Strong, Ultrastretchable Hydrogel‐Based Multilayered Soft Actuator Composites Enhancing Biologically Inspired Pumping Systems

Abstract

Diverse solutions for active fluid movement are known in nature and in human‐made devices. However, commercial peristaltic pumps are mostly rigid, noncompliant, and tough to integrate into biocompatible materials. This work aims to approximate actuator‐like behavior concerning nonhemolytic pumping action and higher energy density to develop biorobotic physical models and biomedical assistive devices with life‐like motion profiles. To achieve this, dielectric elastomers (DEs) offer themselves. DE connected via very high bonding (VHB) tape's pumping performance is tested and compared to a novel configuration. Comparative analysis of the VHB‐based DE pump vis‐a‐vis the novel design solution involving composite layering of hydrogel and electroactive polymer (HEAP) with interfacial toughness of ≈1522 ± 188 J m−2 exhibits increases in pressure change of up to 68 mmHg at measured flow rates of 16.8 mL s−1 with low viscoelastic losses (% at biaxial prestretch of 3 × 3, 10% stretch rate, and 20 cycles postoperation). The HEAP‐sandwiched layer embracing hydrogel‐based ionotronics presents 2,205% ultimate strain and sustains compressive stress of 632 kPa. This pilot thus demonstrates the advantages of greater incorporation of hydrogel‐based biocompatible polymers in conjunction with soft active materials and proposes performance characterization for cardiovascular trials and related biofluid pumping applications.