direct force or pressurization. Here, we report a bistable domal hydrogel structure capable of spontaneous and reversible snapping under an electric field. Unlike a mechanical force, the electric field does not drive the gel directly. Instead, it redistributes mobile ions that direct the migration of water molecules and bends the polyelectrolyte hydrogel. Subject to constraint from surrounding neutral gel, the elastic energy accumulates until suddenly released by snapping, just like the process in natural organisms. Several proof-of-concept examples, including an optical switch, a speedy catcher, and a pulse pump, are designed to demonstrate the versatile functionalities of this unit capable of articulate motion. This work should bring opportunities to devise soft robotics, biomedical devices, 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
| | - Si Yu Zheng
- 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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22
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Hou LX, Ding H, Hao XP, Zhu CN, Du M, Wu ZL, Zheng Q. Multi-level encryption of information in morphing hydrogels with patterned fluorescence. Soft Matter 2022; 18:2149-2156. [PMID: 35212340 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00083k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent hydrogels have attracted tremendous attention recently in the field of information security due to the booming development of information technology. Along this line, it is highly desired to improve the security level of concealed information by the advancements of materials and encryption technologies. Here we report multi-level encryption of information in a bilayer hydrogel with shape-morphing ability and patterned fluorescence. This hydrogel is composed of a fluorescence layer containing chromophore units in the poly(acrylic acid) network and an active layer with UV-absorption agents in the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) network. The former layer exhibits tunable fluorescence tailored by UV light irradiation to induce unimer-to-dimer transformation of the chromophores, facilitating the write-in of information through photolithography. The latter layer is responsive to temperature, enabling morphing of the bilayer hydrogel. Therefore, the bilayer hydrogel encoded with patterned fluorescent patterns can deform into three-dimensional configurations at room temperature to conceal the information, which is readable only after successive procedures of shape recovery at an appropriate temperature and under UV light irradiation from the right direction. The combination of morphing materials and patterned fluorescence as a new avenue to improve the encryption level of information should merit the design of other smart materials with integrated functions for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xin Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Hongyao Ding
- 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.
| | - Chao Nan Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Miao Du
- 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.
| | - Qiang Zheng
- 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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23
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Ju H, Zhu CN, Wang H, Page ZA, Wu ZL, Sessler JL, Huang F. Paper without a Trail: Time-Dependent Encryption using Pillar[5]arene-Based Host-Guest Invisible Ink. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2108163. [PMID: 34802162 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202108163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A stimuli-responsive invisible ink for time-dependent encryption of information is reported. Consisting of a pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular network grafted with spiropyran moieties, these materials display time-dependent photochromic behavior with tailorable fading rates. Ultraviolet (UV) light results in isomerization of the colorless spiropyran to the corresponding colored merocyanine, while visible light or heat causes the reverse isomerization with a rate that is dependent on the density of host-guest crosslinks. The kinetics of discoloration are a function of merocyanine aggregation, which becomes more pronounced as the host-guest crosslink density is increased, leading to a reduced conversion rate and slower time-dependent fading. The degree of crosslinking, and hence the fading rate, may be modulated via the addition of unbound pillar[5]arene host or nitrile guest as competitors. Time-dependent information encryption is enabled by combining selective placement of host and guest competitors and UV patterning. UV patterning provides an initially "false" image that does not reveal the desired information, and it is only after a given time that the encrypted data appears. This work provides a unique approach to enhance the security of information storage associated with offline portable data encryption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaqiang Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Chao Nan Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Hu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Zachariah A Page
- Department of Chemistry, 105 East 24th Street, Stop A5300, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jonathan L Sessler
- Department of Chemistry, 105 East 24th Street, Stop A5300, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
| | - Feihe Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, 311215, China
- Green Catalysis Center and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
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24
