1
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Lee WS, Enomoto T, Akimoto AM, Yoshida R. Temperature-Adaptative Self-Oscillating Gels: Toward Autonomous Biomimetic Soft Actuators with Broad Operating Temperature Region. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400038. [PMID: 38684191 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400038] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Self-oscillating gel systems exhibiting an expanded operating temperature and accompanying functional adaptability are showcased. The developed system contains nonthermoresponsive main-monomers, such as N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm) or 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) or acrylamide (AAm) or 3-(methacryloylamino)propyl trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC). The gels volumetrically self-oscillate within the range of the conventional (20.0 °C) and extended (27.0 and 36.5 °C) temperatures. Moreover, the gels successfully adapt to the environmental changes; they beat faster and smaller as the temperature increases. The period and amplitude are also controlled by tuning the amount of main-monomers and N-(3-aminopropyl) acrylamide. Furthermore, the record amplitude in the bulk gel system consisting of polymer strand and cross-linker at 36.5 °C is achieved (≈10.8%). The study shows new self-oscillation systems composed of unprecedented combinations of materials, giving the community a robust material-based insight for developing more life-like autonomous biomimetic soft robots with various operating temperatures and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Seok Lee
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takafumi Enomoto
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Aya Mizutani Akimoto
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Ryo Yoshida
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
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2
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Jamali A, Mishra DB, Goldschmidtboeing F, Woias P. Soft octopus-inspired suction cups using dielectric elastomer actuators with sensing capabilities. Bioinspir Biomim 2024; 19:036009. [PMID: 38467068 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad3266] [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] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Bioinspired and biomimetic soft grippers are rapidly growing fields. They represent an advancement in soft robotics as they emulate the adaptability and flexibility of biological end effectors. A prominent example of a gripping mechanism found in nature is the octopus tentacle, enabling the animal to attach to rough and irregular surfaces. Inspired by the structure and morphology of the tentacles, this study introduces a novel design, fabrication, and characterization method of dielectric elastomer suction cups. To grasp objects, the developed suction cups perform out-of-plane deflections as the suction mechanism. Their attachment mechanism resembles that of their biological counterparts, as they do not require a pre-stretch over a rigid frame or any external hydraulic or pneumatic support to form and hold the dome structure of the suction cups. The realized artificial suction cups demonstrate the capability of generating a negative pressure up to 1.3 kPa in air and grasping and lifting objects with a maximum 58 g weight under an actuation voltage of 6 kV. They also have sensing capabilities to determine whether the grasping was successful without the need of lifting the objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Jamali
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Dushyant Bhagwan Mishra
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Frank Goldschmidtboeing
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Peter Woias
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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3
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Baur E, Tiberghien B, Amstad E. 3D Printing of Double Network Granular Elastomers with Locally Varying Mechanical Properties. Adv Mater 2024:e2313189. [PMID: 38530246 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313189] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Fast advances in the design of soft actuators and robots demand for new soft materials whose mechanical properties can be changed over short length scales. Elastomers can be formulated as highly stretchable or rather stiff materials and hence, are attractive for these applications. They are most frequently cast such that their composition cannot be changed over short length scales. A method that allows to locally change the composition of elastomers on hundreds of micrometer lengths scales is direct ink writing (DIW). Unfortunately, in the absence of rheomodifiers, most elastomer precursors cannot be printed through DIW. Here, 3D printable double network granular elastomers (DNGEs) whose ultimate tensile strain and stiffness can be varied over an unprecedented range are introduced. The 3D printability of these materials is leveraged to produce an elastomer finger containing rigid bones that are surrounded by a soft skin. Similarly, the rheological properties of the microparticle-based precursors are leveraged to cast elastomer slabs with locally varying stiffnesses that deform and twist in a predefined fashion. These DNGEs are foreseen to open up new avenues in the design of the next generation of smart wearables, strain sensors, prosthesis, soft actuators, and robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Baur
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- National Center of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Tiberghien
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Esther Amstad
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- National Center of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
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4
