1
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Liu Z, Wang Y, He H, Zhang C, Pan N, Wang L. Interfacial Dehydration Strategy for Chitosan Film Shape Morphing and Its Application. Nano Lett 2024. [PMID: 38767991 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01324] [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] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Shape morphing of biopolymer materials, such as chitosan (CS) films, has great potential for applications in many fields. Traditionally, their responsive behavior has been induced by the differential water swelling through the preparation of multicomponent composites or cross-linking as deformation is not controllable in the absence of these processes. Here, we report an interfacial dehydration strategy to trigger the shape morphing of the monocomponent CS film without cross-linking. The release of water molecules is achieved by spraying the surface with a NaOH solution or organic solvents, which results in the interfacial shrinkage and deformation of the entire film. On the basis of this strategy, a range of CS actuators were developed, such as soft grippers, joint actuators, and a light switch. Combined with the geometry effect, edited deformation was also achieved from the planar CS film. This shape-morphing strategy is expected to enable the application of more biopolymers in a wide range of fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Yuanyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Hailong He
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Chenyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Na Pan
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
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2
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Bartkowski P, Pawliszak Ł, Chevale SG, Pełka P, Park YL. Programmable Shape-Shifting Soft Robotic Structure Using Liquid Metal Electromagnetic Actuators. Soft Robot 2024. [PMID: 38598718 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2023.0144] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Constant development of soft robots, stretchable electronics, or flexible medical devices forces the research to look for new flexible structures that can change their shapes under external physical stimuli. This study presents a soft robotic structure that can change its shape into different three-dimensional (3D) configurations in response to electric current flown through the embedded liquid-metal conductors enabling electromagnetic actuation. The proposed structure is composed of volumetric pixels (voxels) connected in series where each can be independently controlled by the inputs of electrical current and vacuum pressure. A single voxel is made up of a granular core (GC) with an outer shell made of silicone rubber. The shell has embedded channels filled with liquid metal. The structure changes its shape under the Lorentz force produced by the liquid metal channel under applied electrical current. The GC allows the structure to maintain its shape after deformation even when the current is shut off. This is possible due to the granular jamming effect. In this study, we show the concept, the results of multiphysics simulation, and experimental characterization, including among other techniques, such as 3D digital image correlation or 3D magnetic field scanning, to study the different properties of the structure. We prove that the proposed structure can morph into many different shapes with the amplitude higher than 10 mm, and this process can be both fully reversible and repeatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Bartkowski
- Department of Machine Design Fundamentals, Faculty of Automotive and Construction Machinery Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Pawliszak
- Department of Machine Design Fundamentals, Faculty of Automotive and Construction Machinery Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Siddhi G Chevale
- Department of Machine Design Fundamentals, Faculty of Automotive and Construction Machinery Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Pełka
- Department of Machine Design Fundamentals, Faculty of Automotive and Construction Machinery Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Yong-Lae Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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3
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Liang L, Yang X, Li C, Yu R, Zhang B, Yang Y, Ji G. MXene-Enabled Pneumatic Multiscale Shape Morphing for Adaptive, Programmable and Multimodal Radar-infrared Compatible Camouflage. Adv Mater 2024:e2313939. [PMID: 38578586 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313939] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Achieving radar-infrared compatible camouflage with dynamic adaptability has been a long-sought goal, but faces significant challenges owing to the limited dispersion relations of conventional material systems operating in different wavelength ranges. Here, this work proposes the concept of pneumatic multiscale shape morphing and design a periodically arranged pneumatic unit consisting of MXene-based morphable conductors and intake platforms. During gas actuation, the morphable conductor transforms centimeter-scale 2D flat sheets into 3D balloon shapes to enhance microwave absorption behavior, and also reconfigures micrometer-scale MXene wrinkles into smooth planes in combination with cavity-induced low heat transfer to minimize infrared (IR) signatures. Through theory-guided reverse engineering, the final pneumatic matrix shows remarkable frequency tunability (2.64-18.0 GHz), moderate IR emissivity regulation (0.14 at 7-16.5 µm), rapid responsiveness (≈30 ms), wide-angle operation (>45°), and excellent environmental tolerance. Additionally, the multiplexed pneumatic matrix enables over 14 programmable coding sequences that independently alter thermal radiation without compromising radar stealth, and allows multimodal camouflage switching between three distinct compatible states. The approach may facilitate the evolution of camouflage techniques and electromagnetic functional materials toward multispectral, adaptability and intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Liang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyue Yang
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, P. R. China
| | - Chen Li
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Ruoling Yu
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, P. R. China
| | - Baoshan Zhang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Guangbin Ji
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, P. R. China
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4
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Pasini C, Soreño ZV, Schönfeld D, Pretsch T, Constante G, Sadilov I, Ionov L. 4D Fabrication of Two-Way Shape Memory Polymeric Composites by Electrospinning and Melt Electrowriting. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400010. [PMID: 38458610 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400010] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
This work presents a new method for 4D fabrication of two-way shape memory materials that are capable of reversible shapeshifting right after manufacturing, upon application of proper heating and cooling cycles. The innovative solution presented here consists in the combination of highly stretched electrospun shape memory polymer (SMP) nanofibers with a melt electrowritten elastomer. More specifically, the stretched nanofibers are made of a biocompatible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with crystallizable soft segments, undergoing melt-induced contraction and crystallization-induced elongation upon heating and cooling, respectively. Reversible actuation during crystallization becomes possible due to the elastic recovery of the elastomer component, obtained by melt electrowriting of a commercial TPU filament. Thanks to the design freedom offered by additive manufacturing, the elastomer structure also has the role of guiding the shape transformation. Electrospinning and melt electrowriting process parameters are set up so to obtain smart 4D objects capable of two-way shape memory effect (SME), and the possibility of reversible and repeatable actuation is demonstrated. The two components are then combined in different proportions with the aim of tailoring the two-way SME, taking into account the effect of design parameters such as the SMP content, the elastomer pattern, and the composite thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pasini
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, via Branze 38, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Zhander Vohr Soreño
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Ludwig Thoma Str. 36A, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Dennis Schönfeld
- Shape Memory Polymers Group, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Thorsten Pretsch
- Shape Memory Polymers Group, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Gissela Constante
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Ludwig Thoma Str. 36A, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ilia Sadilov
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Ludwig Thoma Str. 36A, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Leonid Ionov
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Ludwig Thoma Str. 36A, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
- Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
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5
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Jin L, Yang S. Engineering Kirigami Frameworks Toward Real-World Applications. Adv Mater 2024; 36:e2308560. [PMID: 37983878 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308560] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The surge in advanced manufacturing techniques has led to a paradigm shift in the realm of material design from developing completely new chemistry to tailoring geometry within existing materials. Kirigami, evolved from a traditional cultural and artistic craft of cutting and folding, has emerged as a powerful framework that endows simple 2D sheets with unique mechanical, thermal, optical, and acoustic properties, as well as shape-shifting capabilities. Given its flexibility, versatility, and ease of fabrication, there are significant efforts in developing kirigami algorithms to create various architectured materials for a wide range of applications. This review summarizes the fundamental mechanisms that govern the transformation of kirigami structures and elucidates how these mechanisms contribute to their distinctive properties, including high stretchability and adaptability, tunable surface topography, programmable shape morphing, and characteristics of bistability and multistability. It then highlights several promising applications enabled by the unique kirigami designs and concludes with an outlook on the future challenges and perspectives of kirigami-inspired metamaterials toward real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishuai Jin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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6
