Capsule self-oscillating gels showing cell-like nonthermal membrane/shape fluctuations

Abstract

A primary interest in cell membrane and shape fluctuations is establishing experimental models reflecting only nonthermal active contributions. Here we report a millimeter-scaled capsule self-oscillating gel model mirroring the active...

Anisotropically self-oscillating gels by spatially patterned interpenetrating polymer network

“…In that case, the oxidization reaction of the catalyst (Ru(bpy) 3 3+ ) during the BZ reaction can spread through the matrix, characterized as a BZ chemical wave. 26,48 In this study, the gel size was about 700 μm, (Fig. 1(c)) within the threshold, resulting in simultaneous shape deformation in all gel locations (Fig.…”

Anisotropically Deforming Sandwich-Type Self-Oscillating Gels: A Hierarchical Model Platform of Cardiac Tissue

“…First, investigating the gel volume in the equilibrated oxidized and reduced states would be essential to predicting self-volumetric deformation during the BZ reaction. This is because the self-oscillating gel system is based on the BZ reaction, showing a repetitive redox state transition. , Second, since the realized gel system contains temperature-responsive NIPAAm components, evaluating the gel size transition behavior with the temperature would be a fundamental characterization. − ,− …”

“…When the introduced metal catalyst undergoes repetitive redox state change during the BZ reaction, the gel network can experience periodical hydrophilicity changes, leading to water in/outflux and volume oscillations . The elasticity of the material itself and the unique self-oscillatory behaviors have led to the birth of various gel actuators and models that mimic diverse life-like mechanical movements. − …”

Emergent Synchronous Volumetric Oscillation in Hierarchically Structured Self-Oscillating Gel Clusters

“…Regarding the first criterion, the developed material should demonstrate self-volume oscillation during the BZ reaction for functional analysis. The NIPAAm-based self-oscillating gel system serves as a robust platform for achieving this functionality. − However, a pure NIPAAm-based self-oscillating gel system often fails to oscillate volumetrically at the set operating temperature due to the hydrophobic aggregation of the constituents …”

“…Conversely, the solvent escapes from the network (gel deswelling) in the reduced state. The number of migrating water molecules depends on the degree of hydrophilicity transition caused by the redox state change of Ru­(bpy) 3 in the gel network. , Furthermore, the degree of hydrophilicity change can be controlled by the amount of Ru­(bpy) 3 because a larger amount of metal catalyst can lead to a more significant redox-state-dependent hydrophilicity change. Therefore, Ru 70 (Figure c) exhibited a more significant difference in the equilibrium swelling ratio between the two redox states than Ru 15 (Figure d).…”