Asymmetric microstructure of hydrogel: two-photon microfabrication and stimuli-responsive behavior

Xiong, Zhong; Zheng, Mei‐Ling; Dong, Xian‐Zi; Chen, Weiqiang; Jin, Feng; Zhao, Zongshan; Duan, Xuan‐Ming

doi:10.1039/c1sm06137b

Cited by 66 publications

(66 citation statements)

References 56 publications

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“…Notably, in contrast to the previously proposed techniques that require sophisticated or custom‐made printers, a commercial digital light process (DLP) printer was employed to conduct all the processes in this case. Our strategy for shape deformations is the asymmetrical swelling of the printed hydrogels where microstructures are introduced on one side of the feature, as shown in Scheme The printed hydrogels can be changed to complex 3D morphologies from 1D strip, 2D sheet, and 3D architecture. Most importantly, the present approach is compatible to various hydrogels and thus reversible shape deformations can be realized when responsive hydrogels are employed.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

3D Printing of Hydrogel Architectures with Complex and Controllable Shape Deformation

Yan

et al. 2019

Adv Materials Technologies

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Facile preparation of architectures with precise control of shape deformations are crucial challenges due to the complicated process technique and harsh demands of the active materials. To address, the emerging 3D printing is employed to one‐step build programmable hydrogel architectures composed of only one type of material to perform various complex 3D shape deformations. The basic principle is that the secondary microstructures are introduced in the side of hydrogel strips and result in the bending or twisting deformations due to the asymmetrical swelling. With the merits of freeform design and fabrication, various hydrogel architectures including strips, sheets, and 3D objects are built with stereolithography‐based 3D printing, which realize the complex and controllable shape deformations via the programed microstructures on feature surfaces, such as bending, twisting, and even mimicking plant cirrus or petals. Most importantly, various responsive hydrogels are compatible to the approach, which can thus achieve stimuli‐reversible shape deformations. As proof‐of‐concept, a thermal‐responsive hydrogel gripper is readily realized to perform transportation by thermal‐induced grasping and releasing items. The facile 3D printing approach yet versatile in various hydrogels makes it broad opportunities for soft robotics, tissue engineering, actuators, and other devices where programmable shape deformations are required.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

3D Printing of Hydrogel Architectures with Complex and Controllable Shape Deformation

Yan

et al. 2019

Adv Materials Technologies

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“…Numerous strategies have been developed to fabricate complex 3D hydrogel constructs, such as molding, soft lithography, two‐photon lithography, microfluidics, and 3D printing . Nevertheless, limitations are somewhat associated with existing scenarios.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Capillary Origami Inspired Fabrication of Complex 3D Hydrogel Constructs

Yang

Liu

et al. 2016

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Hydrogels have found broad applications in various engineering and biomedical fields, where the shape and size of hydrogels can profoundly influence their functions. Although numerous methods have been developed to tailor 3D hydrogel structures, it is still challenging to fabricate complex 3D hydrogel constructs. Inspired by the capillary origami phenomenon where surface tension of a droplet on an elastic membrane can induce spontaneous folding of the membrane into 3D structures along with droplet evaporation, a facile strategy is established for the fabrication of complex 3D hydrogel constructs with programmable shapes and sizes by crosslinking hydrogels during the folding process. A mathematical model is further proposed to predict the temporal structure evolution of the folded 3D hydrogel constructs. Using this model, precise control is achieved over the 3D shapes (e.g., pyramid, pentahedron, and cube) and sizes (ranging from hundreds of micrometers to millimeters) through tuning membrane shape, dimensionless parameter of the process (elastocapillary number Ce ), and evaporation time. This work would be favorable to multiple areas, such as flexible electronics, tissue regeneration, and drug delivery.

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“…Oscillating the source polarisation direction therefore gives a method of optically controlling a cantilever [157]. A hydrogel micro-cantilever has also been shown to respond to UV illumination via expansion of the illuminated side and therefore bending, but this is so far irreversible, suggesting applications for light-triggered final assembly of microdevices rather than control [158]. The use of LCE sensitive to different wavelengths of light within the same system demonstrated the potential for complex behaviour achieved in situ with optical triggers [159].…”

Section: Lightmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphing in nature and beyond: a review of natural and synthetic shape-changing materials and mechanisms

2016

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Shape-changing materials open an entirely new solution space for a wide range of disciplines: from architecture that responds to the environment and medical devices that unpack inside the body, to passive sensors and novel robotic actuators. While synthetic shape-changing materials are still in their infancy, studies of biological morphing materials have revealed key paradigms and features which underlie efficient natural shape-change. Here, we review some of these insights and how they have been, or may be, translated to artificial solutions. We focus on soft matter due to its prevalence in nature, compatibility with users and potential for novel design. Initially, we review examples of natural shape-changing materials-skeletal muscle, tendons and plant tissues-and compare with synthetic examples with similar methods of operation. Stimuli to motion are outlined in general principle, with examples of their use and potential in manufactured systems. Anisotropy is identified as a crucial element in directing shape-change to fulfil designed tasks, and some manufacturing routes to its achievement are highlighted. We conclude with potential directions for future work, including the simultaneous development of materials and manufacturing techniques and the hierarchical combination of effects at multiple length scales.

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Asymmetric microstructure of hydrogel: two-photon microfabrication and stimuli-responsive behavior

Cited by 66 publications

References 56 publications

3D Printing of Hydrogel Architectures with Complex and Controllable Shape Deformation

3D Printing of Hydrogel Architectures with Complex and Controllable Shape Deformation

Capillary Origami Inspired Fabrication of Complex 3D Hydrogel Constructs

Morphing in nature and beyond: a review of natural and synthetic shape-changing materials and mechanisms

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