A dual stimuli-responsive smart soft carrier using multi-material 4D printing

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Robotics

Background:

• Advanced materials enable novel functionalities in soft robotics.
• Stimuli-responsive hydrogels are crucial for developing smart delivery systems.
• 4D printing offers precise control over material shape and function over time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 4D printed smart soft carrier for controlled cargo delivery.
• To investigate the dual stimuli-responsive behavior (NIR and magnetic fields) of the carrier.
• To demonstrate the carrier's capability in transporting various cargo, including delicate organisms.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hemispherical soft carrier using 4D printing with smart hydrogels.
• Integration of thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels.
• Incorporation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for magnetic actuation and near-infrared (NIR) responsiveness.

Main Results:

• The soft carrier demonstrated controlled opening and closing of its lid via temperature changes induced by NIR irradiation.
• The carrier exhibited magnetic-driven movement in water using an external magnetic field.
• Successful cargo delivery experiments were conducted with various cargo types and small marine organisms, showing no leakage or damage.

Conclusions:

• The 4D printed smart soft carrier offers a versatile and adaptable platform for cargo and organism delivery.
• Dual stimuli-responsive actuation (NIR and magnetic fields) allows for precise control over carrier function.
• The technology holds promise for applications requiring safe and controlled transport of sensitive materials.