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Du C, Hu J, Wu X, Shi H, Yu HC, Qian J, Yin J, Gao C, Wu ZL, Zheng Q. 3D printing of a tough double-network hydrogel and its use as a scaffold to construct a tissue-like hydrogel composite. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:468-476. [PMID: 34982091 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02465e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To mimic biological tissues with high toughness such as cartilage, it is highly desired to fabricate stable and tough hydrogels with intricate shapes to act as a structural support. Extrusion-based 3D printing is a promising method to fabricate 3D scaffolds with various architectures; however, printing tough hydrogel structures with high fidelity and resolution is still a challenge. In this work, we adopt the fast sol-to-gel transition of κ-carrageenan in the solution of acrylamide upon cooling to fix the printed scaffolds and polymerize the precursor solution to form the second network. The printed constructs of κ-carrageenan/polyacrylamide double-network gels are toughened by soaking in an aqueous solution of zirconyl chloride to form coordination complexes between the Zr4+ ions and sulfate groups of κ-carrageenan. The obtained hydrogels are stable in water and possess good mechanical properties, with a tensile breaking stress of 1-2 MPa, breaking strain of 100-150%, and Young's modulus of 4-10 MPa. The printed grid can hold 150 times its own weight. 3D printed constructs with a high aspect ratio and shape fidelity are obtained by optimizing the printing parameters. Furthermore, a biomimetic strategy is applied to construct a hydrogel composite by filling the printed tough hydrogel scaffold with a cell-laden fibrin hydrogel as the soft substance. Chondrocytes in the hydrogel composite maintain high viability after cyclic compression, demonstrating the load-bearing capacity of the tough scaffold and favorable microenvironment for cells provided by the embedded soft fibrin gel. We envision that this printing strategy for hydrogel constructs with high toughness and good stability, as well as the method to form tough-soft hydrogel composites, can be extended to other systems to develop structural elements and scaffolds towards applications in biomedical devices and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Jian Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, International Center for Applied Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Huimin Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China.
| | - Hai Chao Yu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Jin Qian
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jun Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China.
| | - Changyou Gao
- 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.
| | - Qiang Zheng
- 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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25
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Fang L, Hu J, Zhang CW, Wei J, Yu HC, Zheng SY, Wu ZL, Zheng Q. Facile synthesis of tough metallosupramolecular hydrogels by using phosphates as temporary ligands of ferric ions to avoid inhibition of polymerization. Journal of Polymer Science 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lingtao Fang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Jian Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, International Center for Applied Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an China
| | - Chuan Wei Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Jialun Wei
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Hai Chao Yu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Si Yu Zheng
- College of Materials Science & Engineering Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
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26
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Liu Y, Li M, Ju H, Wang Z, Wu Y, Wu ZL, Zhu H, Huang F. Dual Encryption of Digital Information in a Tough Fluorescent Hydrogel. Polym Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2py01295b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels capable of shape-morphing and/or fluorescence modulation have practical significances in the fields of anti-counterfeiting, while tough hydrogels with tunable fluorescence for multi-level encryptions have been rarely explored. Herein, we...
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27
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Guo G, Wu Y, Du C, Wu ZL, Yin J, Zheng Q, Qian J. 3D printing of tough hydrogels based on metal coordination with a two-step crosslinking strategy. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:2126-2134. [DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02529e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate the self-supporting 3D printing of complex hydrogel structures based on simultaneous crosslinking reaction while printing. The printing strategy is based on Schiff’s base reaction and metal coordination with...
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28
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Tong QB, Du C, Wei Z, Du M, Wu ZL, Zheng Q. Synergic influences of network topologies and associative interactions on the microstructures and bulk performances of hydrogels. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:9863-9873. [PMID: 34849519 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02114a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Revealing the relationship between network topologies and mechanical properties of hydrogels is fundamental yet challenging in the design of tough soft materials. Here, we report a series of hydrogels using N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAm) and acrylic acid (AAc) as the basic units to form a single network of the copolymer, a semi-interpenetrated network of two homopolymers, and a grafted network with homopolymer chains anchored on another homopolymer network, to investigate the influence of network architectures on the mechanical properties and thermal responses of the gels. We found that the properties of the gels are also significantly influenced by the formation of hydrogen bonds between poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) segments. The gels with the single network of poly(NIPAm-co-AAc) are mechanically weak due to the low efficiency for forming robust hydrogen bonds, while micro-segregated domains are formed in the hydrogels with a semi-interpenetrated network structure due to the formation of inter-chain hydrogen bonds that favors energy dissipation and toughening of the gels. On the other hand, dense hydrogen bonds form between the grafted PNIPAm chains and the PAAc network, resulting in nano-segregated domains and excellent mechanical properties of the gels. The hydrogels with the grafted network structure exhibit a more repeatable response to temperature than those with the semi-interpenetrated network structure due to the relatively stable hydrogen-bond network. The comparison of the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the hydrogels with the same composition but different topological networks should be informative for engineering hydrogel properties or functions by tailoring the network structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Bo Tong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Cong Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Zhou Wei
- Hangzhou Toka Ink Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Miao Du
- 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.