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Xue J, Tian Z, Xiao X, Du C, Niu S, Han Z, Liu Y. Magnetoactive Soft Materials with Programmable Magnetic Domains for Multifunctional Actuators. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:56223-56232. [PMID: 37988636 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11842] [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: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress having been made in the research of soft actuators, there remains a grand challenge in creating a facile manufacturing process that offers both extensive programmability and exceptional actuation capabilities. Taking inspiration from uncomplicated small organisms, this work aims to develop soft actuators that can be mobilized through straightforward design and control, similar to caterpillars or inchworms. They execute intricate actions and functions to meet survival needs in the most efficient manner possible. Here, a novel soft actuator with uniformly dispersed ferromagnetic microparticles but programmatic magnetic profile distribution is proposed by a convenient magnetization process. Benefiting from its high magnetic sensitivity and good matrix flexibility, the actuator can simultaneously achieve reversible, remote, and fast programmable shape transformation and controllable movement even in a magnetic field as low as 14 Gs. Complemented by intrinsic material properties and structural configuration, actuation employing spatial magnetization profiles can facilitate multiple modes of locomotion when subjected to magnetic fields, allowing for an efficient manipulation task of both solid and liquid media. More importantly, a finite element model is developed to assist in the design of the interaction between the alternating magnetic field and the magnetic torques. This advanced soft actuator would strongly push forward major breakthroughs in key applications such as intelligent sensors, disaster rescue, and wearable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingze Xue
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
| | - Xinze Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
| | - Chuankai Du
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
| | - Shichao Niu
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
- Weihai Institute for Bionics, Jilin University, Weihai 264402, China
| | - Zhiwu Han
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
- Weihai Institute for Bionics, Jilin University, Weihai 264402, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
- Weihai Institute for Bionics, Jilin University, Weihai 264402, China
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5
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Bao J, Wang Z, Song C, Zhang Y, Li Z, Zhang L, Lan R, Yang H. Shape-Programmable Liquid-Crystalline Polyurethane-Based Multimode Actuators Triggered by Light-Driven Molecular Motors. Adv Mater 2023; 35:e2302168. [PMID: 37459653 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, light-driven soft actuators have been rapidly developed as enablers in the fabrication of artificial robots and biomimetic devices. However, it remains challenging to amplify molecular isomerization to multiple modes of macroscopic actuation with large amplitude and complex motions. Here, a strategy is reported to build a light-responsive liquid-crystalline polyurethane elastomer by phototriggered overcrowded alkene-based molecular motors. A trifunctional molecular motor modified with an ethylene glycol spacer on the rotor and stator functions as a crosslinker and unidirectional stirrer that amplifies molecular motion into macroscopic movement. The shape-programmable polymeric film presents superior mechanical properties and characteristic shape-memory effect. Furthermore, diverse modes of motions including bending, unwinding, and contracting with tunable actuation speed over a wide range are achieved. Such research is hoped to pave a new way for the design of advanced light-responsive soft actuators and robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Bao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Zizheng Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Chenjie Song
- Capital Medical University, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Zhaozhong Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Lanying Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Ruochen Lan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Huai Yang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
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6
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Koo HB, Heo E, Cho I, Kim SH, Kang J, Chang JB. Human hand-inspired all-hydrogel gripper with a high load capacity formed by the split-brushing adhesion of diverse hydrogels. Mater Horiz 2023; 10:2075-2085. [PMID: 36920793 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01309f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Human hands are highly versatile. Even though they are primarily made of materials with high water content, they exhibit a high load capacity. However, existing hydrogel grippers do not possess a high load capacity due to their innate softness and mechanical strength. This work demonstrates a human hand-inspired all-hydrogel gripper that can bear more than 47.6 times its own weight. This gripper is made of two hydrogels: poly(methacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) (P(MAAm-co-MAAc)) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). P(MAAm-co-MAAc) is extremely stiff but becomes soft above its transition temperature. By taking advantage of the difference in the kinetics of the stiff-soft transition of P(MAAm-co-MAAc) hydrogels and the swelling-shrinking transition of PNIPAM hydrogels, this gripper can be switched between its stiff-bent and stiff-stretched states by simply changing the temperature. The assembly of these two hydrogels into a gripper necessitated the development of a new hydrogel adhesion method, as existing topological adhesion methods are not applicable to such stiff hydrogels. A new hydrogel adhesion method, termed split-brushing adhesion, has been demonstrated to satisfy this need. When applied to P(MAAm-co-MAAc) hydrogels, this method achieves an adhesion energy of 1221.6 J m-2, which is 67.5 times higher than that achieved with other topological adhesion methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Been Koo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eunseok Heo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - In Cho
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sun Hong Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiheong Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Byum Chang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Li W, Guan Q, Li M, Saiz E, Hou X. Nature's strategy to construct tough responsive hydrogel actuators and their applications. Prog Polym Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
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8
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Himel MH, Sikder B, Ahmed T, Choudhury SM. Biomimicry in nanotechnology: a comprehensive review. Nanoscale Adv 2023; 5:596-614. [PMID: 36756510 PMCID: PMC9890514 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00571a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biomimicry has been utilized in many branches of science and engineering to develop devices for enhanced and better performance. The application of nanotechnology has made life easier in modern times. It has offered a way to manipulate matter and systems at the atomic level. As a result, the miniaturization of numerous devices has been possible. Of late, the integration of biomimicry with nanotechnology has shown promising results in the fields of medicine, robotics, sensors, photonics, etc. Biomimicry in nanotechnology has provided eco-friendly and green solutions to the energy problem and in textiles. This is a new research area that needs to be explored more thoroughly. This review illustrates the progress and innovations made in the field of nanotechnology with the integration of biomimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan Himel