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Chen S, Tan S, Zheng L, Wang M. Multilayered Shape-Morphing Scaffolds with a Hierarchical Structure for Uterine Tissue Regeneration. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024; 16:6772-6788. [PMID: 38295266 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14983] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Owing to dysfunction of the uterus, millions of couples around the world suffer from infertility. Different from conventional treatments, tissue engineering provides a new and promising approach to deal with difficult problems such as human tissue or organ failure. Adopting scaffold-based tissue engineering, three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds in combination with stem cells and appropriate biomolecules may be constructed for uterine tissue regeneration. In this study, a hierarchical tissue engineering scaffold, which mimicked the uterine tissue structure and functions, was designed, and the biomimicking scaffolds were then successfully fabricated using solvent casting, layer-by-layer assembly, and 3D bioprinting techniques. For the multilayered, hierarchical structured scaffolds, poly(l-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) (PLLA-co-TMC, "PLATMC" in short) and poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) blends were first used to fabricate the shape-morphing layer of the scaffolds, which was to mimic the function of myometrium in uterine tissue. The PLATMC/PLGA polymer blend scaffolds were highly stretchable. Subsequently, after etching of the PLATMC/PLGA surface and employing estradiol (E2), polydopamine (PDA), and hyaluronic acid (HA), PDA@E2/HA multilayer films were formed on PLATMC/PLGA scaffolds to build an intelligent delivery platform to enable controlled and sustained release of E2. The PDA@E2/HA multilayer films also improved the biological performance of the scaffold. Finally, a layer of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-laden hydrogel [which was a blend of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and gelatin (Gel)] was 3D printed on the PDA@E2/HA multilayer films of the scaffold, thereby completing the construction of the hierarchical scaffold. BMSCs in the GelMA/Gel hydrogel layer exhibited excellent cell viability and could spread and be released eventually upon biodegradation of the GelMA/Gel hydrogel. It was shown that the hierarchically structured scaffolds could evolve from the initial flat shape into the tubular structure completely in an aqueous environment at 37 °C, fulfilling the requirement for curved scaffolds for uterine tissue engineering. The biomimicking scaffolds with a hierarchical structure and curved shape, high stretchability, and controlled and sustained E2 release appear to be very promising for uterine tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangsi Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Shenglong Tan
- Department of Endodontics and Operative Dentistry, College of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Liwu Zheng
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, 34 Hospital Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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7
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Fahmy AR, Derossi A, Jekle M. Four-Dimensional (4D) Printing of Dynamic Foods-Definitions, Considerations, and Current Scientific Status. Foods 2023; 12:3410. [PMID: 37761121 PMCID: PMC10528959 DOI: 10.3390/foods12183410] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its conception, the application of 3D printing in the structuring of food materials has been focused on the processing of novel material formulations and customized textures for innovative food applications, such as personalized nutrition and full sensory design. The continuous evolution of the used methods, approaches, and materials has created a solid foundation for technology to process dynamic food structures. Four-dimensional food printing is an extension of 3D printing where food structures are designed and printed to perform time-dependent changes activated by internal or external stimuli. In 4D food printing, structures are engineered through material tailoring and custom designs to achieve a transformation from one configuration to another. Different engineered 4D behaviors include stimulated color change, shape morphing, and biological growth. As 4D food printing is considered an emerging application, imperatively, this article proposes new considerations and definitions in 4D food printing. Moreover, this article presents an overview of 4D food printing within the current scientific progress, status, and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Raouf Fahmy
- Department of Plant-Based Foods, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Antonio Derossi
- Department of Agriculture, Food Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Mario Jekle
- Department of Plant-Based Foods, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;
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8
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Liu M, Jin L, Yang S, Wang Y, Murray CB, Yang S. Shape Morphing Directed by Spatially Encoded, Dually Responsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Micro-Actuators. Adv Mater 2023; 35:e2208613. [PMID: 36341507 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208613] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) with intrinsic molecular anisotropy can be programmed to morph shapes under external stimuli. However, it is difficult to program the position and orientation of individual mesogenic units separately and locally, whether in-plane or out-of-plane, since each mesogen is linked to adjacent ones through the covalently bonded polymer chains. Here, dually responsive, spindle-shaped micro-actuators are synthesized from LCE composites, which can reorient under a magnetic field and change the shape upon heating. When the discrete micro-actuators are embedded in a conventional and nonresponsive elastomer with programmed height distribution and in-plane orientation in local regions, robust and complex shape morphing induced by the cooperative actuations of the locally distributed micro-actuators, which corroborates with finite element analysis, are shown. The spatial encoding of discrete micro-actuators in a nonresponsive matrix allows to decouple the actuators and the matrix, broadening the material palette to program local and global responses to stimuli for applications including soft robotics, smart wearables, and sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lishuai Jin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shengsong Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Christopher B Murray
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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9
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Chen J, Jiang J, Weber J, Gimenez-Pinto V, Peng C. Shape Morphing by Topological Patterns and Profiles in Laser-Cut Liquid Crystal Elastomer Kirigami. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:4538-4548. [PMID: 36637983 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c20295] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Programming shape changes in soft materials requires precise control of the directionality and magnitude of their mechanical response. Among ordered soft materials, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) exhibit remarkable and programmable shape shifting when their molecular order changes. In this work, we synthesized, remotely programmed, and modeled reversible and complex morphing in monolithic LCE kirigami encoded with predesigned topological patterns in its microstructure. We obtained a rich variety of out-of-plane shape transformations, including auxetic structures and undulating morphologies, by combining different topological microstructures and kirigami geometries. The spatiotemporal shape-shifting behaviors are well recapitulated by elastodynamics simulations, revealing that the complex shape changes arise from integrating the custom-cut geometry with local director profiles defined by topological defects inscribed in the material. Different functionalities, such as a bioinspired fluttering butterfly, a flower bud, dual-rotation light mills, and dual-mode locomotion, are further realized. Our proposed LCE kirigami with topological patterns opens opportunities for the future development of multifunctional devices for soft robotics, flexible electronics, and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jinghua Jiang
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jada Weber
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, United States
| | - Vianney Gimenez-Pinto
- Physics and Chemistry, Department of Science, Technology and Mathematics, Lincoln University of Missouri, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101, United States
| | - Chenhui Peng
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, United States
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10
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Kang M, Lee D, Bae H, Jeong HE. Magnetoresponsive Artificial Cilia Self-Assembled with Magnetic Micro/Nanoparticles. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:55989-55996. [PMID: 36503219 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18504] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biological cilia have exquisitely organized dynamic ultrafine structures with submicron diameters and exceptional aspect ratios, which are self-assembled with ciliary proteins. However, the construction of artificial cilia with size and dynamic functions comparable to biological cilia remains highly challenging. Here, we propose a self-assembly technique that generates magnetoresponsive artificial cilia with a highly ordered 3D structural arrangement using vapor-phase magnetic particles of varying sizes and shapes. We demonstrate that both monodispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles and Fe microparticles can be assembled layer-by-layer vertically in patterned magnetic fields, generating both "nanoscale" or "microscale" artificial cilia, respectively. The resulting cilia display several structural features, such as diameters of single particle resolution, controllable diameters and lengths spanning from nanometers to micrometers, and accurate positioning. We further demonstrate that both the magnetic nanocilia and microcilia can dynamically and immediately actuate in response to modulated magnetic fields while providing different stroke ranges and actuation torques. Our strategy provides new possibilities for constructing artificial nano- and microcilia with controlled 3D morphology and dynamic field responsiveness using magnetic particles of varied sizes and shapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsu Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyuk Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Haejin Bae
- Ecological Technology Team, Division of Ecological Application Research, National Institute of Ecology, Seocheon-gun33657, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Eui Jeong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan44919, Republic of Korea
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11
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Pang W, Xu S, Wu J, Bo R, Jin T, Xiao Y, Liu Z, Zhang F, Cheng X, Bai K, Song H, Xue Z, Wen L, Zhang Y. A soft microrobot with highly deformable 3D actuators for climbing and transitioning complex surfaces. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2215028119. [PMID: 36442122 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215028119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The climbing microrobots have attracted growing attention due to their promising applications in exploration and monitoring of complex, unstructured environments. Soft climbing microrobots based on muscle-like actuators could offer excellent flexibility, adaptability, and mechanical robustness. Despite the remarkable progress in this area, the development of soft microrobots capable of climbing on flat/curved surfaces and transitioning between two different surfaces remains elusive, especially in open spaces. In this study, we address these challenges by developing voltage-driven soft small-scale actuators with customized 3D configurations and active stiffness adjusting. Combination of programmed strain distributions in liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and buckling-driven 3D assembly, guided by mechanics modeling, allows for voltage-driven, complex 3D-to-3D shape morphing (bending angle > 200°) at millimeter scales (from 1 to 10 mm), which is unachievable previously. These soft actuators enable development of morphable electroadhesive footpads that can conform to different curved surfaces and stiffness-variable smart joints that allow different locomotion gaits in a single microrobot. By integrating such morphable footpads and smart joints with a deformable body, we report a multigait, soft microrobot (length from 6 to 90 mm, and mass from 0.2 to 3 g) capable of climbing on surfaces with diverse shapes (e.g., flat plane, cylinder, wavy surface, wedge-shaped groove, and sphere) and transitioning between two distinct surfaces. We demonstrate that the microrobot could navigate from one surface to another, recording two corresponding ceilings when carrying an integrated microcamera. The developed soft microrobot can also flip over a barrier, survive extreme compression, and climb bamboo and leaf.