| | - Qiang Zheng
- 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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29
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Zhang XN, Du C, Wei Z, Du M, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Stretchable Sponge-like Hydrogels with a Unique Colloidal Network Produced by Polymerization-Induced Microphase Separation. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ning Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Cong Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Zhou Wei
- Hangzhou Toka Ink Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Miao Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, 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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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Noy Cohen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Cong Du
- 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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31
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Zhu QL, Dai CF, Wagner D, Khoruzhenko O, Hong W, Breu J, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Patterned Electrode Assisted One-Step Fabrication of Biomimetic Morphing Hydrogels with Sophisticated Anisotropic Structures. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2021; 8:e2102353. [PMID: 34705341 PMCID: PMC8693068 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Anisotropic structures are ubiquitous in nature, affording fascinating morphing behaviors. Biomimetic morphing materials can be developed by spatially controlling the orientations of molecules or nanofillers that produce anisotropic responses and internal stresses under external stimuli. However, it remains a serious challenge to fabricate materials with sophisticated anisotropic architectures. Here, a facile strategy to fabricate morphing hydrogels with elaborately ordered structures of nanosheets, which are oriented under distributed electric field and immobilized by polymerization to form a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) matrix, is proposed. Diverse sophisticated anisotropic structures are obtained by engineering the electric field through the patterns and relative locations of the electrodes. Upon heating, the monolithic hydrogels with through-thickness and/or in-plane gradients in orientation of the nanosheets deform into various three-dimensional configurations. After incorporating gold nanoparticles, the hydrogels become photoresponsive and capable of programmable motions, for example, dynamic twisting and flipping under spatiotemporal stimuli. Such a strategy of using patterned electrodes to generate distributed electric field should be applicable to systems of liquid crystals or charged particles/molecules to direct orientation or electrophoresis and form functional structures. The biomimetically architectured hydrogels would be ideal materials to develop artificial muscles, soft actuators/robots, and biomedical devices with versatile applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and FunctionalizationDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Chen Fei Dai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and FunctionalizationDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Daniel Wagner
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of ChemistryUniversity of BayreuthUniversitätsstrasse 30Bayreuth95440Germany
| | - Olena Khoruzhenko
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of ChemistryUniversity of BayreuthUniversitätsstrasse 30Bayreuth95440Germany
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace EngineeringSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhen518055China
| | - Josef Breu
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of ChemistryUniversity of BayreuthUniversitätsstrasse 30Bayreuth95440Germany
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and FunctionalizationDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and FunctionalizationDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
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32
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Yu HC, Hao XP, Zhang CW, Zheng SY, Du M, Liang S, Wu ZL, Zheng Q. Engineering Tough Metallosupramolecular Hydrogel Films with Kirigami Structures for Compliant Soft Electronics. Small 2021; 17:e2103836. [PMID: 34514699 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202103836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A simple and effective approach is demonstrated to fabricate tough metallosupramolecular hydrogel films of poly(acrylic acid) by one-pot photopolymerization of the precursor solution in the presence of Zr4+ ions that form coordination complexes with the carboxyl groups and serve as the physical crosslinks of the matrix. Both as-prepared and equilibrated hydrogel films are transparent, tough, and stable over a wide range of temperature, ionic strength, and pH. The thickness of the films can be easily tailored with minimum value of ≈7 μm. Owing to the fast polymerization and gelation process, kirigami structures can be facilely encoded to the gel films by photolithographic polymerization, affording versatile functions such as additional stretchability and better compliance of the planar films to encapsulate objects with sophisticated geometries that are important for the design of soft electronics. By stencil printing of liquid metal on the hydrogel film with a kirigami structure, the integrated soft electronics shows good compliance to cover curved surfaces and high sensitivity to monitor human motions. Furthermore, this strategy is applied to diverse natural and synthetic macromolecules containing carboxyl groups to develop tough hydrogel films, which will open opportunities for the applications of hydrogel films in biomedical and engineering fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Chao Yu
- 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
| | - Chuan Wei Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Si Yu Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Miao Du
- 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
| | - Qiang Zheng
- 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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33