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Brac University 66 Mohakhali Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh
| | - Bejoy Sikder
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
| | - Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Brac University 66 Mohakhali Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh
| | - Sajid Muhaimin Choudhury
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
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9
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Li N, Sun WJ, Wang YY, Yan DX, Li ZM. A programable biomimetic actuator with large and reversible deformation based on commercial poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate). POLYMER 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.125591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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10
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Ding J, Ma H, Xiao X, Li Q, Liu K, Zhang X. Flexible Torsional Photoactuators Based on MXene-Carbon Nanotube-Paraffin Wax Films. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:57171-57179. [PMID: 36515685 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c16838] [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
A flexible actuator, which can convert external stimuli to mechanical motion, is an essential component of every soft robot and determines its performance. As a novel two-dimensional material, MXene has been used to fabricate flexible actuators due to its excellent physical properties. Although MXene-based actuators exhibit excellent actuation performance, their bending deformation is solely due to the in-plane isotropy of the MXene film, and an MXene torsional actuator has not been reported. This study presents a flexible torsional actuator based on an MXene-carbon nanotube (CNT)-paraffin wax (PW) film. In this actuator, the MXene thin film acts as a light absorption layer with wavelength selectivity, superaligned CNT provides structural anisotropy for the composite film, and PW acts as the active layer. The chirality and helical structure of the actuator could be tuned by the orientation of the CNT film. Such an actuator delivers excellent actuation performance, including high work density (∼1.2 J/cm3), low triggering power (77 mW/cm2), high rotational speed (320°/s), long lifetime (30,000 cycles), and wavelength selectivity. Inspired by vines, we used the torsional actuator as a spiral grabber, which lifted an object that weighs 20 times more than the actuator. The high-performance torsional actuator would be potentially used as a noncontact sensor, rotary motor, and grabbing tool in the soft robot system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ding
- Institute of Information Photonics Technology and Faculty of Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing100124, China
| | - He Ma
- Institute of Information Photonics Technology and Faculty of Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing100124, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Institute of Information Photonics Technology and Faculty of Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing100124, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- Intelligent Robotics Institute, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing100081, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Material Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Xinping Zhang
- Institute of Information Photonics Technology and Faculty of Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing100124, China
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11
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Abstract
Natural evolution has provided multicellular organisms with sophisticated functionalities and repair mechanisms for surviving and preserve their functions after an injury and/or infection. In this context, biological systems have inspired material scientists over decades to design and fabricate both self-healing polymeric materials and soft actuators with remarkable performance. The latter are capable of modifying their shape in response to environmental changes, such as temperature, pH, light, electrical/magnetic field, chemical additives, etc. In this review, we focus on the fusion of both types of materials, affording new systems with the potential to revolutionize almost every aspect of our modern life, from healthcare to environmental remediation and energy. The integration of stimuli-triggered self-healing properties into polymeric soft actuators endow environmental friendliness, cost-saving, enhanced safety, and lifespan of functional materials. We discuss the details of the most remarkable examples of self-healing soft actuators that display a macroscopic movement under specific stimuli. The discussion includes key experimental data, potential limitations, and mechanistic insights. Finally, we include a general table providing at first glance information about the nature of the external stimuli, conditions for self-healing and actuation, key information about the driving forces behind both phenomena, and the most important features of the achieved movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Bonardd
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica, Universidad
de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, La Laguna 38206, Tenerife Spain,Instituto
Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, La Laguna 38206, Tenerife Spain,S.D.: email,
| | - Mridula Nandi
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - José Ignacio Hernández García
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica, Universidad
de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, La Laguna 38206, Tenerife Spain,Instituto
Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, La Laguna 38206, Tenerife Spain
| | - Binoy Maiti
- School
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia
Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United
States
| | - Alex Abramov
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätstrasse 31, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - David Díaz Díaz
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica, Universidad
de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, La Laguna 38206, Tenerife Spain,Instituto
Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, La Laguna 38206, Tenerife Spain,Institute
