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Jing S, Huang J, Wang H, Wang Y, Xie H, Zhou S. A Solvent-Templated Porous Liquid Crystal Elastomer with Tactile Sensation beyond Reversible Actuation toward Versatile Artificial Muscles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 38692284 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), as a classical two-way shape-memory material, are good candidates for developing artificial muscles that mimic the contraction, expansion, or rotational behavior of natural muscles. However, biomimicry is currently focused more on the actuation functions of natural muscles dominated by muscle fibers, whereas the tactile sensing functions that are dominated by neuronal receptors and synapses have not been well captured. Very few studies have reported the sensing concept for LCEs, but the signals were still donated by macroscopic actuation, that is, variations in angle or length. Herein, we develop a conductive porous LCE (CPLCE) using a solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO))-templated photo-cross-linking strategy, followed by carbon nanotube (CNT) incorporation. The CPLCE has excellent reversible contraction/elongation behavior in a manner similar to the actuation functions of skeletal muscles. Moreover, the CPLCE shows excellent pressure-sensing performance by providing real-time electrical signals and is capable of microtouch sensing, which is very similar to natural tactile sensing. Furthermore, macroscopic actuation and tactile sensation can be integrated into a single system. Proof-of-concept studies reveal that the CPLCE-based artificial muscle is sensitive to external touch while maintaining its excellent actuation performance. The CPLCE with tactile sensation beyond reversible actuation is expected to benefit the development of versatile artificial muscles and intelligent robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirong Jing
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Jinhui Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yilei Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Shaobing Zhou
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
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2
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Ustunel S, Pandya H, Prévôt ME, Pegorin G, Shiralipour F, Paul R, Clements RJ, Khabaz F, Hegmann E. A Molecular Rheology Dynamics Study on 3D Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2300717. [PMID: 38445752 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This work presents a rheological study of a biocompatible and biodegradable liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) ink for three dimensional (3D) printing. These materials have shown that their structural variations have an effect on morphology, mechanical properties, alignment, and their impact on cell response. Within the last decade LCEs are extensively studied as potential printing materials for soft robotics applications, due to the actuation properties that are produced when liquid crystal (LC) moieties are induced through external stimuli. This report utilizes experiments and coarse-grained molecular dynamics to study the macroscopic rheology of LCEs in nonlinear shear flow. Results from the shear flow simulations are in line with the outcomes of these experimental investigations. This work believes the insights from these results can be used to design and print new material with desirable properties necessary for targeted applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senay Ustunel
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Harsh Pandya
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Marianne E Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Gisele Pegorin
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Faeze Shiralipour
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Rajib Paul
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Robert J Clements
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Fardin Khabaz
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
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3
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Ustunel S, Sternbach S, Prévôt ME, Freeman EJ, McDonough JA, Clements RJ, Hegmann E. 3D
Co‐culturing of human neuroblastoma and human oligodendrocytes, emulating native tissue using
3D
porous biodegradable liquid crystal elastomers. J Appl Polym Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/app.53883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Senay Ustunel
- Materials Science Graduate Program Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
| | - Sarah Sternbach
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
| | - Marianne E. Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
| | - Ernie J. Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Brain Health Research Institute Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
| | - Jennifer A. McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Brain Health Research Institute Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
| | - Robert J. Clements
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Brain Health Research Institute Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Materials Science Graduate Program Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
- Brain Health Research Institute Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
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4
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Prévôt ME, Ustunel S, Freychet G, Webb CR, Zhernenkov M, Pindak R, Clements RJ, Hegmann E. Physical Models from Physical Templates Using Biocompatible Liquid Crystal Elastomers as Morphologically Programmable Inks For 3D Printing. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200343. [PMID: 36415071 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Advanced manufacturing has received considerable attention as a tool for the fabrication of cell scaffolds however, finding ideal biocompatible and biodegradable materials that fit the correct parameters for 3D printing and guide cells to align remain a challenge. Herein, a photocrosslinkable smectic-A (Sm-A) liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) designed for 3D printing is presented, that promotes cell proliferation but most importantly induces cell anisotropy. The LCE-based bio-ink allows the 3D duplication of a highly complex brain structure generated from an animal model. Vascular tissue models are generated from fluorescently stained mouse tissue spatially imaged using confocal microscopy and subsequently processed to create a digital 3D model suitable for printing. The 3D structure is reproduced using a Digital Light Processing (DLP) stereolithography (SLA) desktop 3D printer. Synchrotron Small-Angle X-ray Diffraction (SAXD) data reveal a strong alignment of the LCE layering within the struts of the printed 3D scaffold. The resultant anisotropy of the LCE struts is then shown to direct cell growth. This study offers a simple approach to produce model tissues built within hours that promote cellular alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Senay Ustunel