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12
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Abstract
Insect wings are deformable airfoils, in which deformations are mostly achieved by complicated interactions between their structural components. Due to the complexity of the wing design and technical challenges associated with testing the delicate wings, we know little about the properties of their components and how they determine wing response to flight forces. Here, we report an unusual structure from the hind-wing membrane of the beetle Pachnoda marginata. The structure, a transverse section of the claval flexion line, consists of two distinguishable layers: a bell-shaped upper layer and a straight lower layer. Our computational simulations showed that this is an effective one-way hinge, which is stiff in tension and upward bending but flexible in compression and downward bending. By systematically varying its design parameters in a computational model, we showed that the properties of the double-layer membrane hinge can be tuned over a wide range. This enabled us to develop a broad design space, which we later used for model selection. We used selected models in three distinct applications, which proved that the double-layer hinge represents a simple yet effective design strategy for controlling the mechanical response of structures using a single material and with no extra mass. The insect-inspired, one-way hinge is particularly useful for developing structures with asymmetric behavior, exhibiting different responses to the same load in two opposite directions. This multidisciplinary study not only advances our understanding of the biomechanics of complicated insect wings but also informs the design of easily tunable engineering hinges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Rajabi
- Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group, South Bank Applied BioEngineering Research (SABER), School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK
- Division of Mechanical Engineering and Design, School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK
- To whom correspondence may be addressed.
| | - Sepehr H. Eraghi
- Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group, South Bank Applied BioEngineering Research (SABER), School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK
| | - Ali Khaheshi
- Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group, South Bank Applied BioEngineering Research (SABER), School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK
- Division of Mechanical Engineering and Design, School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK
| | - Arman Toofani
- Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group, South Bank Applied BioEngineering Research (SABER), School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK
| | - Cherryl Hunt
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK
| | - Robin J. Wootton
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK
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13
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Khaheshi A, Rajabi H. Mechanical Intelligence (MI): A Bioinspired Concept for Transforming Engineering Design. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2203783. [PMID: 36104206 PMCID: PMC9661836 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant scientific advances in the past decades, most structures around us are static and ironically outdated from a technological perspective. Static structures have limited efficiency and durability and typically perform only a single task. Adaptive structures, in contrast, adjust to different conditions, tasks, and functions. They not only offer multi-functionality but also enhanced efficiency and durability. Despite their obvious advantages over conventional structures, adaptive structures have only been limitedly used in everyday life applications. This is because adaptive structures often require sophisticated sensing, feedback, and controls, which make them costly, heavy, and complicated. To overcome this problem, here the concept of Mechanical Intelligence (MI) is introduced to promote the development of engineering systems that adapt to circumstances in a passive-automatic way. MI will offer a new paradigm for designing structural components with superior capabilities. As adaptability has been rewarded throughout evolution, nature provides one of the richest sources of inspiration for developing adaptive structures. MI explores nature-inspired mechanisms for automatic adaptability and translates them into a new generation of mechanically intelligent components. MI structures, presenting widely accessible bioinspired solutions for adaptability, will facilitate more inclusive and sustainable industrial development, reflective of Goal 9 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khaheshi
- Division of Mechanical Engineering and DesignSchool of EngineeringLondon South Bank UniversityLondonSE1 0AAUK
| | - Hamed Rajabi
- Division of Mechanical Engineering and DesignSchool of EngineeringLondon South Bank UniversityLondonSE1 0AAUK
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14
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Li Q, Le Duigou A, Guo J, Thakur VK, Rossiter J, Liu L, Leng J, Scarpa F. Biobased and Programmable Electroadhesive Metasurfaces. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:47198-47208. [PMID: 36201852 PMCID: PMC9585522 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c10392] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Electroadhesion has shown the potential to deliver versatile handling devices because of its simplicity of actuation and rapid response. Current electroadhesion systems have, however, significant difficulties in adapting to external objects with complex shapes. Here, a novel concept of metasurface is proposed by combining the use of natural fibers (flax) and shape memory epoxy polymers in a hygromorphic and thermally actuated composite (HyTemC). The biobased material composite can be used to manipulate adhesive surfaces with high precision and controlled environmental actuation. The HyTemC concept is preprogrammed to store controllable moisture and autonomous desorption when exposed to the operational environment, and can reach predesigned bending curvatures up to 31.9 m-1 for concave and 29.6 m-1 for convex shapes. The actuated adhesive surface shapes are generated via the architected metasurface structure, incorporating an electroadhesive component integrated with the programmable biobased materials. This biobased metasurface stimulated by the external environment provides a large taxonomy of shapes─from flat, circular, single/double concave, and wavy, to piecewise, polynomial, trigonometric, and airfoil configurations. The objects handled by the biobased metasurface can be fragile because of the high conformal matching between contacting surfaces and the absence of compressive adhesion. These natural fiber-based and environmentally friendly electroadhesive metasurfaces can significantly improve the design of programmable object handling technologies, and also provide a sustainable route to lower the carbon and emission footprint of smart structures and robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyu Li
- Bristol
Composites Institute, University of Bristol, BS8 1TRBristol, U.K.
| | - Antoine Le Duigou
- Polymer
and Composites, Université Bretagne
Sud, IRDL UMR CNRS 6027, F-56100Lorient, France
| | - Jianglong Guo
- School
of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology
(Shenzhen), Shenzhen518055, P. R. China
| | - Vijay Kumar Thakur
- Biorefining
and Advanced Materials Research Center, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, EH9 3JGEdinburgh, U.K.
- School
of Engineering, University of Petroleum
and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jonathan Rossiter
- SoftLab,
Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University
of Bristol, Ada Lovelace
Building, University Walk, BS8 1TWBristol, U.K.
| | - Liwu Liu
- Department
of Astronautical Science and Mechanics, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), P.O. Box 301, No. 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin150001, P. R. China
| | - Jinsong Leng
- National
Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in
Special Environments, Harbin Institute of
Technology (HIT), No.