of Organic Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätstrasse 31, Regensburg 93053, Germany,D.D.D.:
email,
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12
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Peeketi AR, Sol JAHP, Swaminathan N, Schenning APHJ, Debije MG, Annabattula RK. Calla Lily flower inspired morphing of flat films to conical tubes. Journal of Polymer Science 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20220492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akhil R. Peeketi
- Center for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Madras Chennai India
| | - Jeroen A. H. P. Sol
- Laboratory of Stimuli‐Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Narasimhan Swaminathan
- Center for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Madras Chennai India
| | - Albert P. H. J. Schenning
- Laboratory of Stimuli‐Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Micheal G. Debije
- Laboratory of Stimuli‐Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Ratna K. Annabattula
- Center for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Madras Chennai India
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13
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Kim J, Park H, Yoon C. Advances in Biodegradable Soft Robots. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14214574. [PMID: 36365570 PMCID: PMC9658808 DOI: 10.3390/polym14214574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodegradable soft robots have been proposed for a variety of intelligent applications in soft robotics, flexible electronics, and bionics. Biodegradability offers an extraordinary functional advantage to soft robots for operations accompanying smart shape transformation in response to external stimuli such as heat, pH, and light. This review primarily surveyed the current advanced scientific and engineering strategies for integrating biodegradable materials within stimuli-responsive soft robots. It also focused on the fabrication methodologies of multiscale biodegradable soft robots, and highlighted the role of biodegradable soft robots in enhancing the multifunctional properties of drug delivery capsules, biopsy tools, smart actuators, and sensors. Lastly, the current challenges and perspectives on the future development of intelligent soft robots for operation in real environments were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Kim
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Harim Park
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - ChangKyu Yoon
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Systems, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
- Correspondence:
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14
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Sun WJ, Sun H, Jia LC, Lei J, Lin H, Tang JH, Wang YY, Yan DX. Segregated Conductive Carbon Nanotube/Poly(ethylene- co-vinyl acetate) Composites for Low-Voltage Reversible Actuators. Ind Eng Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c02540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jin Sun
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - He Sun
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Li-Chuan Jia
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jun Lei
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Hao Lin
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jian-Hua Tang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yue-Yi Wang
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Ding-Xiang Yan
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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15
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Zhang X, Wu Y, Li Y, Jiang H, Yang Q, Wang Z, Liu J, Wang Y, Fan X, Kong J. Small-scale soft grippers with environmentally responsive logic gates. Mater Horiz 2022; 9:1431-1439. [PMID: 35380150 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh00097k] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Small-scale soft grippers are adaptive and deformable, and can be utilized for confined environments (e.g., the human body). Small-scale soft grippers require logic-based computation to achieve intelligent control and perform logical analysis of the surrounding information. However, it is a great challenge to integrate electronic chips and power supplies (i.e., batteries) on their small systems. Here, the approach provides a route to add computational capabilities via environmentally responsive logic gates in small-scale soft grippers, without electronics, external control, or tethering. Various origami-inspired grippers performing YES, NOT, XOR, AND, OR, NOR and NAND gates, respectively, were developed by stimuli-responsive hydrogels as building blocks. Although the hydrogels respond to different kinds of stimuli, their outputs are the same: a change in hydrogel size, leading to the bending of the arms of the grippers. Hence, the logic gates can be integrated easily within a gripper (e.g., connecting an AND gate to another AND gate). Moreover, the gripper fabricated by dual-responsive hydrogels can intelligently and autonomously switch from an AND gate to an OR gate upon varied environmental stimuli. In addition, a magnetic gripper with an AND gate was fabricated that can analyse different stimuli, and capture and release the targeted object via the environmentally responsive logic gates. This strategy provides a new route to incorporate on-board perception, control and computation via environmentally responsive logic gates in small-scale soft robots and machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Chemistry in Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China.
| | - Ya Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Chemistry in Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China.
| | - Yan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Chemistry in Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China.
| | - He Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Chemistry in Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China.
| | - Qinglin Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Chemistry in Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China.
| | - Zichao Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Chemistry in Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China.
| | - Jiahao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Chemistry in Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China.
| | - Yang Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Chemistry in Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaodong Fan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Chemistry in Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China.
| | - Jie Kong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Chemistry in Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China.
