Liquid Crystal Elastomers for Biological Applications

Abstract

The term liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) describes a class of materials that combine the elastic entropy behaviour associated with conventional elastomers with the stimuli responsive properties of anisotropic liquid crystals. LCEs consequently exhibit attributes of both elastomers and liquid crystals, but additionally have unique properties not found in either. Recent developments in LCE synthesis, as well as the understanding of the behaviour of liquid crystal elastomers—namely their mechanical, optical and responsive properties—is of significant relevance to biology and biomedicine. LCEs are abundant in nature, highlighting the potential use of LCEs in biomimetics. Their exceptional tensile properties and biocompatibility have led to research exploring their applications in artificial tissue, biological sensors and cell scaffolds by exploiting their actuation and shock absorption properties. There has also been significant recent interest in using LCEs as a model for morphogenesis. This review provides an overview of some aspects of LCEs which are of relevance in different branches of biology and biomedicine, as well as discussing how recent LCE advances could impact future applications.

Vertical Alignment of Liquid Crystals on Phenylphenoxymethyl-Substituted Polystyrene—PS Derivatives Structurally Similar to LC Molecules

“…It is important to align the anisotropic materials in one direction, such as the liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and photocurable materials in LC composite system, as well as cyanobiphenyl-based LC which is one of the small molecule LCs. We believe that comb-like polystyrene derivatives having low processing temperature and good optical transparency and high solubility in common organic solvent can be a suitable candidate of the alignment layer for future applications in biomedical, LC laser, and 4D printing using LCs [ 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 ].…”

Neurotrauma Prevention Review: Improving Helmet Design and Implementation

“…77,80 Liquid crystal elastomers combine the self-organization of the liquid crystalline phase with the elasticity of an elastomer, offering an innovative and potentially superior approach to absorbing impact energy. [81][82][83] All three companies incorporated 3D printing into their design with an increased focus on the customization of helmet fit for each individual. Experimental evaluation is ongoing.…”

Liquid crystal‐based elastomers in tissue engineering

“…In recent years, the production of LC-based biomaterials gain importance, especially in the application of self-assembled nanostructures, drug delivery (Dinarvand et al, 2006), and vascular implants (Hussain et al, 2021), as well as the skeletal muscles (Buguin et al, 2006), and these biomaterials can be mimicked by LC-based polymers by means of their anisotropic structures (Iwabata et al, 2013). Besides, LCEs can be used in the natural organization of biological materials due to their plastic-elastic properties, controllable and reversible shape deformations.…”

“…Biomaterials can be used as medical devices in many areas such as dentistry (Tuna et al, 2017), orthopedics (Navarro et al, 2008), vascular implants (Ravi & Chaikof, 2010), spinal implants (Warburton et al, 2020), bone graft (Narang & Chava, 2000), any ophthalmic implants (Allan, 1999). In recent years, the production of LC‐based biomaterials gain importance, especially in the application of self‐assembled nanostructures, drug delivery (Dinarvand et al, 2006), and vascular implants (Hussain et al, 2021), as well as the skeletal muscles (Buguin et al, 2006), and these biomaterials can be mimicked by LC‐based polymers by means of their anisotropic structures (Iwabata et al, 2013). Besides, LCEs can be used in the natural organization of biological materials due to their plastic‐elastic properties, controllable and reversible shape deformations.…”