Novel hydrogel actuator inspired by reversible mussel adhesive protein chemistry

Adv Mater. 2014 Jun 4;26(21):3415-9. doi: 10.1002/adma.201306137. Epub 2014 Mar 4.

Abstract

A novel hydrogel actuator that combines ionoprinting techniques with reversible catechol-metal ion coordination chemistry found in mussel adhesive proteins is developed. Deposited metal ions increase the local crosslinking density, which induces sharp bending of the hydrogel. Reversibly bound metal ions can be removed and reintroduced in a different pattern so that the hydrogel can be reprogrammed to transform into a different 3-dimentional shape.

Keywords: actuator; dopamine; hydrogel; ionoprinting; mussel adhesive protein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry*
  • Bivalvia / chemistry*
  • Borates / chemistry
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine / chemistry
  • Edetic Acid / chemistry
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Iron Compounds / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Sodium Chloride / chemistry
  • Sodium Hydroxide / chemistry

Substances

  • Borates
  • Hydrogels
  • Iron Compounds
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Sodium Hydroxide
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine
  • sodium borate
  • Edetic Acid