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16
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Abstract
In contrast to conventional hard actuators, soft actuators offer many vivid advantages, such as improved flexibility, adaptability, and reconfigurability, which are intrinsic to living systems. These properties make them particularly promising for different applications, including soft electronics, surgery, drug delivery, artificial organs, or prosthesis. The additional degree of freedom for soft actuatoric devices can be provided through the use of intelligent materials, which are able to change their structure, macroscopic properties, and shape under the influence of external signals. The use of such intelligent materials allows a substantial reduction of a device's size, which enables a number of applications that cannot be realized by externally powered systems. This review aims to provide an overview of the properties of intelligent synthetic and living/natural materials used for the fabrication of soft robotic devices. We discuss basic physical/chemical properties of the main kinds of materials (elastomers, gels, shape memory polymers and gels, liquid crystalline elastomers, semicrystalline ferroelectric polymers, gels and hydrogels, other swelling polymers, materials with volume change during melting/crystallization, materials with tunable mechanical properties, and living and naturally derived materials), how they are related to actuation and soft robotic application, and effects of micro/macro structures on shape transformation, fabrication methods, and we highlight selected applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indra Apsite
- Faculty of Engineering Science, Department of Biofabrication, University of Bayreuth, Ludwig Thoma Str. 36A, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Sahar Salehi
- Department of Biomaterials, Center of Energy Technology und Materials Science, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Straße 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Leonid Ionov
- Faculty of Engineering Science, Department of Biofabrication, University of Bayreuth, Ludwig Thoma Str. 36A, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.,Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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17
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Abstract
Living organisms have evolved, over billions of years, to develop specialized biostructures with switchable adhesion for various purposes including climbing, perching, preying, sensing, and protecting. According to adhesion mechanisms, switchable adhesives can be divided into four categories: mechanically-based adhesion, liquid-mediated adhesion, physically-actuated adhesion and chemically-enhanced adhesion. Mimicking these biostructures could create smart materials with switchable adhesion, appealing for many engineering applications in robotics, sensors, advanced drug-delivery, protein separation, etc. Progress has been made in developing bioinspired materials with switchable adhesion modulated by external stimuli such as electrical signal, magnetic field, light, temperature, pH value, etc. This review will be focused on new advance in biomimetic design and synthesis of the materials and devices with switchable adhesion. The underlying mechanisms, design principles, and future directions are discussed for the development of high-performance smart surfaces with switchable adhesion.
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18
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Ha JH, Lim JH, Kim JW, Cho HY, Jo SG, Lee SH, Eom JY, Lee JM, Chung BG. Conductive GelMA-Collagen-AgNW Blended Hydrogel for Smart Actuator. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13081217. [PMID: 33918789 PMCID: PMC8068890 DOI: 10.3390/polym13081217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Blended hydrogels play an important role in enhancing the properties (e.g., mechanical properties and conductivity) of hydrogels. In this study, we generated a conductive blended hydrogel, which was achieved by mixing gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) with collagen, and silver nanowire (AgNW). The ratio of GelMA, collagen and AgNW was optimized and was subsequently gelated by ultraviolet light (UV) and heat. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the conductive blended hydrogels showed that collagen and AgNW were present in the GelMA hydrogel. Additionally, rheological analysis indicated that the mechanical properties of the conductive GelMA–collagen–AgNW blended hydrogels improved. Biocompatibility analysis confirmed that the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) encapsulated within the three-dimensional (3D), conductive blended hydrogels were highly viable. Furthermore, we confirmed that the molecule in the conductive blended hydrogel was released by electrical stimuli-mediated structural deformation. Therefore, this conductive GelMA–collagen–AgNW blended hydrogel could be potentially used as a smart actuator for drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jang Ho Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea;
| | - Jae Hyun Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea; (J.H.L.); (J.W.K.)
| | - Ji Woon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea; (J.H.L.); (J.W.K.)
