Work

Charge‐Induced Morphing Gels for Bioinspired Actuation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Drawing inspiration from natural organisms, stimuli‐responsive systems that can produce active deformation under external stimuli have the potential for enabling advanced innovations across multiple domains. However, existing actuation systems are hindered by restricted deformation capabilities. To address this challenge, a novel electroactive homeomorphic isochoric gel (HIG) actuation mechanism is introduced that exhibits substantial and reversible shape‐changing while preserving topological and isochoric (volumetric) equivalence, resembling the behavior of muscle deformation. Charges are injected proximally into the HIG and accumulate at the distal edges, where the combined effects of external electric fields and repulsion among like charges act against the internal stresses of the material, leading to significant morphing. The resultant isochoric and homeomorphic deformation enables HIGs to mimic the movements of muscle‐driven organelles in nature, including cilia‐like beating and the chromophore‐like muscular expansion. The capability and functionality of HIGs are investigated and bio‐inspired applications are explored and demonstrated, revealing the potential of HIGs in fluid manipulation, reflective displays, and soft robotic applications.

Source: Advanced Functional Materials

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202517447

Authors: Ciqun Xu, Saba Firouznia, Charl F. J. Faul, Majid Taghavi, Jonathan Rossiter

Institutions: University of Bristol, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Queen Mary University of London

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Materials and Mechanics

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,790

Funders: UK Research and Innovation, Royal Academy of Engineering, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council