Dynamic Silk Fibroin Hydrogels for Programmable Bioactuation and Smart Shape Deformation: Mechanisms, Performance...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Soft Matter Physics
• Bioengineering

Background:

• Programmable hydrogel actuators are adaptive soft matter systems responding to stimuli with mechanical movements.
• Natural silk fibroin (SF) is a biocompatible biomaterial with adaptable mechanical properties, ideal for dynamic hydrogels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a mechanism-based understanding of programmable bioactuation in silk fibroin hydrogels.
• To critically compare recent developments in SF hydrogel actuators based on actuation principles, deformation, and dynamics.
• To discuss biomedical opportunities and translation barriers for responsive SF hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Correlating molecular design, network formation, and stimuli responsiveness with macroscopic deformation.
• Critically comparing SF hydrogel actuators by actuation principles, deformation behaviors, response dynamics, and mechanical robustness.
• Reviewing novel concepts like nanocomposite materials, bioinspired designs, shape memory systems, and 4D printing.

Main Results:

• SF hydrogels exhibit controllable structural transitions and self-assemblies for dynamic actuation.
• A natural compromise exists between response speed, strength, and durability in SF hydrogel actuators.
• Novel strategies enhance programmable deformation and functionality in soft materials.

Conclusions:

• Mechanistic understanding and comparative performance assessment are crucial for designing next-generation SF hydrogel actuators.
• Responsive SF hydrogels hold promise for wound healing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensors, and soft robots.
• Overcoming translation barriers is key to realizing the full clinical potential of SF hydrogel actuators.