Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025
12:33
Origami Inspired Self-assembly of Patterned and Reconfigurable Particles
Published on: February 4, 2013
21.9K
Shape-Changing Particles: From Materials Design and Mechanisms to Implementation
Nabila Tanjeem1, Montana B Minnis1, Ryan C Hayward1
1Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|November 6, 2021
Summary
Researchers are developing shape-changing micro and nanoscale particles for advanced materials. These responsive particles are finding applications in fields like photonics, microfluidics, and biomedicine.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Growing demand for advanced soft and responsive materials.
- Exploration of shape-changing mechanisms in particulate systems over the past two decades.
- Integration of shape-morphing capabilities from microscale to nanoscale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss key mechanisms and materials enabling shape changes in micro/nanoscale particles.
- To summarize recent advancements in shape-morphing particle applications.
- To provide perspectives on future potential and challenges in the field.
Main Methods:
- Review of top-down fabrication techniques.
- Review of bottom-up synthesis methods.
- Analysis of shape-morphing mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Shape-morphing capabilities achieved across micro and nanoscale.
- Emerging applications in photonics, microfluidics, microrobotics, and biomedicine.
- Identification of key enabling materials and mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Shape-morphing particles represent a rapidly advancing area with significant potential.
- Interdisciplinary applications are driving innovation in materials science.
- Further research is needed to address open challenges and unlock full potential.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Bending of Material: Problem Solving
292
In this lesson, determine the ratio of the maximum bending moments applied to two metal pipes, given that both pipes can withstand a maximum stress of 100 MPa. Both pipes have an outer radius of 1.8 cm. Pipe A has an inner radius of 1.5 cm, and Pipe B has an inner radius of 1 cm. The ratio of the maximum bending moment applied to two metallic pipes, each with a different inner and outer radius, is determined by considering their dimensions. The inner radius of the first pipe is 1.5 cm, and for...
292
01:05Mechanism of Ciliary Motion
4.1K
The ciliary structures were first seen in 1647 by Antonie Leeuwenhoek while observing the protozoans. In lower organisms, these appendages are responsible for cell movement, while in higher organisms, these appendages help in the movement of the extracellular fluids within the body cavities.
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
4.1K
01:39Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
2.6K
Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
2.6K
01:18First Law: Particles in Two-dimensional Equilibrium
6.9K
Recall that a particle in equilibrium is one for which the external forces are balanced. Static equilibrium involves objects at rest, and dynamic equilibrium involves objects in motion without acceleration; but it is important to remember that these conditions are relative. For instance, an object may be at rest when viewed from one frame of reference, but that same object would appear to be in motion when viewed by someone moving at a constant velocity.
Newton's first law tells us about...
Newton's first law tells us about...
6.9K