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Guillaume Freychet
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Caitlyn R Webb
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Mikhail Zhernenkov
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Ron Pindak
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Robert J Clements
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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5
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Guan Z, Wang L, Bae J. Advances in 4D printing of liquid crystalline elastomers: materials, techniques, and applications. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:1825-1849. [PMID: 35504034 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh00232a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are polymer networks exhibiting anisotropic liquid crystallinity while maintaining elastomeric properties. Owing to diverse polymeric forms and self-alignment molecular behaviors, LCEs have fascinated state-of-the-art efforts in various disciplines other than the traditional low-molar-mass display market. By patterning order to structures, LCEs demonstrate reversible high-speed and large-scale actuations in response to external stimuli, allowing for close integration with 4D printing and architectures of digital devices, which is scarcely observed in homogeneous soft polymer networks. In this review, we collect recent advances in 4D printing of LCEs, with emphases on synthesis and processing methods that enable microscopic changes in the molecular orientation and hence macroscopic changes in the properties of end-use objects. Promising potentials of printed complexes include fields of soft robotics, optics, and biomedical devices. Within this scope, we elucidate the relationships among external stimuli, tailorable morphologies in mesophases of liquid crystals, and programmable topological configurations of printed parts. Lastly, perspectives and potential challenges facing 4D printing of LCEs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhecun Guan
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China.
| | - Jinhye Bae
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- Chemical Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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6
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Uchida J, Soberats B, Gupta M, Kato T. Advanced Functional Liquid Crystals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2109063. [PMID: 35034382 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals have been intensively studied as functional materials. Recently, integration of various disciplines has led to new directions in the design of functional liquid-crystalline materials in the fields of energy, water, photonics, actuation, sensing, and biotechnology. Here, recent advances in functional liquid crystals based on polymers, supramolecular complexes, gels, colloids, and inorganic-based hybrids are reviewed, from design strategies to functionalization of these materials and interfaces. New insights into liquid crystals provided by significant progress in advanced measurements and computational simulations, which enhance new design and functionalization of liquid-crystalline materials, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Uchida
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Bartolome Soberats
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. Valldemossa Km. 7.5, Palma de Mallorca, 07122, Spain
| | - Monika Gupta
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, Shinshu University, Wakasato, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
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7
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Abstract
Smart soft materials are envisioned to be the building blocks of the next generation of advanced devices and digitally augmented technologies. In this context, liquid crystals (LCs) owing to their responsive and adaptive attributes could serve as promising smart soft materials. LCs played a critical role in revolutionizing the information display industry in the 20th century. However, in the turn of the 21st century, numerous beyond-display applications of LCs have been demonstrated, which elegantly exploit their controllable stimuli-responsive and adaptive characteristics. For these applications, new LC materials have been rationally designed and developed. In this Review, we present the recent developments in light driven chiral LCs, i.e., cholesteric and blue phases, LC based smart windows that control the entrance of heat and light from outdoor to the interior of buildings and built environments depending on the weather conditions, LC elastomers for bioinspired, biological, and actuator applications, LC based biosensors for detection of proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses, LC based porous membranes for the separation of ions, molecules, and microbes, living LCs, and LCs under macro- and nanoscopic confinement. The Review concludes with a summary and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for LCs as smart soft materials. This Review is anticipated to stimulate eclectic ideas toward the implementation of the nature's delicate phase of matter in future generations of smart and augmented devices and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States.,Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Jiangsu Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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8