2 Yikuang Street, P.O. Box 3011, Harbin150080, P. R. China
| | - Fabrizio Scarpa
- Bristol
Composites Institute, University of Bristol, BS8 1TRBristol, U.K.
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15
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Abstract
Reliable functions of medical implants highly depend on biocompatible, conformal, and stable biointerfaces for seamless biointegration with biological tissues. Though flexible biointerfaces based on synthetic hydrogels have shown promise in optimizing implant biointegration via surgical suturing, physical attachment, or manual preshaping, they still suffer from poor adaptability, such as tissue damage by surgical suturing, low bioactivity, and difficulties in conformal contact and stable fixation, especially for specific tissues of large surface curvatures. Here, we report a bilayer hydrogel-based adaptive biointerface (HAB) made of two polysaccharide derivates, N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester-activated alginate and chitosan, harnessing dual advantages of their different swelling and active groups. Leveraging on the differential swelling between the two hydrogel layers and covalent linkages with active groups at hydrogel interfaces, HABs can be programmed into sealed tubes with tunable diameters via water-induced compliable shape morphing and instant interfacial adhesion. We further demonstrate that the polysaccharide-based morphing-to-adhesion HAB possesses outstanding bioactivity in directing cellular focal adhesion and intercellular junction, versatile geometrical adaptability to diverse tubular tissues with a wide range of surface curvatures (2.8 × 102-1.3 × 103 m-1), and excellent mechanical stability in high load-/shear-bearing physiological environments (blood flow volume: 85 mm·s-1). HABs overcome the limitations of existing biointerfaces in terms of poor bioactivity and difficult biointegration with biological tissues of large surface curvatures, holding promise to open new avenues for adaptive biointerfaces and reliable medical implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen 518035, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qilong Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Jinhong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xuemin Du
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen 518035, China
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16
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Xin C, Jin D, Li R, Wang D, Ren Z, Liu B, Chen C, Li L, Liu S, Xu B, Zhang Y, Hu Y, Li J, Zhang L, Wu D, Chu J. Rapid and Multimaterial 4D Printing of Shape-Morphing Micromachines for Narrow Micronetworks Traversing. Small 2022; 18:e2202272. [PMID: 35983631 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202272] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Micromachines with high environmental adaptability have the potential to deliver targeted drugs in complex biological networks, such as digestive, neural, and vascular networks. However, the low processing efficiency and single processing material of current 4D printing methods often limit the development and application of shape-morphing micromachines (SMMs). Here, two 4D printing strategies are proposed to fabricate SMMs with pH-responsive hydrogels for complex micro-networks traversing. On the one hand, the 3D vortex light single exposure technique can rapidly fabricate a tubular SMM with controllable size and geometry within 0.1 s. On the other hand, the asymmetric multimaterial direct laser writing (DLW) method is used to fabricate SMMs with designable 3D structures composed of hydrogel and platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs). Based on the presence of ferroferric oxide (Fe3 O4 ) and Pt NPs in the SMMs, efficient magnetic, bubble, and hybrid propulsion modes are achieved. Finally, it is demonstrated that the spatial shape conversion capabilities of these SMMs can be used for narrow micronetworks traversing, which will find potential applications in targeted cargo delivery in microcapillaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xin
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Dongdong Jin
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Rui Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Zhongguo Ren
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Bingrui Liu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Longfu Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Shunli Liu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Bing Xu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China
| | - Yachao Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yanlei Hu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jiawen Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jiaru Chu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
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17
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Skarsetz O, Slesarenko V, Walther A. Programmable Auxeticity in Hydrogel Metamaterials via Shape-Morphing Unit Cells. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2201867. [PMID: 35748172 PMCID: PMC9376742 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201867] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical metamaterials recruit unique mechanical behavior that is unavailable in bulk materials from a periodic unit cell structure with a specific geometry. However, such metamaterials can typically not be reconfigured once manufactured. Herein, the authors introduce shape morphing of a hydrogel metamaterial via spatio-selective integration of responsive actuating elements to reconfigure the mesoscale unit cell geometry to reach programmable auxeticity on the macroscale. Via thermal control, the unit cell angle of a honeycomb structure can be precisely programmed from 68° to 107°. This results in negative, zero, or positive Poisson's ratio under applied tensile strain. The geometrical reconfiguration with resulting programmable auxeticity is predicted and verified by finite element (FE) simulation. This concept of shape-morphing hydrogel metamaterials via the addition of actuating struts into otherwise passive architectures offers a new strategy for reconfigurable metamaterials and extends applications of hydrogels in general. It can be readily extended to other architectures and may find applications in mechanical computing as well as soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Skarsetz
- ABMS Lab – ActiveAdaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired MaterialsDepartment of ChemistryJohannes Gutenberg University MainzDuesbergweg 10–14Mainz55128Germany
| | - Viacheslav Slesarenko
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT — Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired TechnologiesUniversity of FreiburgGeorges‐Köhler‐Allee 105Freiburg im Breisgau79110Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- ABMS Lab – ActiveAdaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired MaterialsDepartment of ChemistryJohannes Gutenberg University MainzDuesbergweg 10–14Mainz55128Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT — Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired TechnologiesUniversity of FreiburgGeorges‐Köhler‐Allee 105Freiburg im Breisgau79110Germany
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18
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Deng H, Zhao C, Zhang Y, Liang H, Gong X. Bio-Inspired Bianisotropic Magneto-Sensitive Elastomers with Excellent Multimodal Transformation. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:20101-20112. [PMID: 35442629 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c03533] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Magneto-sensitive soft materials that can accomplish fast, remote, and reversible shape morphing are highly desirable for practical applications including biomedical devices, soft robotics, and flexible electronics. In conventional magneto-sensitive elastomers (MSEs), there is a tradeoff between employing hard magnetic particles with costly magnetic programming and utilizing soft magnetic particle chains causing tedious and small deformation. Here, inspired by the shape and movement of mimosa, a novel soft magnetic particle doped shape material bianisotropic magneto-sensitive elastomer (SM bianisotropic MSE) with multimodal transformation and superior deformability is developed. The high-aspect-ratio shape anisotropy and the material anisotropy in which the magnetic particles are arranged in a chainlike structure together impart magnetic anisotropy to the SM bianisotropic MSE. A magneto-elastic analysis model is proposed, and it is elucidated that magnetic anisotropy leads to peculiar field-direction-dependent multimodal transformation. More importantly, a quadrilateral assembly and a regular hexagon assembly based on this SM bianisotropic MSE are designed, and they exhibit 2.4 and 1.7 times the deformation capacity of shape anisotropic samples, respectively. By exploiting the multidegree of freedom and excellent deformability of the SM bianisotropic MSE, flexible logic switches and ultrasoft magnetic manipulators are further demonstrated, which prove its potential applications in future intelligent flexible electronics and autonomous soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Huaxia Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Chunyu Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- IAT-Chungu Joint Laboratory for Additive Manufacturing, Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Haiyi Liang
- IAT-Chungu Joint Laboratory for Additive Manufacturing, Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Xinglong Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230027, P. R. China
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19
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Ding A, Jeon O, Cleveland D, Gasvoda KL, Wells D, Lee SJ, Alsberg E. Jammed Micro-Flake Hydrogel for Four-Dimensional Living Cell Bioprinting. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2109394. [PMID: 35065000 PMCID: PMC9012690 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
4D bioprinting is promising to build cell-laden constructs (bioconstructs) with complex geometries and functions for tissue/organ regeneration applications. The development of hydrogel-based 4D bioinks, especially those allowing living cell printing, with easy preparation, defined composition, and controlled physical properties is critically important for 4D bioprinting. Here, a single-component jammed micro-flake hydrogel (MFH) system with heterogeneous size distribution, which differs from the conventional granular microgel, has been developed as a new cell-laden bioink for 4D bioprinting. This jammed cytocompatible MFH features scalable production and straightforward composition with shear-thinning, shear-yielding, and rapid self-healing properties. As such, it can be smoothly printed into stable 3D bioconstructs, which can be further cross-linked to form a gradient in cross-linking density when a photoinitiator and a UV absorber are incorporated. After being subject to shape morphing, a variety of complex bioconstructs with well-defined configurations and high cell viability are obtained. Based on this system, 4D cartilage-like tissue formation is demonstrated as a proof-of-concept. The establishment of this versatile new 4D bioink system may open up a number of applications in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixiang Ding