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Zhu CN, Zheng SY, Qiu HN, Du C, Du M, Wu ZL, Zheng Q. Plastic-Like Supramolecular Hydrogels with Polyelectrolyte/Surfactant Complexes as Physical Cross-links. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Nan Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Si Yu Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Hao Nan Qiu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Cong Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Miao Du
- 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
| | - Qiang Zheng
- 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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34
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Zhu CN, Bai T, Wang H, Ling J, Huang F, Hong W, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Dual-Encryption in a Shape-Memory Hydrogel with Tunable Fluorescence and Reconfigurable Architecture. Adv Mater 2021; 33:e2102023. [PMID: 34081366 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Materials capable of shape-morphing and/or fluorescence imaging have practical significances in the fields of anti-counterfeiting, information display, and information protection. However, it's challenging to realize these functions in hydrogels due to the poor mechanical properties and lack of tunable fluorescence. A tough hydrogel with good shape-memory ability and phototunable fluorescence is reported here, which affords reprogrammable shape designing and information encoding for dual-encryption. This hydrogel is prepared by incorporating donor-acceptor chromophore units into a poly(1-vinylimidazole-co-methacrylic acid) network, in which the dense intra- and interchain hydrogen bonds lead to desirable features including high stiffness, high toughness, and temperature-mediated shape-memory property. Additionally, the hydrogel shows photomediated tunable fluorescence through a unimer-to-dimer transformation of the chromophores. By combining photolithography and origami/kirigami designs, hydrogel sheets encoded with fluorescent patterns can deform into specific 3D configurations. The geometrically encrypted fluorescent information in the architected hydrogels is readable only after sequential shape recovery and UV light irradiation. As demonstrated by proof-of-concept experiments, both the fluorescent pattern and the 3D configuration are reprogrammable, facilitating repeated information protection and display. The design of tough hydrogels with rewritable fluorescent patterns and reconfigurable shapes should guide the future development of smart materials with improved security and wider applications in aqueous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Nan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Tianwen Bai
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Hu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance & Novel Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jun Ling
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Feihe Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance & Novel Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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35
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Zhu CN, Li CY, Wang H, Hong W, Huang F, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Reconstructable Gradient Structures and Reprogrammable 3D Deformations of Hydrogels with Coumarin Units as the Photolabile Crosslinks. Adv Mater 2021; 33:e2008057. [PMID: 33788313 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202008057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Morphing hydrogels have versatile applications in soft robotics, flexible electronics, and biomedical devices. Controlling component distribution and internal stress within a hydrogel is crucial for shape-changing. However, existing gradient structures of hydrogels are usually non-reconstructable, once encoded by chemical reactions and covalent bonds. Fabricating hydrogels with distinct gradient structures is inevitable for every new configuration, resulting in poor reusability, adaptability, and sustainability that are disadvantageous for diverse applications. Herein, a hydrogel containing reversible photo-crosslinks that enable reprogramming of the gradient structures and 3D deformations into various configurations is reported. The hydrogel is prepared by micellar polymerization of hydrophobic coumarin monomer and hydrophilic acrylic acid. The presence of hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride micelles increases the local concentration of coumarin units and also improves the mechanical properties of the hydrogel by forming robust polyelectrolyte/surfactant complexes that serve as the physical crosslinks. High-efficiency photodimerization and photocleavage reactions of coumarins are realized under 365 and 254 nm light irradiation, respectively, affording reversible tuning of the network structure of the hydrogel. Through photolithography, different gradient structures are sequentially patterned in one hydrogel that direct the deformations into distinct configurations. Such a strategy should be applicable for other photolabile hydrogels toward reprogrammable control of network structures and versatile functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Nan Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Chen Yu Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Hu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance and Novel Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Feihe Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance and Novel Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, 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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36
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Tian Y, Du C, Liu B, Qiu HN, Zhang X, Wu ZL, Zheng Q. Tough and fluorescent hydrogels composed of poly(hydroxyurethane) and poly(stearyl acrylate‐
co
‐acrylic acid) with hydrophobic associations and hydrogen bonds as the physical crosslinks. Journal of Polymer Science 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tian
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- College of Mechanical Engineering Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou China
- Key Laboratory of Special Purpose Equipment and Advanced Processing Technology, Ministry of Education and Zhejiang Province Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou China