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Bolshakov P, Kharin N, Kashapov R, Sachenkov O. Structural Design Method for Constructions: Simulation, Manufacturing and Experiment. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14206064. [PMID: 34683671 PMCID: PMC8540678 DOI: 10.3390/ma14206064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of additive manufacturing technology leads to new concepts for design implants and prostheses. The necessity of such approaches is fueled by patient-oriented medicine. Such a concept involves a new way of understanding material and includes complex structural geometry, lattice constructions, and metamaterials. This leads to new design concepts. In the article, the structural design method is presented. The general approach is based on the separation of the micro- and macro-mechanical parameters. For this purpose, the investigated region as a complex of the basic cells was considered. Each basic cell can be described by a parameters vector. An initializing vector was introduced to control the changes in the parameters vector. Changing the parameters vector according to the stress-strain state and the initializing vector leads to changes in the basic cells and consequently to changes in the microarchitecture. A medium with a spheroidal pore was considered as a basic cell. Porosity and ellipticity were used for the parameters vector. The initializing vector was initialized and depended on maximum von Mises stress. A sample was designed according to the proposed method. Then, solid and structurally designed samples were produced by additive manufacturing technology. The samples were scanned by computer tomography and then tested by structural loads. The results and analyses were presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Bolshakov
- Department Machines Science and Engineering Graphics, Tupolev Kazan National Research Technical University, 420111 Kazan, Russia;
| | - Nikita Kharin
- Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia;
- Institute of Engineering, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia;
| | - Ramil Kashapov
- Institute of Engineering, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia;
| | - Oskar Sachenkov
- Department Machines Science and Engineering Graphics, Tupolev Kazan National Research Technical University, 420111 Kazan, Russia;
- Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia;
- Correspondence:
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9
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Lu H, Zou Z, Wu X, Shi C, Liu Y, Xiao J. Biomimetic Prosthetic Hand Enabled by Liquid Crystal Elastomer Tendons. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:736. [PMID: 34201506 PMCID: PMC8306406 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most important prosthetic implants for amputees, current commercially available prosthetic hands are still too bulky, heavy, expensive, complex and inefficient. Here, we present a study that utilizes the artificial tendon to drive the motion of fingers in a biomimetic prosthetic hand. The artificial tendon is realized by combining liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) and liquid metal (LM) heating element. A joule heating-induced temperature increase in the LCE tendon leads to linear contraction, which drives the fingers of the biomimetic prosthetic hand to bend in a way similar to the human hand. The responses of the LCE tendon to joule heating, including temperature increase, contraction strain and contraction stress, are characterized. The strategies of achieving a constant contraction stress in an LCE tendon and accelerating the cooling for faster actuation are also explored. This biomimetic prosthetic hand is demonstrated to be able to perform complex tasks including making different hand gestures, holding objects of different sizes and shapes, and carrying weights. The results can find applications in not only prosthetics, but also robots and soft machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Lu
- College of Mechanical Electrical and Vehicle Engineering, Weifang University, Weifang 261061, China;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zhanan Zou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xingli Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
| | - Chuanqian Shi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yimeng Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jianliang Xiao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
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10
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Ustunel S, Prévôt ME, Clements RJ, Hegmann E. Cradle-to-cradle: designing biomaterials to fit as truly biomimetic cell scaffolds– a review. LIQUID CRYSTALS TODAY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1358314x.2020.1855919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Senay Ustunel
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Marianne E. Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Robert J. Clements
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
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11
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Ambulo CP, Tasmim S, Wang S, Abdelrahman MK, Zimmern PE, Ware TH. Processing advances in liquid crystal elastomers provide a path to biomedical applications. JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS 2020; 128:140901. [PMID: 33060862 PMCID: PMC7546753 DOI: 10.1063/5.0021143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a class of stimuli-responsive polymers that undergo reversible shape-change in response to environmental changes. The shape change of LCEs can be programmed during processing by orienting the liquid crystal phase prior to crosslinking. The suite of processing techniques that has been developed has resulted in a myriad of LCEs with different shape-changing behavior and mechanical properties. Aligning LCEs via mechanical straining yields large uniaxial actuators capable of a moderate force output. Magnetic fields are utilized to control the alignment within LCE microstructures. The generation of out-of-plane deformations such as bending, twisting, and coning is enabled by surface alignment techniques within thin films. 4D printing processes have emerged that enable the fabrication of centimeter-scale, 3D LCE structures with a complex alignment. The processing technique also determines, to a large extent, the potential applications of the LCE. For example, 4D printing enables the fabrication of LCE actuators capable of replicating the forces generated by human muscles. Employing surface alignment techniques, LCE films can be designed for use as coatings or as substrates for stretchable electronics. The growth of new processes and strategies opens and strengthens the path for LCEs to be applicable within biomedical device designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric P Ambulo
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | | | | | | | - Philippe E Zimmern
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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12
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Shaha RK, Merkel DR, Anderson MP, Devereaux EJ, Patel RR, Torbati AH, Willett N, Yakacki CM, Frick CP. Biocompatible liquid-crystal elastomers mimic the intervertebral disc. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 107:103757. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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