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Oju Jeon
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - David Cleveland
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kaelyn L Gasvoda
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Derrick Wells
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Sang Jin Lee
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Eben Alsberg
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Departments of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Orthopaedics, and Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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20
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Dudek KK, Martínez JAI, Ulliac G, Kadic M. Micro-Scale Auxetic Hierarchical Mechanical Metamaterials for Shape Morphing. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2110115. [PMID: 35170092 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202110115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Shape morphing and the possibility of having control over mechanical properties via designed deformations have attracted a lot of attention in the materials community and led to a variety of applications with an emphasis on the space industry. However, current materials normally do not allow to have a full control over the deformation pattern and often fail to replicate such behavior at low scales which is essential in flexible electronics. Thus, in this paper, novel 2D and 3D microscopic hierarchical mechanical metamaterials using mutually-competing substructures within the system that are capable of exhibiting a broad range of the highly unusual auxetic behavior are proposed. Using experiments (3D microprinted polymers) supported by computer simulations, it is shown that such ability can be controlled through geometric design parameters. Finally it is demonstrated that the considered structure can form a composite capable of shape morphing allowing it to deform to a predefined shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof K Dudek
- Institut FEMTO-ST, CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, 25030, France
- Institute of Physics, University of Zielona Gora, ul. Szafrana 4a, Zielona Gora, 65-069, Poland
| | | | - Gwenn Ulliac
- Institut FEMTO-ST, CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, 25030, France
| | - Muamer Kadic
- Institut FEMTO-ST, CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, 25030, France
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21
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Jin B, Liu J, Shi Y, Chen G, Zhao Q, Yang S. Solvent-Assisted 4D Programming and Reprogramming of Liquid Crystalline Organogels. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2107855. [PMID: 34808005 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Encoding molecular ordering during liquid crystalline network (LCN) formation endows preprogrammed but fixed shape morphing in response to external stimuli. The incorporation of dynamic covalent bonds enables shape reprogramming but also permanently alters the network structures. Here, an entropic approach that can program complex shapes via directed solvent evaporation from an isotropic LCN organogel is discoursed. Different shapes can be erased and reprogrammed from the same LCN on demand depending on the modes of deformation of the organogel during solvent evaporation. The ability to decouple network synthesis and molecular alignment relaxes the requirements to LCN chemistry and alignment methods, allowing for the realization of a variety of origami/kirigami structures and 4D shape morphing of LCNs printed from the digital light processing technique with unattainable spatial and temporal controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binjie Jin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 38th Zheda Road, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yunpeng Shi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 38th Zheda Road, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Guancong Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 38th Zheda Road, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 38th Zheda Road, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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22
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Xin C, Jin D, Hu Y, Yang L, Li R, Wang L, Ren Z, Wang D, Ji S, Hu K, Pan D, Wu H, Zhu W, Shen Z, Wang Y, Li J, Zhang L, Wu D, Chu J. Environmentally Adaptive Shape-Morphing Microrobots for Localized Cancer Cell Treatment. ACS Nano 2021; 15:18048-18059. [PMID: 34664936 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c06651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microrobots have attracted considerable attention due to their extensive applications in microobject manipulation and targeted drug delivery. To realize more complex micro-/nanocargo manipulation (e.g., encapsulation and release) in biological applications, it is highly desirable to endow microrobots with a shape-morphing adaptation to dynamic environments. Here, environmentally adaptive shape-morphing microrobots (SMMRs) have been developed by programmatically encoding different expansion rates in a pH-responsive hydrogel. Due to a combination with magnetic propulsion, a shape-morphing microcrab (SMMC) is able to perform targeted microparticle delivery, including gripping, transporting, and releasing by "opening-closing" of a claw. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, a shape-morphing microfish (SMMF) is designed to encapsulate a drug (doxorubicin (DOX)) by closing its mouth in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH ∼ 7.4) and release the drug by opening its mouth in a slightly acidic solution (pH < 7). Furthermore, localized HeLa cell treatment in an artificial vascular network is realized by "opening-closing" of the SMMF mouth. With the continuous optimization of size, motion control, and imaging technology, these magnetic SMMRs will provide ideal platforms for complex microcargo operations and on-demand drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xin
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Dongdong Jin
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yanlei Hu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Institute of Nanotechnology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe 76128, Germany
| | - Rui Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Li Wang
- Intelligent Nanomedicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine and Division of Molecular Medicine, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Zhongguo Ren
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Shengyun Ji
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Kai Hu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Deng Pan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Wulin Zhu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Zuojun Shen
- Intelligent Nanomedicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine and Division of Molecular Medicine, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yucai Wang
- Intelligent Nanomedicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine and Division of Molecular Medicine, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jiawen Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jiaru Chu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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23
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Abstract
Flexible robotics are capable of achieving various functionalities by shape morphing, benefiting from their compliant bodies and reconfigurable structures. In this study, we construct and study a class of origami springs generalized from the known interleaved origami spring, as promising candidates for shape morphing in flexible robotics. These springs are found to exhibit nonlinear stretch-twist coupling and linear/nonlinear mechanical response in the compression/tension region, analyzed by the demonstrated continuum mechanics models, experiments, and finite element simulations. To improve the mechanical performance such as the damage resistance, we establish an origami rigidization method by adding additional creases to the spring system. Guided by the theoretical framework, we experimentally realize three types of flexible robotics-origami spring ejectors, crawlers, and transformers. These robots show the desired functionality and outstanding mechanical performance. The proposed concept of origami-aided design is expected to pave the way to facilitate the diverse shape morphing of flexible robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.,CAPT, HEDPS and IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center of MoE, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Pengyu Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiling Duan
- State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.,CAPT, HEDPS and IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center of MoE, Peking University, Beijing, China
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24
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Chaudhary G, Ganga Prasath S, Soucy E, Mahadevan L. Totimorphic assemblies from neutrally stable units. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2107003118. [PMID: 34649993 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107003118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inspired by the quest for shape-shifting structures in a range of applications, we show how to create morphable structural materials using a neutrally stable unit cell as a building block. This unit cell is a self-stressed hinged structure with a one-parameter family of morphing motions that are all energetically equivalent. However, unlike kinematic mechanisms, the unit cell is not infinitely floppy and instead exhibits a tunable mechanical response akin to that of an ideal rigid-plastic material. Theory and simulations allow us to explore the properties of planar and spatial assemblies of neutrally stable elements, and solve the inverse problem of designing assemblies that can morph from one given shape into another. Simple experimental prototypes of these assemblies corroborate our theoretical results and show that the addition of switchable hinges allows us to create load-bearing structures. Altogether, totimorphs pave the way for structural materials whose geometry and deformation response can be controlled independently and at multiple scales.