| | - Cong Du
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Bin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Hao Nan Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Xing‐Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
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37
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Du C, Zhang XN, Sun TL, Du M, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Hydrogen-Bond Association-Mediated Dynamics and Viscoelastic Properties of Tough Supramolecular Hydrogels. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Xin Ning Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Tao Lin Sun
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Miao Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, 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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38
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Zheng SY, Li CY, Du M, Yin J, Qian J, Wu ZL, Zheng Q. Programmable Deformations of Biomimetic Composite Hydrogels Embedded with Printed Fibers. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:57497-57504. [PMID: 33319983 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c19656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Shape deformations are prevalent in nature, which are closely related to the heterogeneous structures with a feature of fibrous elements embedded in a matrix. The microfibers with specific orientations act as either passive geometrical constraints in an active matrix or active elements in a passive matrix, which generate programmed internal stresses and drive shape morphing under external stimuli. Morphing materials can be designed in a biomimetic way, yet it is challenging to fabricate composite hydrogels with well-distributed fibers by a facile strategy. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of microfiber-embedded hydrogels facilitated by the extrusion-based printing technology. Programmed deformations are achieved in these hydrogels with microfibers distributed in the upper and/or bottom layers of the gel matrix. Under external stimuli, the microfibers and the gel matrix have different responses that produce internal stresses and result in programmable deformations of the composite gel. Multiple shape transformations are realized in the hydrogel by embedding multiple types of responsive microfibers in the passive or active matrix, which is fabricated with the assistance of multinozzle printing. A soft hook is designed to show the capacity of the composite hydrogel to hold and move an object in a saline solution. This facile and versatile strategy provides an alternative way to prepare biomimetic hydrogels with potential applications in biomedical devices, flexible electronics, and soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Yu Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Chen Yu Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Miao Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jun Yin
- 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 310028, China
| | - Jin Qian
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Department of Engineering Mechanics, 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
| | - Qiang Zheng
- 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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39
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Yu HC, Zheng SY, Fang L, Ying Z, Du M, Wang J, Ren KF, Wu ZL, Zheng Q. Reversibly Transforming a Highly Swollen Polyelectrolyte Hydrogel to an Extremely Tough One and its Application as a Tubular Grasper. Adv Mater 2020; 32:e2005171. [PMID: 33150633 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) and its copolymer hydrogels are typical polyelectrolyte gels with extremely high swelling capacity that are widely used in industry. It's common to consider these hydrogels as weak materials that are difficult to toughen. Reported here is a facile strategy to transform swollen and weak poly(acrylamide-co-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) [P(AAm-co-AMPS)] hydrogels to tough ones by forming strong sulfonate-Zr4+ metal-coordination complexes. The resultant hydrogels with moderate water content possess high stiffness, strength, and fracture energy, which can be tuned over 3-4 orders of magnitude by controlling the composition and metal-to-ligand ratio. Owing to the dynamic nature of the coordination bonds, these hydrogels show rate- and temperature-dependent mechanical performances, as well as good self-recovery properties. This strategy is universal, as manifested by the drastically improved mechanical properties of hydrogels of various natural and synthetic sulfonate-containing polymers. The toughened hydrogels can be converted to the original swollen ones by breaking up the metal-coordination complexes in alkaline solutions. The reversible brittle-tough transition and concomitant dramatic volume change of polyelectrolyte hydrogels afford diverse applications, as demonstrated by the design of a tubular grasper with holding force a thousand times its own weight for objects with different geometries. It is envisioned that these hydrogels enable versatile applications in the biomedical and engineering fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Chao Yu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Si Yu Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Lingtao Fang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Zhimin Ying
- Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Miao Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Ke-Feng Ren
- 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
| | - Qiang Zheng
- 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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40
