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Light Moves, Molds Gels

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PITTSBURGH, Aug. 5, 2013 —

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh used light to reconfigure hydrogels and induce self-sustained motion. This biomimetic behavior in a non-living organism could have significance for a host of applications in the medical arena, including microfluidics and optics.

The team demonstrated that the gels “ran away” when exposed to the light, exhibiting direct, sustained motion. The team also factored in heat — combining the light and local variations in temperature to further control the motions of the samples. Controlling a material with light and temperature could be applicable, Balazs said, in terms of regulating the movement of a microscopic “conveyor belt” or “elevator” in a microfluidic device.

Photo-morphing of initially flat gel sample into various shapes by illumination.


Photo-morphing of initially flat gel sample into various shapes by illumination. Images Courtesy University of Pittsburgh.


“Consider, for example, that you could take one sheet of hydrogel and, with the appropriate use of light, fashion it into a lens-shaped object, which could be used in optical applications,” she added.

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Using the light to move the gel.
Using the light to move the gel.

The team also demonstrated that the gels could undergo dynamic reconfiguration — that is, with different combinations of light, the same gel can be reused for different purposes.

“You don’t need to construct a new device for every new application,” Balazs said. “By swiping light over the system in different directions, you can further control the movements of a system, further regulating the flow of materials.”


 Using temperature gradient to further control the motion.
Using temperature gradient to further control the motion.

 The team will now study the effect of embedding microscopic fibers into the gel to further control the shape and response of the material to other stimuli.

The article appears online in Advanced Functional Materials (doi: 10.1002/adfm.201203876).

For more information, visit: www.news.pitt.edu  

Published: August 2013
Glossary
polymer
Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating structural units called monomers. These monomers are chemically bonded together to form long chains or networks, creating a macromolecular structure. The process of linking monomers together is known as polymerization. Polymers can be classified into several categories based on their structure, properties, and mode of synthesis. Some common types of polymers include: Synthetic polymers: These are human-made polymers produced through...
Anna BalazslensesbiomimeticBiophotonicshydrogelsOlga KuksenokOpticspolymerResearch & TechnologySwanson SchoolUniversity of Pittsburgh

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