| | - Hyeon-Yeol Cho
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea;
| | - Seok Geun Jo
- Division of Chemical Industry, Yeungnam University College, Daegu 42415, Korea; (S.G.J.); (S.H.L.); (J.Y.E.)
| | - Seung Hyun Lee
- Division of Chemical Industry, Yeungnam University College, Daegu 42415, Korea; (S.G.J.); (S.H.L.); (J.Y.E.)
| | - Jae Young Eom
- Division of Chemical Industry, Yeungnam University College, Daegu 42415, Korea; (S.G.J.); (S.H.L.); (J.Y.E.)
| | - Jong Min Lee
- Division of Chemical Industry, Yeungnam University College, Daegu 42415, Korea; (S.G.J.); (S.H.L.); (J.Y.E.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.L.); (B.G.C.)
| | - Bong Geun Chung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea;
- Correspondence: (J.M.L.); (B.G.C.)
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19
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Shin Y, Choi MY, Choi J, Na JH, Kim SY. Design of an Electro-Stimulated Hydrogel Actuator System with Fast Flexible Folding Deformation under a Low Electric Field. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:15633-15646. [PMID: 33764732 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c00883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators have recently been widely studied due to their significant advantages including light weight, continuous deformability, high environment adaptability, and safe human-robot interactions. In this study, we designed electrically responsive poly(sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate/2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate/acrylamide) (P(VBS/HEMA/AAm)) and poly(sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate/2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/acrylic acid) (P(VBS/HEMA/AAc)) hydrogels. A series of P(VBS/HEMA/AAm) and P(VBS/HEMA/AAc) hydrogels were prepared by adjusting the monomer composition and cross-linking density to systemically analyze various factors affecting the actuation of hydrogels under an electric field. All hydrogels exhibited more than 65% gel fraction and a high equilibrium water content (EWC) of more than 90%. The EWC of hydrogels gradually increased with decreasing cross-linker content and was also influenced by the monomer composition. The mechanical properties of hydrogels were proportional to the cross-linking density. Particularly, hydrogels showed bending deformation even at low voltages below 10 V, and the electrically responsive bending actuation of hydrogels can be modulated by cross-linking density, monomer composition, applied voltage, ion strength of the electrolyte solution, and geometrical parameters of the hydrogel. By controlling these factors, hydrogels showed a fast response with a bending of more than 100° within a minute. In addition, hydrogels did not show significant cytotoxicity in a biocompatibility test and exhibited more than 84% cell viability. These results indicate that P(VBS/HEMA/AAm) and P(VBS/HEMA/AAc) hydrogels with fast response properties even under a low electric field have the potential to be used in a wide range of soft actuator applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yerin Shin
- Graduate School of Energy Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Young Choi
- Department of Convergence System Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongseon Choi
- Graduate School of Energy Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hee Na
- Department of Convergence System Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
- Department of Electrical, Electronics, and Communication Engineering Education, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Graduate School of Energy Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering Education, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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20
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Cheng P, Jia J, Ye Y, Wu C. Modeling of a Soft-Rigid Gripper Actuated by a Linear-Extension Soft Pneumatic Actuator. Sensors (Basel) 2021; 21:s21020493. [PMID: 33445590 PMCID: PMC7826651 DOI: 10.3390/s21020493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Soft robot has been one significant study in recent decades and soft gripper is one of the popular research directions of soft robot. In a static gripping system, excessive gripping force and large deformation are the main reasons for damage of the object during the gripping process. For achieving low-damage gripping to the object in static gripping system, we proposed a soft-rigid gripper actuated by a linear-extension soft pneumatic actuator in this study. The characteristic of the gripper under a no loading state was measured. When the pressure was >70 kPa, there was an approximately linear relation between the pressure and extension length of the soft actuator. To achieve gripping force and fingertip displacement control of the gripper without sensors integrated on the finger, we presented a non-contact sensing method for gripping state estimation. To analyze the gripping force and fingertip displacement, the relationship between the pressure and extension length of the soft actuator in loading state was compared with the relationship under a no-loading state. The experimental results showed that the relative error between the analytical gripping force and the measured gripping force of the gripper was ≤2.1%. The relative error between analytical fingertip displacement and theoretical fingertip displacement of the gripper was ≤7.4%. Furthermore, the low damage gripping to fragile and soft objects in static and dynamic gripping tests showed good performance of the gripper. Overall, the results indicated the potential application of the gripper in pick-and-place operations.
