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Modular soft robotic microdevices for dexterous biomanipulation.

Berna Özkale1, Raquel Parreira, Ahmet Bekdemir

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We developed a new method to create soft microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) using self-assembly and light. These bio-inspired devices mimic muscle and can be precisely controlled for micro-robotics and biological testing.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomimetic engineering
  • Microfabrication
  • Soft robotics

Background:

  • Soft microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) offer unique advantages for bio-inspired applications.
  • Developing precise control and mechanical properties in soft MEMS remains a challenge.
  • Existing methods often lack the integration of advanced materials and fabrication techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a novel methodology for constructing biologically inspired, soft microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).
  • To demonstrate the synthesis of optomechanical microactuators with tunable mechanical properties.
  • To showcase the fabrication of diverse microdevices and a microscale compression device for biological sample testing.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized programmable colloidal self-assembly with gold nanorods coated in thermoresponsive polymers.
  • Employed template-assisted microfluidics and in situ polymerization of hydrogel mechanisms.
  • Integrated light-harvesting plasmonic nanotransducers for spatiotemporal actuation control using near-infrared (NIR) lasers.
  • Applied spatially modulated hydrogel photolithography guided by finite element analysis.

Main Results:

  • Synthesized optomechanical microactuators with stiffness of 4.8 ± 2.1 kPa and stress up to 10 kPa.
  • Achieved sub-micron spatial and millisecond temporal resolution for actuation control via NIR laser illumination.
  • Demonstrated fabrication of various microdevices, including microrobots and microgrippers.
  • Developed a microscale compression device for mechanical testing of 3D biological samples.

Conclusions:

  • The presented methodology enables the creation of advanced soft MEMS devices with bio-mimetic mechanical properties.
  • The integration of self-assembly, plasmonic nanotransducers, and hydrogel photolithography offers precise actuation and versatile device construction.
  • The developed microdevices hold significant potential for applications in microrobotics, micro-manipulation, and mechanical testing of biological systems.