Customizable Single-Layer Programmable Deformation Hydrogel Robots Based on One-Time Fabricating with...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Robotics

Background:

• Hydrogel robots offer significant potential in biomedical fields due to their reversible deformation capabilities.
• There is a growing clinical need for hydrogel robots that are easily processed, operated, and exhibit programmable deformation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel, one-step fabrication method for single-layer programmable deformation hydrogel robots.
• To demonstrate the ability to program shape deformation by combining basic modules.
• To validate the reversible deformation and potential applications of these hydrogel robots.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a high-precision digital light processing 3D printing system for fabrication.
• Created two types of deformable elements with varying structure distributions using focused light of different intensities.
• Combined these elements to form four basic modules with distinct, fixed deformable shapes.
• Achieved programmable shape deformation by arranging combinations of these modules.
• Stimulated reversible deformation using near-infrared light.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated single-layer programmable deformation hydrogel robots in one step.
• Demonstrated the creation of four basic modules enabling programmed shape changes.
• Confirmed reversible, repeatable deformation of the hydrogel robots under near-infrared light.
• Fabricated scaffold prototypes using module combinations, showcasing programming feasibility.
• Validated potential applications in pipeline movement.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method offers a feasible approach for simple programming of hydrogel robot deformation.
• This research presents a novel fabrication technique for programmable deformation hydrogel robots in biomedical applications.
• The developed hydrogel robots exhibit controllable, reversible shape changes suitable for various uses.