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21
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Abstract
Stimuli-responsive hydrogels that exhibit reversible volume changes in response to stimulus cues such as heat, pH, and light have been utilized in soft robotics, microfluidics, electronics, and biomedical surgical tools. While the development of the soft robotics has widely expanded, most external triggering systems still have limited utilities due to the low selectivity. We present a hybrid gripper capable of undergoing preprogrammed shape transformation utilizing ultrasound energy on-off processes as the external triggering system, which can be utilized in invisible and nonselective environments. Furthermore, we describe the magnetic locomotion of the soft gripper enabled by the introduction of iron oxide (Fe2O3) ferrogel. By integrating these dual ultrasonic and magnetic control systems, we demonstrate the soft gripper could actively and safely perform pick-and-place tasks on a biological salmon roe in the aqueous maze environment. We expect that this study can provide the groundwork for the further important advances to the creation of ultrasound-responsive shape programmable and multifunctional smart soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyegyo Son
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, 04310, South Korea
| | - Eunjeong Byun
- Department of Electronics Engineering, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, 04310, South Korea
| | - Yeon Ju Yoon
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, 04310, South Korea
| | - JuHong Nam
- Department of Electronics Engineering, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, 04310, South Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Song
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Systems, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, 04310, South Korea
- Department of Electronics Engineering, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, 04310, South Korea
| | - ChangKyu Yoon
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, 04310, South Korea
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Systems, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, 04310, South Korea
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22
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Abstract
Hybrid stimuli-responsive soft robots have been extensively developed by incorporating multi-functional materials, such as carbon-based nanoparticles, nanowires, low-dimensional materials, and liquid crystals. In addition to the general functions of conventional soft robots, hybrid stimuli-responsive soft robots have displayed significantly advanced multi-mechanical, electrical, or/and optical properties accompanied with smart shape transformation in response to external stimuli, such as heat, light, and even biomaterials. This review surveys the current enhanced scientific methods to synthesize the integration of multi-functional materials within stimuli-responsive soft robots. Furthermore, this review focuses on the applications of hybrid stimuli-responsive soft robots in the forms of actuators and sensors that display multi-responsive and highly sensitive properties. Finally, it highlights the current challenges of stimuli-responsive soft robots and suggests perspectives on future directions for achieving intelligent hybrid stimuli-responsive soft robots applicable in real environments.
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23
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Abstract
Nature is a constant source of inspiration for materials scientists, fueling the dream of mimicking life-like motion and tasks in untethered, man-made devices. Liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) programmed to undergo three-dimensional shape changes in response to light are promising materials for fulfilling this dream. The successful development of autonomous, highly controlled light-driven soft robots calls for an understanding of light-driven actuation, advancements in material function and performance, and progress in engineering principles for transforming actuation into life-like motions, from simple bending to walking, for example. This tutorial review includes an introduction to liquid crystal (LC)-based materials and highlights developments in light-responsive LC polymers, shape programmability and sustained motions to finally achieve bioinspired untethered soft robots able to perform locomotion and tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pilz da Cunha
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - M G Debije
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - A P H J Schenning
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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24
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Pilz da Cunha M, Kandail HS, den Toonder JMJ, Schenning APHJ. An artificial aquatic polyp that wirelessly attracts, grasps, and releases objects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:17571-17577. [PMID: 32661153 PMCID: PMC7395531 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2004748117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of light-responsive materials has captured scientific attention and advanced the development of wirelessly driven terrestrial soft robots. Marine organisms trigger inspiration to expand the paradigm of untethered soft robotics into aqueous environments. However, this expansion toward aquatic soft robots is hampered by the slow response of most light-driven polymers to low light intensities and by the lack of controlled multishape deformations. Herein, we present a surface-anchored artificial aquatic coral polyp composed of a magnetically driven stem and a light-driven gripper. Through magnetically driven motion, the polyp induces stirring and attracts suspended targets. The light-responsive gripper is sensitive to low light intensities and has programmable states and rapid and highly controlled actuation, allowing the polyp to capture or release targets on demand. The artificial polyp demonstrates that assemblies of stimuli-responsive materials in water utilizing coordinated motion can perform tasks not possible for single-component devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Pilz da Cunha
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jaap M J den Toonder
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albert P H J Schenning
