Stimuli-responsive cylindrical hydrogels mimic intestinal peristalsis to propel a solid object. Issue 15 (14th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nistor, V.; Cannell, J.; Gregory, J.; Yeghiazarian, L.
• Is Part Of: Soft matter. Volume 12:Issue 15(2016)
• Page Start: 3582
• Page End: 3588
• Publication Date: 2016-03-14
• Subjects: Soft condensed matter -- Periodicals; 530.413
• DOI: 10.1039/c5sm02553b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-683X

Abstract

Abstract : The emerging field of soft robotics relies on soft, stimuli-responsive materials to enable load transport, manipulation, and mobility in complex unconstrained environments. Abstract : The emerging field of soft robotics relies on soft, stimuli-responsive materials to enable load transport, manipulation, and mobility in complex unconstrained environments. These materials often need to replicate biological functionality such as muscle contractions and flexibility. Here we demonstrate a soft actuator prototype based on thermosensitive PNIPAAM hydrogels that can transport and manipulate objects. A hollow cylindrical hydrogel was selectively heated and cooled with Peltier devices to yield a traveling wave of shrinking and swelling akin to intestinal peristalsis. A 4 mm diameter bead was placed inside the cylinder and propelled 19.5 mm, equal to distance traveled by the peristaltic wave. We derived conditions that enable peristaltic transport as a function of transporter-cargo design parameters. We conclude that hydrogel-based peristaltic manipulators covering 2 orders of magnitude in stiffness (1–10 2 kPa) could transport cargo spanning 4 orders of magnitude in size (μm–m).