Biomimetic Tendrils by Four Dimensional Printing Bimorph Springs with Torsion and Contraction Properties Based on Bio‐Compatible Graphene/Silk Fibroin and Poly(3‐Hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐Hydroxyvalerate). (24th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Maria, Carmelo; Chiesa, Irene; Morselli, Davide; Ceccarini, Maria Rachele; Bittolo Bon, Silvia; Degli Esposti, Micaela; Fabbri, Paola; Morabito, Antonino; Beccari, Tommaso; Valentini, Luca
• Is Part Of: Advanced functional materials. Volume 31:Number 52(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-24
• Subjects: finite element modeling -- four‐dimensional printing -- graphene -- mechanical properties -- poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) -- regenerated silk -- self‐contracting properties -- twisting; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202105665
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1616-301X

Abstract

Abstract: Taking inspiration from plant tendril geometry, in this study, 4D bimorph coiled structures with an internal core of graphene nanoplatelets‐modified regenerated silk and an external shell of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐ co ‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) are fabricated by 4D printing. Finite element simulations and experimental tests demonstrate that integrating these biomaterials with different coefficients of thermal expansion results in the temperature induced self‐compression and torsion of the structure. The bimorph spring also exhibits reversible contractive actuation after exposure to water environment that paves its exploitation in regenerative medicine, since core materials also have been proven to be biocompatible. Finally, the authors validate their findings with experimental measurements using such springs for temperature‐mediated lengthening of an artificial intestine. Abstract : Artificial tendril‐like bimorph structures are obtained by 4D printing exhibiting torsion and contractive actuation properties. This integrative design of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐ co ‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) and regenerated silk bio‐compatible materials shows a combination of actuation capability that is applied to lengthen a phantom intestine. These findings can inspire novel design of biocompatible actuators and enable their exploitation in regenerative medicine.