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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25
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Nam VB, Giang TT, Koo S, Rho J, Lee D. Laser digital patterning of conductive electrodes using metal oxide nanomaterials. Nano Converg 2020; 7:23. [PMID: 32632474 PMCID: PMC7338299 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-020-00232-9] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
As an alternative approach to the conventional deposition and photolithographic processes, the laser digital patterning (LDP) process, which is also known as the laser direct writing process, has attracted considerable attention because it is a non-photolithographic, non-vacuum, on-demand, and cost-effective electrode fabrication route that can be applied to various substrates, including heat-sensitive flexible substrates. The LDP process was initially developed using noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) such as Au and Ag because such materials are free from oxidation even in a nanosize configuration. Thus, the NPs must be fused together to form continuous conductive structures upon laser irradiation. However, common metals are easily oxidized at the nanoscale and exist in oxidized forms owing to the extremely large surface-to-volume ratio of NPs. Therefore, to fabricate conductive electrodes using common metal NPs via the LDP process, laser irradiation should be used to sinter the NPs and simultaneously induce additional photochemical reactions, such as reduction, and defect structure modification to increase the conductivity of the electrodes. This review summarizes recent studies on the LDP process in which metal oxide NPs, such as ITO, ZnO, CuO, and NiO, were exclusively utilized for fabricating conductive electrodes. The outlook of the LDP process for these materials is also discussed as a method that can be used together with or as a replacement for conventional ones to produce next-generation transparent conductors, sensors, and electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Binh Nam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
- Laser and Thermal Engineering Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, South Korea
| | - Trinh Thi Giang
- Laser and Thermal Engineering Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, South Korea
| | - Sangmo Koo
- Advanced Laser Fabrication Systems Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Junsuk Rho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea.
| | - Daeho Lee
- Laser and Thermal Engineering Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, South Korea.
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26
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Abstract
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials capable of changing their shapes in a predefined manner under a proper applied stimulus and have gained considerable interest in several application fields. Particularly, two-way and multiple-way SMPs offer unique opportunities to realize untethered soft robots with programmable morphology and/or properties, repeatable actuation, and advanced multi-functionalities. This review presents the recent progress of soft robots based on two-way and multiple-way thermo-responsive SMPs. All the building blocks important for the design of such robots, i.e., the base materials, manufacturing processes, working mechanisms, and modeling and simulation tools, are covered. Moreover, examples of real-world applications of soft robots and related actuators, challenges, and future directions are discussed.
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27
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Lee K, Kang JH, Kim HM, Ahn J, Lim H, Lee J, Jeon WJ, Lee JH, Kim KB. Direct electrophoretic microRNA preparation from clinical samples using nanofilter membrane. Nano Converg 2020; 7:1. [PMID: 31930443 PMCID: PMC6955385 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-019-0212-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A method to directly collect negatively charged nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, in the biosamples simply by applying an electric field in between the sample and collection buffer separated by the nanofilter membrane is proposed. The nanofilter membrane was made of low-stress silicon nitride with a thickness of 100 nm, and multiple pores were perforated in a highly arranged pattern using nanoimprint technology with a pore size of 200 nm and a pore density of 7.22 × 108/cm2. The electrophoretic transport of hsa-mir-93-5p across the membrane was confirmed in pure microRNA (miRNA) mimic solution using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR). Consistency of the collected miRNA quantity, stability of the system during the experiment, and yield and purity of the prepared sample were discussed in detail to validate the effectiveness of the electrical protocol. Finally, in order to check the applicability of this method to clinical samples, liquid biopsy process was demonstrated by evaluating the miRNA levels in sera of hepatocellular carcinoma patients and healthy controls. This efficient system proposed a simple, physical idea in preparation of nucleic acid from biosamples, and demonstrated its compatibility to biological downstream applications such as qRT-PCR as the conventional nucleic acid extraction protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kidan Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyun Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Mi Kim
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhyoung Ahn
- Department of Nano Manufacturing Technology, Nano Convergence Mechanical Systems Research Division, Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungjun Lim
- Department of Nano Manufacturing Technology, Nano Convergence Mechanical Systems Research Division, Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanomechatronics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - JaeJong Lee
- Department of Nano Manufacturing Technology, Nano Convergence Mechanical Systems Research Division, Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanomechatronics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan-Jin Jeon
- Heimbiotek Inc., Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hoon Lee
- Heimbiotek Inc., Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Bum Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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