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Dai CF, Zhang XN, Du C, Frank A, Schmidt HW, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Photoregulated Gradient Structure and Programmable Mechanical Performances of Tough Hydrogels with a Hydrogen-Bond Network. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:53376-53384. [PMID: 33170639 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c17198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gradient materials exist widely in natural living organisms, affording fascinating biological and mechanical properties. However, the synthetic gradient hydrogels are usually mechanically weak or only have relatively simple gradient structures. Here, we report on tough nanocomposite hydrogels with designable gradient network structure and mechanical properties by a facile post-photoregulation strategy. Poly(1-vinylimidazole-co-methacrylic acid) hydrogels containing gold nanorods (AuNRs) are in a glassy state and show typical yielding and forced elastic deformation at room temperature. The gel slightly contracts its volume when the temperature is above the glass-transition temperature that results in a collapse of the chain segments and formation of denser intra- and interchain hydrogen bonds. Consequently, the mechanical properties of the gels are enhanced, when the temperature returns to room temperature. The mechanical performances of hydrogels can also be locally tuned by near-infrared light irradiation due to the photothermal effect of AuNRs. Hydrogels with arbitrary two-dimensional gradients can be facilely developed by site-specific photoirradiation. The treated and untreated regions with different stiffness and yielding stress possess construct behaviors in stretching or twisting deformations. A locally reinforced hydrogel with the kirigami structure becomes notch-insensitive and exhibits improved strength and stretchability because the treated regions ahead the cuts have better resistance to crack advancement. These tough hydrogels with programmable gradient structure and mechanics should find applications as structural elements, biological devices, 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 310027, China
| | - Xin Ning Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Cong Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Andreas Frank
- Department of Macromolecular Chemistry I and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
| | - Hans-Werner Schmidt
- Department of Macromolecular Chemistry I and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
| | - 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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41
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Zhu QL, Dai CF, Wagner D, Daab M, Hong W, Breu J, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Distributed Electric Field Induces Orientations of Nanosheets to Prepare Hydrogels with Elaborate Ordered Structures and Programmed Deformations. Adv Mater 2020; 32:e2005567. [PMID: 33079426 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Living organisms use musculatures with spatially distributed anisotropic structures to actuate deformations and locomotion with fascinating functions. Replicating such structural features in artificial materials is of great significance yet remains a big challenge. Here, a facile strategy is reported to fabricate hydrogels with elaborate ordered structures of nanosheets (NSs) oriented under a distributed electric field. Multiple electrodes are distributed with various arrangements in the precursor solution containing NSs and gold nanoparticles. A complex electric field induces sophisticated orientations of the NSs that are permanently inscribed by subsequent photo-polymerization. The resultant anisotropic nanocomposite poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels exhibit rapid deformation upon heating or photoirradiation, owing to the fast switching of permittivity of the media and electric repulsion between the NSs. The complex alignments of NSs and anisotropic shape change of discrete regions result in programmed deformation of the hydrogels into various configurations. Furthermore, locomotion is realized by a spatiotemporal light stimulation that locally triggers time-variant shape change of the composite hydrogel with complex anisotropic structures. Such a strategy on the basis of the distributed electric-field-generated ordered structures should be applicable to gels, elastomers, and thermosets loaded with other anisotropic particles or liquid crystals, for the design of biomimetic/bioinspired materials with specific functionalities.
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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, 310027, China
| | - Chen Fei Dai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular, Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Daniel Wagner
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, Bayreuth, 95440, Germany
| | - Matthias Daab
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, Bayreuth, 95440, Germany
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Josef Breu
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, Bayreuth, 95440, Germany
| | - 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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42
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Zhu QL, Du C, Dai Y, Daab M, Matejdes M, Breu J, Hong W, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Light-steered locomotion of muscle-like hydrogel by self-coordinated shape change and friction modulation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5166. [PMID: 33056999 PMCID: PMC7560679 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Many creatures have the ability to traverse challenging environments by using their active muscles with anisotropic structures as the motors in a highly coordinated fashion. However, most artificial robots require multiple independently activated actuators to achieve similar purposes. Here we report a hydrogel-based, biomimetic soft robot capable of multimodal locomotion fueled and steered by light irradiation. A muscle-like poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanocomposite hydrogel is prepared by electrical orientation of nanosheets and subsequent gelation. Patterned anisotropic hydrogels are fabricated by multi-step electrical orientation and photolithographic polymerization, affording programmed deformations. Under light irradiation, the gold-nanoparticle-incorporated hydrogels undergo concurrent fast isochoric deformation and rapid increase in friction against a hydrophobic substrate. Versatile motion gaits including crawling, walking, and turning with controllable directions are realized in the soft robots by dynamic synergy of localized shape-changing and friction manipulation under spatiotemporal light stimuli. The principle and strategy should merit designing of continuum soft robots with biomimetic mechanisms.
