Ternary complex formation inducing large expansions of chemomechanical polymers by metal chelators, aminoacids and peptides as effectors

Formation of supramolecular tertiary complexes within a functionalized hydrogel are shown for the first time to le-ad to large macroscopic motions with biologically important effectors such as aminoacids and peptides. The mechanical motion, can he made reversible by the addition of external metal ion complexing agents, and represent also chemical logical gate functions. operating without external devices or power supply. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.