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25
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Vorhof M, Sennewald C, Schegner P, Meyer P, Hühne C, Cherif C, Sinapius M. Thermoplastic Composites for Integrally Woven Pressure Actuated Cellular Structures: Design Approach and Material Investigation. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13183128. [PMID: 34578029 PMCID: PMC8469223 DOI: 10.3390/polym13183128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of pressure-actuated cellular structures (PACS) is an effective approach for the application of compliant mechanisms. Analogous to the model in nature, the Venus flytrap, they are made of discrete pressure-activated rows and can be deformed with high stiffness at a high deformation rate. In previous work, a new innovative approach in their integral textile-based manufacturing has been demonstrated based on the weaving technique. In this work, the theoretical and experimental work on the further development of PACS from simple single-row to double-row PACS with antagonistic deformation capability is presented. Supported by experimental investigations, the necessary adaptations in the design of the textile preform and the polymer composite design are presented and concretized. Based on the results of pre-simulations of the deformation capacity of the new PACS, their performance was evaluated, the results of which are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Vorhof
- Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany; (C.S.); (P.S.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Cornelia Sennewald
- Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany; (C.S.); (P.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Philipp Schegner
- Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany; (C.S.); (P.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Patrick Meyer
- Institute of Mechanics and Adaptronics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 6, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (P.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Christian Hühne
- Institute of Composite Structures and Adaptive Systems, German Aerospace Center, Lilienthalplatz 7, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Chokri Cherif
- Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany; (C.S.); (P.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Michael Sinapius
- Institute of Mechanics and Adaptronics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 6, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (P.M.); (M.S.)
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26
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Wenz F, Schmidt I, Leichner A, Lichti T, Baumann S, Andrae H, Eberl C. Designing Shape Morphing Behavior through Local Programming of Mechanical Metamaterials. Adv Mater 2021; 33:e2008617. [PMID: 34338367 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202008617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Shape morphing implicates that a specific condition leads to a morphing reaction. The material thus transforms from one shape to another in a predefined manner. In this paper, not only the target shape but rather the evolution of the material's shape as a function of the applied strain is programmed. To rationalize the design process, concepts from informatics (processing functions, for example, Poisson's ratio (PR) as function of strain: ν = f(ε) and if-then-else conditions) will be introduced. Three types of shape morphing behavior will be presented: (1) achieving a target shape by linearly increasing the amplitude of the shape, (2) filling up a target shape in linear steps, and (3) shifting a bulge through the material to a target position. In the first case, the shape is controlled by a geometric gradient within the material. The filling kind of behavior was implemented by logical operations. Moreover, programming moving hillocks (3) requires to implement a sinusoidal function εy = sin (εx ) and an if-then-else statement into the unit cells combined with a global stiffness gradient. The three cases will be used to show how the combination of mechanical mechanisms as well as the related parameter distribution enable a programmable shape morphing behavior in an inverse design process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Wenz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM), 79108, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Microsystems Engineering, Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Schmidt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM), 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Leichner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM), 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Tobias Lichti
- Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM), 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Sascha Baumann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT), 76327, Pfinztal, Germany
| | - Heiko Andrae
- Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM), 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Christoph Eberl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM), 79108, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Microsystems Engineering, Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
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27
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Kotikian A, Morales JM, Lu A, Mueller J, Davidson ZS, Boley JW, Lewis JA. Innervated, Self-Sensing Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators with Closed Loop Control. Adv Mater 2021; 33:e2101814. [PMID: 34057260 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202101814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The programmable assembly of innervated LCE actuators (iLCEs) with prescribed contractile actuation, self-sensing, and closed loop control via core-shell 3D printing is reported. This extrusion-based direct ink writing method enables coaxial filamentary features composed of pure LM core surrounded by an LCE shell, whose director is aligned along the print path. Specifically, the thermal response of the iLCE fiber-type actuators is programmed, measured, and modeled during Joule heating, including quantifying the concomitant changes in fiber length and resistance that arise during simultaneous heating and self-sensing. Due to their reversible, high-energy actuation and their resistive feedback, it is also demonstrated that iLCEs can be regulated with closed loop control even when perturbed with large bias loads. Finally, iLCE architectures capable of programmed, self-sensing 3D shape change with closed loop control are fabricated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arda Kotikian
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Javier M Morales
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Aric Lu
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Biological Engineering Division, Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jochen Mueller
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Zoey S Davidson
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - J William Boley
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jennifer A Lewis
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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28
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Kuang X, Wu S, Ze Q, Yue L, Jin Y, Montgomery SM, Yang F, Qi HJ, Zhao R. Magnetic Dynamic Polymers for Modular Assembling and Reconfigurable Morphing Architectures. Adv Mater 2021; 33:e2102113. [PMID: 34146361 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Shape-morphing magnetic soft materials, composed of magnetic particles in a soft polymer matrix, can transform shape reversibly, remotely, and rapidly, finding diverse applications in actuators, soft robotics, and biomedical devices. To achieve on-demand and sophisticated shape morphing, the manufacture of structures with complex geometry and magnetization distribution is highly desired. Here, a magnetic dynamic polymer (MDP) composite composed of hard-magnetic microparticles in a dynamic polymer network with thermally responsive reversible linkages, which permits functionalities including targeted welding for magnetic-assisted assembly, magnetization reprogramming, and permanent structural reconfiguration, is reported. These functions not only provide highly desirable structural and material programmability and reprogrammability but also enable the manufacturing of functional soft architected materials such as 3D kirigami with complex magnetization distribution. The welding of magnetic-assisted modular assembly can be further combined with magnetization reprogramming and permanent reshaping capabilities for programmable and reconfigurable architectures and morphing structures. The reported MDP are anticipated to provide a new paradigm for the design and manufacture of future multifunctional assemblies and reconfigurable morphing architectures and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Kuang
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Shuai Wu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Qiji Ze
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Liang Yue
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Yi Jin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - S Macrae Montgomery
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Fengyuan Yang
- Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - H Jerry Qi
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Ruike Zhao
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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29
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Deng H, Zhang C, Sattari K, Ling Y, Su JW, Yan Z, Lin J. 4D Printing Elastic Composites for Strain-Tailored Multistable Shape Morphing. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:12719-12725. [PMID: 33326205 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c17618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) morphing structures with multistable shapes that can be quantitatively and reversibly altered are highly desired in many potential applications ranging from soft robots to wearable electronics. In this study, we present a 4D printing method for fabricating multistable shape-morphing structures that can be quantitatively controlled by the applied strains. The structures are printed by a two-nozzle 3D printer that can spatially distribute phase change wax microparticles (MPs) in the elastomer matrix. The wax MPs can retain the residual strain after the prestrained elastomer composite is relaxed because of the solid-liquid phase change. Thanks to high design freedom of the 3D printing, spatial distribution of the wax MPs can be programmed, leading to an anisotropic stress field in the elastomer composite. This causes the out-of-plane deformations such as curling, folding, and buckling. These deformations are multistable and can be reprogrammed because of the reversible phase change of the wax MPs. What's more, characteristics of deformations such as curvatures and folding angles are linearly dependent on the applied strains, suggesting that these deformations are quantitatively controllable. Finally, the applications of the strained-tailored multistable shape morphing 3D structures in the assembly of 3D electronics and adaptive wearable sensors were demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jheng-Wun Su
- Department of Physics and Engineering, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057, United States
