Bionic intelligent hydrogel actuators with multimodal deformation and locomotion

Abstract

Inspired by common patterns of biological movement, a series of near-infrared (NIR) laser-driven bionic intelligent hydrogel actuators were successfully fabricated via the combination of infiltration method (entirety infiltration and locality infiltration), structure design and material characteristics. The controllable distribution of graphene oxide (GO) particles in a hydrogel matrix resulting from the infiltration method led to abundant bionic deformations with multiple degrees of freedom and flexibility. In addition to the highest response speed of 187.7°/s, the hydrogel actuators underwent accurate and repeatable static deformations and efficient and stabilized dynamic locomotion, demonstrated, for example, through the assembly of origami, the deformation of fingers and palm, the closing and blooming of a chrysanthemum and the crawling of an inchworm. This study opens a new path for practical bionic applications of NIR-triggered hydrogel actuators in self-assembly biosensor, targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery.