2024 | Kun Zhou, Rujie Sun, Jonathan P. Wojciechowski, Richard Wang, Jonathan Yeow, Yuyang Zuo, Xin Song, Chunliang Wang, Yue Shao, and Molly M. Stevens*
The paper presents a novel 4D printed multimaterial soft actuator (MMSA) that can be actuated by a combination of triggers, specifically pH and temperature. The MMSA is designed using 3D printing to include a hydrophilic pH-sensitive layer and a hydrophobic shape-memory polymer (SMP) layer. The hydrogel layer responds to changes in pH by swelling or shrinking, while the SMP layer can resist deformation until triggered by temperature or light. This combination allows for precise spatiotemporal control of the actuation. The MMSA is demonstrated through cargo capture and release experiments, validating its ability to achieve active spatiotemporal control. The design and fabrication process, including material selection, printing techniques, and characterization, are detailed, highlighting the challenges and solutions in achieving material compatibility and controlled actuation. The MMSA's potential applications in biomedical and environmental engineering are discussed, emphasizing its promise as a multifunctional soft device.The paper presents a novel 4D printed multimaterial soft actuator (MMSA) that can be actuated by a combination of triggers, specifically pH and temperature. The MMSA is designed using 3D printing to include a hydrophilic pH-sensitive layer and a hydrophobic shape-memory polymer (SMP) layer. The hydrogel layer responds to changes in pH by swelling or shrinking, while the SMP layer can resist deformation until triggered by temperature or light. This combination allows for precise spatiotemporal control of the actuation. The MMSA is demonstrated through cargo capture and release experiments, validating its ability to achieve active spatiotemporal control. The design and fabrication process, including material selection, printing techniques, and characterization, are detailed, highlighting the challenges and solutions in achieving material compatibility and controlled actuation. The MMSA's potential applications in biomedical and environmental engineering are discussed, emphasizing its promise as a multifunctional soft device.