Strong, Ultrastretchable Hydrogel-Based Multilayered Soft Actuator Composites Enhancing Biologically Inspired Pumping Systems

Abstract

Diverse solutions for active fluid movement are known in nature and in human-made devices. However, commercial peristaltic pumps are mostly rigid, noncompliant, and tough to integrate into biocompatible materials. This work aims to approximate actuator-like behavior concerning nonhemolytic pumping action and higher energy density to develop biorobotic physical models and biomedical assistive devices with life-like motion profiles. To achieve this, dielectric elastomers (DEs) offer themselves. DE connected via very high bonding (VHB) tape's pumping performance is tested and compared to a novel configuration. Comparative analysis of the VHB-based DE pump vis-a-vis the novel design solution involving composite layering of hydrogel and electroactive polymer (HEAP) with interfacial toughness of ≈1522 ± 188 J m−2 exhibits increases in pressure change of up to 68 mmHg at measured flow rates of 16.8 mL s−1 with low viscoelastic losses ((Formula presented.) % at biaxial prestretch of 3 × 3, 10% stretch rate, and 20 cycles postoperation). The HEAP-sandwiched layer embracing hydrogel-based ionotronics presents 2,205% ultimate strain and sustains compressive stress of 632 kPa. This pilot thus demonstrates the advantages of greater incorporation of hydrogel-based biocompatible polymers in conjunction with soft active materials and proposes performance characterization for cardiovascular trials and related biofluid pumping applications.