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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, 310027, China
| | - Cong Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Yahao Dai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Matthias Daab
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, Bayreuth, 95440, Germany
| | - Marian Matejdes
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, Bayreuth, 95440, Germany
| | - Josef Breu
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, Bayreuth, 95440, Germany
| | - 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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Liu K, Zhang Y, Cao H, Liu H, Geng Y, Yuan W, Zhou J, Wu ZL, Shan G, Bao Y, Zhao Q, Xie T, Pan P. Programmable Reversible Shape Transformation of Hydrogels Based on Transient Structural Anisotropy. Adv Mater 2020; 32:e2001693. [PMID: 32463558 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202001693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive shape-transforming hydrogels have shown great potential toward various engineering applications including soft robotics and microfluidics. Despite significant progress in designing hydrogels with ever more sophisticated shape-morphing behaviors, an ultimate goal yet to be fulfilled is programmable reversible shape transformation. It is reported here that transient structural anisotropy can be programmed into copolymer hydrogels of N-isopropylacrylamide and stearyl acrylate. Structural anisotropy arises from the deformed hydrophobic domains of the stearyl groups after thermomechanical programming, which serves as a template for the reversible globule-to-coil transition of the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) chains. The structural anisotropy is transient and can be erased upon cooling. This allows repeated programming for reversible shape transformation, an unknown feature for the current hydrogels. The programmable reversible transformation is expected to greatly extend the technical scope for hydrogel-based devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Heqing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Haonan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Yuhui Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Wenhua Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Guorong Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Yongzhong Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, 311215, P. R. China
| | - Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, 311215, P. R. China
| | - Pengju Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
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44
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Hao XP, Xu Z, Li CY, Hong W, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Kirigami-Design-Enabled Hydrogel Multimorphs with Application as a Multistate Switch. Adv Mater 2020; 32:e2000781. [PMID: 32319155 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202000781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Morphing materials have promising applications in soft robots, intelligent devices, and so forth. Among the various design strategies, kirigami structures are recognized as a powerful tool to obtain sophisticated 3D configurations and unprecedented properties from planar designs on common materials. Here, some kirigami designs are demonstrated for programmable, multistable 3D configurations from composite hydrogel sheets. Via photolithographic polymerization, perforated composite hydrogel sheets are fabricated, in which soft and active hydrogel strips are patterned in stiff and passive hydrogel frames. When immersed in water, the gel strips buckle out of plane due to swelling mismatch. In the kirigami structures, the geometric continuity is disrupted by the introduction of cutouts, and thus the degrees of deformation freedom increases remarkably. Multiple configurations are obtained in a single composite hydrogel by controlling the buckling direction of each strip. Multitier configurations are also obtained by using a hierarchically designed kirigami structure. A multicontact switch of an electric circuit is designed by harnessing the multitier gel configurations. Furthermore, a rotation mode is realized by introducing chirality in the kirigami design. The versatile design of the kirigami structure for programmable deformations should be applicable for other intelligent materials toward promising applications in biomedical devices and flexible electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Peng Hao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Zhao Xu
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chen Yu Li
- 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
- Global Station for Soft Matter, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - 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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45
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Xing H, Li Z, Wang W, Liu P, Liu J, Song Y, Wu ZL, Zhang W, Huang F. Mechanochemistry of an Interlocked Poly[2]catenane: From Single Molecule to Bulk Gel. CCS Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.31635/ccschem.019.201900043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance & Novel Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)
| | - Zhandong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China)
| | - Wenbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance & Novel Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)
| | - Peiren Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance & Novel Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)
| | - Junkai Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Institute for Advanced Study, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China)
| | - Yu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China)
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)
| | - Wenke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China)
| | - Feihe Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance & Novel Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)
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46
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Xing H, Li Z, Wang W, Liu P, Liu J, Song Y, Wu ZL, Zhang W, Huang F. Mechanochemistry of an Interlocked Poly[2]catenane: From Single Molecule to Bulk Gel. CCS Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.31635/ccschem.019.20190043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance & Novel Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)
| | - Zhandong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China)
| | - Wenbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance & Novel Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)
