A bamboo/PNIPAM composite hydrogel assembly for both programmable and remotely-controlled light-responsive biomimetic actuations

Near-infrared light-responsive hydrogels are one of the most important soft biomimetic actuators owing to their accuracy, remote control performance, and permeability. However, the complex deformations and materials of hydrogel actuators are still a serious challenge. Herein, we have developed a novel composite hydrogel actuator by combining natural bamboo sheet and nigrosine/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) composite hydrogel. The high-efficient photothermal conversion of the nigrosine/PNIPAM composite hydrogel sheet generates light responsive actuation that is remotely controllable. Furthermore, the bamboo sheet with fiber-oriented structure can be cut at different angles, which facilitates programmable 3D complex deformations in the actuator. Accordingly, we have designed a series of biomimetic actuating devices, including simulations of butterfly antenna, Dendrobium, smart switch, and even a multi-step deformational biomimetic claw. In addition, we also explored a biomimetic insect with precisely-controlled fast movements on the water surface based on Marangoni effect. This work provides a simple but general strategy for fabricating biomimetic actuators and will inspire new designs for intelligent soft actuators.

Automated summary

Near-infrared light-responsive hydrogels are important soft biomimetic actuators due to their precision, remote control capability, and permeability. In this study, a novel composite hydrogel actuator, combining natural bamboo sheet and nigrosine/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) composite hydrogel, was developed. Various biomimetic actuating devices were designed using programmable 3D complex deformations facilitated by the bamboo sheet with fiber-oriented structure.