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30
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Nguyen KT, Go G, Jin Z, Darmawan BA, Yoo A, Kim S, Nan M, Lee SB, Kang B, Kim C, Li H, Bang D, Park J, Choi E. A Magnetically Guided Self-Rolled Microrobot for Targeted Drug Delivery, Real-Time X-Ray Imaging, and Microrobot Retrieval. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001681. [PMID: 33506630 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Targeted drug delivery using a microrobot is a promising technique capable of overcoming the limitations of conventional chemotherapy that relies on body circulation. However, most studies of microrobots used for drug delivery have only demonstrated simple mobility rather than precise targeting methods and prove the possibility of biodegradation of implanted microrobots after drug delivery. In this study, magnetically guided self-rolled microrobot that enables autonomous navigation-based targeted drug delivery, real-time X-ray imaging, and microrobot retrieval is proposed. The microrobot, composed of a self-rolled body that is printed using focused light and a surface with magnetic nanoparticles attached, demonstrates the loading of doxorubicin and an X-ray contrast agent for cancer therapy and X-ray imaging. The microrobot is precisely mobilized to the lesion site through automated targeting using magnetic field control of an electromagnetic actuation system under real-time X-ray imaging. The photothermal effect using near-infrared light reveals rapid drug release of the microrobot located at the lesion site. After drug delivery, the microrobot is recovered without potential toxicity by implantation or degradation using a magnetic-field-switchable coiled catheter. This microrobotic approach using automated control method of the therapeutic agents-loaded microrobot has potential use in precise localized drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Tien Nguyen
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering Chonnam National University 77 Yongbong‐ro, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61186 South Korea
| | - Gwangjun Go
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering Chonnam National University 77 Yongbong‐ro, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61186 South Korea
| | - Zhen Jin
- School of Biomedical Engineering Xinxiang Medical University Xinxiang Henan 453003 China
| | - Bobby Aditya Darmawan
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering Chonnam National University 77 Yongbong‐ro, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61186 South Korea
| | - Ami Yoo
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
| | - Seokjae Kim
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
| | - Minghui Nan
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering Chonnam National University 77 Yongbong‐ro, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61186 South Korea
| | - Sang Bong Lee
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
| | - Byungjeon Kang
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
- College of AI convergence Chonnam National University 77 Yongbong‐ro, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61186 South Korea
| | - Chang‐Sei Kim
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering Chonnam National University 77 Yongbong‐ro, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61186 South Korea
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Yanbian University Yanji 133002 China
| | - Doyeon Bang
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
- College of AI convergence Chonnam National University 77 Yongbong‐ro, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61186 South Korea
| | - Jong‐Oh Park
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering Chonnam National University 77 Yongbong‐ro, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61186 South Korea
| | - Eunpyo Choi
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics 43‐26, Cheomdangwagi‐ro 208‐beon‐gil, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61011 South Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering Chonnam National University 77 Yongbong‐ro, Buk‐gu Gwangju 61186 South Korea
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31
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Schönfeld D, Chalissery D, Wenz F, Specht M, Eberl C, Pretsch T. Actuating Shape Memory Polymer for Thermoresponsive Soft Robotic Gripper and Programmable Materials. Molecules 2021; 26:522. [PMID: 33498348 PMCID: PMC7864034 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For soft robotics and programmable metamaterials, novel approaches are required enabling the design of highly integrated thermoresponsive actuating systems. In the concept presented here, the necessary functional component was obtained by polymer syntheses. First, poly(1,10-decylene adipate) diol (PDA) with a number average molecular weight M n of 3290 g·mol-1 was synthesized from 1,10-decanediol and adipic acid. Afterward, the PDA was brought to reaction with 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol. The resulting polyester urethane (PEU) was processed to the filament, and samples were additively manufactured by fused-filament fabrication. After thermomechanical treatment, the PEU reliably actuated under stress-free conditions by expanding on cooling and shrinking on heating with a maximum thermoreversible strain of 16.1%. Actuation stabilized at 12.2%, as verified in a measurement comprising 100 heating-cooling cycles. By adding an actuator element to a gripper system, a hen's egg could be picked up, safely transported and deposited. Finally, one actuator element each was built into two types of unit cells for programmable materials, thus enabling the design of temperature-dependent behavior. The approaches are expected to open up new opportunities, e.g., in the fields of soft robotics and shape morphing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Schönfeld
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (D.S.); (D.C.)
| | - Dilip Chalissery
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (D.S.); (D.C.)
| | - Franziska Wenz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM, Wöhlerstr. 11, 79108 Freiburg, Germany; (F.W.); (M.S.); (C.E.)
- Department of Microsystems Engineering IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 078, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marius Specht
- Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM, Wöhlerstr. 11, 79108 Freiburg, Germany; (F.W.); (M.S.); (C.E.)
- Department of Microsystems Engineering IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 078, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Chris Eberl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM, Wöhlerstr. 11, 79108 Freiburg, Germany; (F.W.); (M.S.); (C.E.)
- Department of Microsystems Engineering IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 078, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Pretsch
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (D.S.); (D.C.)
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32
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Wang Y, Dang A, Zhang Z, Yin R, Gao Y, Feng L, Yang S. Repeatable and Reprogrammable Shape Morphing from Photoresponsive Gold Nanorod/Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Adv Mater 2020; 32:e2004270. [PMID: 33043501 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202004270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are of interest for applications such as soft robotics and shape-morphing devices. Among the different actuation mechanisms, light offers advantages such as spatial and local control of actuation via the photothermal effect. However, the unwanted aggregation of the light-absorbing nanoparticles in the LCE matrix will limit the photothermal response speed, actuation performance, and repeatability. Herein, a near-infrared-responsive LCE composite consisting of up to 0.20 wt% poly(ethylene glycol)-modified gold nanorods (AuNRs) without apparent aggregation is demonstrated. The high Young's modulus, 20.3 MPa, and excellent photothermal performance render repeated and fast actuation of the films (actuation within 5 s and recovery in 2 s) when exposed to 800 nm light at an average output power of ≈1.0 W cm-2 , while maintaining a large actuation strain (56%). Further, it is shown that the same sheet of AuNR/LCE film (100 µm thick) can be morphed into different shapes simply by varying the motifs of the photomasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alei Dang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Zhifeng Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 200 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rui Yin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yuchong Gao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Liang Feng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 200 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Chen J, Huang J, Zhang H, Hu Y. A Photoresponsive Hydrogel with Enhanced Photoefficiency and the Decoupled Process of Light Activation and Shape Changing for Precise Geometric Control. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:38647-38654. [PMID: 32700523 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c09475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Traditional shape-morphing hydrogels rely on structural implementation of inhomogeneity inside the material during fabrication to realize predetermined complex shape change upon activation. In recent years, several systems with reprogrammable shape-morphing capabilities have been developed. Among those, the photoresponsive hydrogels offer the best spatial and temporal control. However, for most photoresponsive hydrogels, upon light irradiation, they simultaneously deform, which requires the projection of the light pattern to be continuously adaptive to the deforming gel. It is impractical for complex 3D morphing. In this paper, by incorporating two photodissociable molecules that can form a reactive ion couple upon light activation into one hydrogel, the light irradiation process is decoupled with the morphing process, and the consumption of the reactive ion couple drives the reversible photochemical reaction forward. Consequently, the photochemical reaction efficiency is improved, and the photoresponsive molecules are locked in the activated state until a recovery stimulus is applied. Based on the proposed general scheme, a specific example is given by incorporating the triphenylmethane leucohydroxide and 2-nitrobenzaldehyde molecules into a polyacrylamide hydrogel. The swelling behavior is characterized, and the reprogrammable morphing with precisely controlled geometry is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiehao Chen
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Jiahe Huang
- The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Haohui Zhang
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Yuhang Hu
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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Barnes M, Sajadi SM, Parekh S, Rahman MM, Ajayan PM, Verduzco R. Reactive 3D Printing of Shape-Programmable Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:28692-28699. [PMID: 32484325 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c07331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [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
