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Reversible patterning and actuation of hydrogels by electrically assisted ionoprinting

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  • Etienne Palleau

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University)

  • Daniel Morales

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University)

  • Michael D. Dickey

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University)

  • Orlin D. Velev

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University)

Abstract

The ability to pattern, structure, re-shape and actuate hydrogels is important for biomimetics, soft robotics, cell scaffolding and biomaterials. Here we introduce an ‘ionoprinting’ technique with the capability to topographically structure and actuate hydrated gels in two and three dimensions by locally patterning ions via their directed injection and complexation, assisted by electric fields. The ionic binding changes the local mechanical properties of the gel to induce relief patterns and, in some cases, evokes localized stress large enough to cause rapid folding. These ionoprinted patterns are stable for months, yet the ionoprinting process is fully reversible by immersing the gel in a chelator. The mechanically patterned hydrogels exhibit programmable temporal and spatial shape transitions, and serve as a basis for a new class of soft actuators that can gently manipulate objects both in air and in liquid solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Etienne Palleau & Daniel Morales & Michael D. Dickey & Orlin D. Velev, 2013. "Reversible patterning and actuation of hydrogels by electrically assisted ionoprinting," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-7, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3257
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3257
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    Cited by:

    1. Wang, Lixia & Sun, Xiang & Wang, Dongfang & Cui, Pengyuan & Wang, Jian & Li, Qian, 2024. "An integrated, multi-functional intrinsic responsive foldable protective layer for space station solar panels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 303(C).
    2. Yue Zhang & Kangkang Liu & Tao Liu & Chujun Ni & Di Chen & Jiamei Guo & Chang Liu & Jian Zhou & Zheng Jia & Qian Zhao & Pengju Pan & Tao Xie, 2021. "Differential diffusion driven far-from-equilibrium shape-shifting of hydrogels," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.
    3. Mark Ferris & Gary Zabow, 2024. "Quantitative, high-sensitivity measurement of liquid analytes using a smartphone compass," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.

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