Redefining polymer science via multi-stimulus responsiveness

Driven by synthetic advances combined with the ability of process-ing and characterization methods, multi-stimulus responsive (MSR) polymers offer technological opportunities with significant societal impacts. The purpose of this perspective is not to itemize every possible MSR polymer system but instead to highlight recent ad-vances along with current and future trends that redefined modern polymer science. In the context of spatiotemporal and energetic re-quirements, this perspective explores multi-stimulus responses driven by compositional, structural, and hierarchical macromolec-ular arrangements, where multi-stimulus may be achieved by combining mechano-responsiveness, pH changes, electromagnetic radiation, magnetic/electric fields, redox reactions, humidity and temperature changes, solvents and gases, or biologically triggered responses. Multi-stimulus responses may be orthogonal, competi-tive, or synergistic and governed by the redefined principles in developing polymers with signaling and communications, encoding phenotypic properties with precisely defined sequences, program-mable assembly/disassembly, and recognition attributes, and MSR materials will pave the next generations of ingenious technological advances with living-like attributes.

Automated summary

Driven by advances in synthesis and processing techniques, multi-stimulus responsive (MSR) polymers have the potential to make significant societal impacts. This perspective highlights recent advancements and future trends in MSR polymers, focusing on spatiotemporal and energetic requirements. The exploration of multi-stimulus responses driven by various factors such as mechano-responsiveness and pH changes will lead to the development of innovative and ingenious technological advances.