Programming hierarchical anisotropy in microactuators for multimodal actuation

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Shucong Li
  • Liqiu Wang
  • Joanna Aizenberg

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4073-4084
Journal / PublicationLab on a Chip
Volume24
Issue number17
Online published8 Aug 2024
Publication statusPublished - 7 Sept 2024

Abstract

Microactuators, capable of executing tasks typically repetitive, hazardous, or impossible for humans, hold great promise across fields such as precision medicine, environmental remediation, and swarm intelligence. However, intricate motions of microactuators normally require high complexity in design, making it increasingly challenging to realize at small scales using existing fabrication techniques. Taking inspiration from the hierarchical-anisotropy principle found in nature, we program liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) microactuators with multimodal actuation tailored to their molecular, shape, and architectural anisotropies at (sub)nanometer, micrometer, and (sub)millimeter scales, respectively. Our strategy enables diverse deformations with individual LCE microstructures, including expanding, contracting, twisting, bending, and unwinding, as well as re-programmable shape transformations of assembled LCE architectures with negative Poisson's ratios, locally adjustable actuation, and changing from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) structures. Furthermore, we design tetrahedral microactuators with well-controlled mobility and precise manipulation of both solids and liquids in various environments. This study provides a paradigm shift in the development of microactuators, unlocking a vast array of complexities achievable through manipulation at each hierarchical level of anisotropy. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024.

Citation Format(s)

Programming hierarchical anisotropy in microactuators for multimodal actuation. / Wang, Shiyu; Li, Shucong; Zhao, Wenchang et al.
In: Lab on a Chip, Vol. 24, No. 17, 07.09.2024, p. 4073-4084.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review