pH-induced synergistic changes in color and shape of soft actuator based on degradable carbon dots/sodium alginate gel

Yingge Shi ¹, Xuyuan Yang ¹, Yongqiang Zhang ²

⁰Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.

Carbohydrate Polymers +

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January 8, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers developed a novel pH-responsive actuating gel using carbon dots (CDs) and sodium alginate. This degradable soft actuator exhibits simultaneous color and shape changes, enhancing robotic applications.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Robotics
Biomedical Engineering

Background

Soft actuators are crucial for intelligent robots and biomedical applications.
Current limitations include challenges in fabricating degradable actuators with synergistic stimulus-responsive properties.
Developing materials with combined color and shape changes is an ongoing research area.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a degradable soft actuating gel with synergistic color and shape changes.
To investigate the pH-responsive behavior of carbon dots (CDs) integrated into a polymer matrix.
To demonstrate the utility of the developed soft actuator in robotic tasks and signaling.

Main Methods

Chemically cross-linking carbon dots (CDs) with sodium alginate to form a soft actuating gel.
Utilizing the pH-dependent protonation and deprotonation of CDs for stimulus response.
Constructing soft actuators by combining the gel with poly (lactic acid) tape.

Main Results

The soft actuating gel demonstrated rapid synergistic color and shape changes in response to pH variations.
The carbon dots (CDs) exhibited reversible protonation/deprotonation, driving the observed color shifts.
Fabricated soft actuators successfully performed tasks like grasping and lifting, with integrated self-color change capabilities for camouflage and warning.

Conclusions

A novel degradable soft actuating gel based on pH-responsive carbon dots (CDs) and sodium alginate was successfully developed.
The material offers a simple yet effective strategy for creating soft actuators with synergistic color and shape transformations.
This advancement is expected to significantly contribute to the field of soft robotics and biomedical engineering.

Keywords:

Carbon dots Color-change Degradable Sodium alginate Soft actuator pH-responsive