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Programmable nanocomposites of cellulose nanocrystals and zwitterionic hydrogels for soft robotics

Author

Listed:
  • Rasool Nasseri

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Negin Bouzari

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Junting Huang

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Hossein Golzar

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Sarah Jankhani

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Xiaowu (Shirley) Tang

    (University of Waterloo
    University of Waterloo)

  • Tizazu H. Mekonnen

    (University of Waterloo
    University of Waterloo
    University of Waterloo)

  • Amirreza Aghakhani

    (University of Stuttgart)

  • Hamed Shahsavan

    (University of Waterloo
    University of Waterloo
    University of Waterloo)

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels have garnered significant attention as a versatile class of soft actuators. Introducing anisotropic properties, and shape-change programmability to responsive hydrogels promises a host of opportunities in the development of soft robots. Herein we report the synthesis of pH-responsive hydrogel nanocomposites with predetermined microstructural anisotropy, shape-transformation, and self-healing. Our hydrogel nanocomposites are largely composed of zwitterionic monomers and asymmetric cellulose nanocrystals. While the zwitterionic nature of the network imparts both self-healing and cytocompatibility to our hydrogel nanocomposites, the shear-induced alignment of cellulose nanocrystals renders their anisotropic swelling and mechanical properties. Thanks to the self-healing properties, we utilized a cut-and-paste approach to program reversible, and complex deformation into our hydrogels. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated the transport of light cargo using tethered and untethered soft robots made from our hydrogels. We believe the proposed material system introduce a powerful toolbox for the development of future generations of biomedical soft robots.

Suggested Citation

  • Rasool Nasseri & Negin Bouzari & Junting Huang & Hossein Golzar & Sarah Jankhani & Xiaowu (Shirley) Tang & Tizazu H. Mekonnen & Amirreza Aghakhani & Hamed Shahsavan, 2023. "Programmable nanocomposites of cellulose nanocrystals and zwitterionic hydrogels for soft robotics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-41874-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41874-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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