Dual-gradient enabled ultrafast biomimetic snapping of hydrogel materials

213Citations
Citations of this article
123Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

The design of materials that can mimic the complex yet fast actuation phenomena in nature is important but challenging. Herein, we present a new paradigm for designing responsive hydrogel sheets that can exhibit ultrafast inverse snapping deformation. Dual-gradient structures of hydrogel sheets enable the accumulation of elastic energy in hydrogels by converting prestored energy and rapid reverse snapping (<1 s) to release the energy. By controlling the magnitude and location of energy prestored within the hydrogels, the snapping of hydrogel sheets can be programmed to achieve different structures and actuation behaviors. We have developed theoretical model to elucidate the crucial role of dual gradients and predict the snapping motion of various hydrogel materials. This new design principle provides guidance for fabricating actuation materials with applications in tissue engineering, soft robotics, and active medical implants.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Fan, W., Shan, C., Guo, H., Sang, J., Wang, R., Zheng, R., … Nie, Z. (2019). Dual-gradient enabled ultrafast biomimetic snapping of hydrogel materials. Science Advances, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aav7174

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free