| | - Peiren Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance & Novel Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)
| | - Junkai Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Institute for Advanced Study, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China)
| | - Yu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China)
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)
| | - Wenke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China)
| | - Feihe Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance & Novel Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)
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47
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Liu K, Cao H, Yuan W, Bao Y, Shan G, Wu ZL, Pan P. Stereocomplexed and homocrystalline thermo-responsive physical hydrogels with a tunable network structure and thermo-responsiveness. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:7947-7955. [DOI: 10.1039/d0tb01484b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Robust thermo-responsive physical hydrogels with a tunable network structure and thermo-responsiveness were developed by controlling the crystallization of hydrophobic blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou 310027
- China
| | - Heqing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou 310027
- China
| | - Wenhua Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou 310027
- China
| | - Yongzhong Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou 310027
- China
| | - Guorong Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering
- College of Chemical and Biological 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
| | - Pengju Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou 310027
- China
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48
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Dai CF, Du C, Xue Y, Zhang XN, Zheng SY, Liu K, Wu ZL, Zheng Q. Photodirected Morphing Structures of Nanocomposite Shape Memory Hydrogel with High Stiffness and Toughness. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019; 11:43631-43640. [PMID: 31664813 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b16894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Shape memory hydrogels have drawn increasing attention in recent years. Practical applications require these hydrogels to have good mechanical properties as well as contactless stimulations to trigger the shape deformations. Here we report a stiff and tough shape memory hydrogel that can transform to various configurations sequentially by phototriggered site-specific deformations. Response of the shape memory hydrogel to near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation was achieved by incorporating gold nanorods (AuNRs) into the glassy gel matrix of poly(methacrylic acid-co-methacrylamide) without compromising the excellent mechanical properties. Owing to the photothermal effect of the AuNRs, the localized temperature rise led to a dramatic decrease in Young's modulus (from 200 to 2 MPa) of the prestretched hydrogel and bending deformation with a programmable direction and amplitude. More complex three-dimensional configurations can be obtained by multidirectional prestretching and shape memorizing the individual parts of the nanocomposite hydrogel. Furthermore, the AuNRs embedded in the gel were aligned along the prestretching direction, leading to anisotropic plasmon resonance. These photomediated programmable deformations of tough shape memory hydrogels should find applications in the biomedical and engineering fields.
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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 310027 , China
| | - Cong Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , China
| | - Yao Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry , Jilin University , Changchun 130012 , China
| | - Xin Ning Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , China
| | - Si Yu Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , China
| | - Kun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry , Jilin University , Changchun 130012 , 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
| | - Qiang Zheng
- 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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49
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Guo H, Hong W, Kurokawa T, Matsuda T, Wu ZL, Nakajima T, Takahata M, Sun T, Rao P, Gong JP. Internal Damage Evolution in Double-Network Hydrogels Studied by Microelectrode Technique. Macromolecules 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b01308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Honglei Guo
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Soft Matter GI-CoRE, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
| | - Wei Hong
- Soft Matter GI-CoRE, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Takayuki Kurokawa
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Soft Matter GI-CoRE, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
| | - Takahiro Matsuda
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Tasuku Nakajima
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Soft Matter GI-CoRE, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, N21W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0021, Japan
| | | | - Taolin Sun
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Soft Matter GI-CoRE, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ping Rao
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
| | - Jian Ping Gong
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Soft Matter GI-CoRE, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, N21W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0021, Japan
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50
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Zheng SY, Liu C, Jiang L, Lin J, Qian J, Mayumi K, Wu ZL, Ito K, Zheng Q. Slide-Ring Cross-Links Mediated Tough Metallosupramolecular Hydrogels with Superior Self-Recoverability. Macromolecules 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b01281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chang Liu
- Material Innovation Research Center (MIRC) and Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
| | - Lan Jiang
- Material Innovation Research Center (MIRC) and Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
| | | | | | - Koichi Mayumi
- Material Innovation Research Center (MIRC) and Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
- AIST-UTokyo Advanced Operando-Measurement Technology Open Innovation Laboratory (OPERANDO-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
| | | | - Kohzo Ito
- Material Innovation Research Center (MIRC) and Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
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