3D printed, stimuli-responsive materials that reversibly actuate between programmed shapes are promising for applications ranging from biomedical implants to soft robotics. However, current 3D printing of reversible actuators significantly limits the range of possible shapes and/or shape responses because they couple the print path to mathematically determined director profiles to elicit a desired shape change. Here, we report a reactive 3D-printing method that decouples printing and shape-programming steps, enabling a broad range of complex architectures and virtually any arbitrary shape changes. This method involves first printing liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) precursor solution into a catalyst bath, producing complex architectures defined by printing. Shape changes are then programmed through mechanical deformation and UV irradiation. Upon heating and cooling, the LCE reversibly shape-shifts between printed and programmed shapes, respectively. The potential of this method was demonstrated by programming a variety of arbitrary shape changes in a single printed material, producing auxetic LCE structures and symmetry-breaking shape changes in LCE sheets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Barnes
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Seyed M Sajadi
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Shaan Parekh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Muhammad M Rahman
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Pulickel M Ajayan
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Rafael Verduzco
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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35
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Abstract
Robustness, compactness, and portability of tensegrity robots make them suitable candidates for locomotion on unknown terrains. Despite these advantages, challenges remain relating to ease of fabrication, shape morphing (packing-unpacking), and locomotion capabilities. The paper introduces a design methodology for fabricating tensegrity robots of varying morphologies with modular components. The design methodology utilizes perforated links, coplanar (2D) alignment of components and individual cable tensioning to achieve a 3D tensegrity structure. These techniques are utilized to fabricate prism (three-link) tensegrity structures, followed by tensegrity robots in icosahedron (six-link), and shpericon (curved two-link) formation. The methodology is used to explore different robot morphologies that attempt to minimize structural complexity (number of elements) while facilitating smooth locomotion (impact between robot and surface). Locomotion strategies for such robots involve altering the position of center-of-mass (referred to as internal mass shifting) to induce “tip-over.” As an example, a sphericon formation comprising of two orthogonally placed circular arcs with conincident center illustrates smooth locomotion along a line (one degree of freedom). The design of curved links of tensegrity mechanisms facilitates continuous change of the point of contact (along the curve) that results from the tip-over. This contrasts to the sudden and piece-wise continuous change for the case of robots with traditional straight links which generate impulse reaction forces during locomotion. The two resulting robots—the Icosahedron and the Sphericon Tensegrity Robots—display shape morphing (packing-unpacking) capabilities and achieve locomotion through internal mass-shifting. The presented static equilibrium analysis of sphericon with mass is the first step in the direction of dynamic locomotion control of these curved link robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Rhodes
- Agile Robotics Lab (ARL), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Clayton Gotberg
- Agile Robotics Lab (ARL), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Vishesh Vikas
- Agile Robotics Lab (ARL), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
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36
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Abstract
Shape-morphing hydrogels have found a myriad of applications in biomimetics, soft robotics, and biomedical engineering. A magnetic field is favorable for specific applications of hydrogels, since it is noncontact and biocompatible at high field strengths. However, most magnetosensitive shape-morphing structures are made of elastomers rather than hydrogels because the magnetization of magnetic hydrogels is usually too low to be actuated under a static magnetic field. Here, we propose a strategy to achieve the shape morphing of magnetic hydrogels. We actuate magnetothermal sensitive hydrogels by an alternating magnetic field (AMF), where magnetic poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels can be heated by the AMF and can undergo giant volume shrinkage under high temperature. We design the distributing pattern of magnetic hydrogel strips on an elastomer substrate to realize various two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes such as heart-shape, truss, tube, and helix. Complex three-dimensional origami structures have been demonstrated using elastomer-magnetic hydrogels as hinges. We further demonstrate the combination of magnetic navigation and magnetic shape morphing, by applying both a direct magnetic field and an alternating magnetic field. The strategy may open new opportunities for the shape morphing of functional hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingda Tang
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Department of Engineering Mechanics , Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710049 , China
| | - Qianfeng Yin
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Department of Engineering Mechanics , Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710049 , China
| | - Yancheng Qiao
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Department of Engineering Mechanics , Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710049 , China
| | - Tiejun Wang
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Department of Engineering Mechanics , Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710049 , China
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37
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Abstract
Soft photonic crystals are periodic nanostructures that have attracted much attention for their applications in sensors, owing to their tunable structural colors in response to external stimuli. Patterned photonic crystals provide a novel strategy for constructing high-performance photonic materials with unique structures and functions. In this work, laser engraving is used for the first time to design patterns on a layered photonic hydrogel. This approach is based on the integration of laser power and chemical modifications to embed different polymer composites (polyelectrolyte and neutral polymers) along a prescribed laser-printed path. The polyelectrolyte and neutral composites show differential swelling or shrinking, causing a mechanical instability in the layered hydrogel. The resultant soft polymeric materials appear as synchronous tuning in the photonic band gaps in response to external stimuli. This approach is favorable for designing responsive photonic crystals with controllable optical properties and 3D shape transformation. Moreover, it is of great use in developing advanced photonic crystals for applications in sensors, soft actuators, and drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youfeng Yue
- Electronics and Photonics Research Institute , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8565 , Japan
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38
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Arslan H, Nojoomi A, Jeon J, Yum K. 3D Printing of Anisotropic Hydrogels with Bioinspired Motion. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2019; 6:1800703. [PMID: 30693178 PMCID: PMC6343088 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201800703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Motion in biological organisms often relies on the functional arrangement of anisotropic tissues that linearly expand and contract in response to external signals. However, a general approach that can implement such anisotropic behavior into synthetic soft materials and thereby produce complex motions seen in biological organisms remains a challenge. Here, a bioinspired approach is presented that uses temperature-responsive linear hydrogel actuators, analogous to biological linear contractile elements, as building blocks to create three-dimensional (3D) structures with programmed motions. This approach relies on a generalizable 3D printing method for building 3D structures of hydrogels using a fugitive carrier with shear-thinning properties. This study demonstrates that the metric incompatibility of an orthogonally growing bilayer structure induces a saddle-like shape change, which can be further exploited to produce various bioinspired motions from bending to twisting. The orthogonally growing bilayer structure undergoes a transition from a stretching-dominated motion to a bending-dominated motion during its shape transformation. The modular nature of this approach, together with the flexibility of additive manufacturing, enables the fabrication of multimodular 3D structures with complex motions through the assembly of multiple functional components, which in turn consist of simple linear contractile elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Arslan
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX76019USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX76019USA
| | - Amirali Nojoomi
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX76019USA
| | - Junha Jeon
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX76019USA
| | - Kyungsuk Yum
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX76019USA
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Kotikian A, Truby RL, Boley JW, White TJ, Lewis JA. 3D Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomeric Actuators with Spatially Programed Nematic Order. Adv Mater 2018; 30:1706164. [PMID: 29334165 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201706164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are soft materials capable of large, reversible shape changes, which may find potential application as artificial muscles, soft robots, and dynamic functional architectures. Here, the design and additive manufacturing of LCE actuators (LCEAs) with spatially programed nematic order that exhibit large, reversible, and repeatable contraction with high specific work capacity are reported. First, a photopolymerizable, solvent-free, main-chain LCE ink is created via aza-Michael addition with the appropriate viscoelastic properties for 3D printing. Next, high operating temperature direct ink writing of LCE inks is used to align their mesogen domains along the direction of the print path. To demonstrate the power of this additive manufacturing approach, shape-morphing LCEA architectures are fabricated, which undergo reversible planar-to-3D and 3D-to-3D' transformations on demand, that can lift significantly more weight than other LCEAs reported to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arda Kotikian
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Ryan L Truby
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - John William Boley
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Timothy J White
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Jennifer A Lewis
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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