Photochemically Induced Propulsion of a 4D Printed Liquid Crystal Elastomer Biomimetic Swimmer

Sartori, Paolo ; Yadav, Rahul Singh (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Barrio, Jesús del (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; DeSimone, Antonio ; Sánchez-Somolinos, Carlos

Resumen: Underwater organisms exhibit sophisticated propulsion mechanisms, enabling them to navigate fluid environments with exceptional dexterity. Recently, substantial efforts have focused on integrating these movements into soft robots using smart shape‐changing materials, particularly by using light for their propulsion and control. Nonetheless, challenges persist, including slow response times and the need of powerful light beams to actuate the robot. This last can result in unintended sample heating and potentially necessitate tracking specific actuation spots on the swimmer. To tackle these challenges, new azobenzene‐containing photopolymerizable inks are introduced, which can be processed by extrusion printing into liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) elements of precise shape and morphology. These LCEs exhibit rapid and significant photomechanical response underwater, driven by moderate‐intensity ultraviolet (UV) and green light, being the actuation mechanism predominantly photochemical. Inspired by nature, a biomimetic four‐lapped ephyra‐like LCE swimmer is printed. The periodically illumination of the entire swimmer with moderate‐intensity UV and green light, induces synchronous lappet bending toward the light source and swimmer propulsion away from the light. The platform eliminates the need of localized laser beams and tracking systems to monitor the swimmer's motion through the fluid, making it a versatile tool for creating light‐fueled robotic LCE free‐swimmers.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308561

Año: 2024

Publicado en: Advanced Science 11, 25 (2024), 2308561 [12 pp.]
ISSN: 2198-3844

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA-FEDER/LMP221_21
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA-FSE/E15-20R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/HORIZON EUROPE/101069436/EU/Morphing tubular structures for adaptive biomedical devices/Stripe-o-Morph
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020/956150/EU/Soft and Tangible Organic Responsive Materials progressing roBOTic functionS/STORM-BOTS
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/ISCIII/CB06-01/00263
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/CNS2022-135887
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/CTQ2017-84087-R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MCINN/PID2020-113003GB-I00
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/PID2020-118485RB-I00

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Química Orgánica (Dpto. Química Orgánica)