The ability to capture, manipulate, and release microscale objects using autonomous systems can enable widespread applications—from microsurgery and selective cell extraction to the assembly of complex microdevices. With continuing development of smart and environmentally responsive materials compatible with 3D printing, microgrippers with environmental adaptability can give rise to biocompatible devices. In this paper, the design, fabrication, and testing of hybrid stiff‐soft microgrippers using compliant synthetic polymers and hydrogels to achieve autonomous actuation while avoiding an overly complex mechanical gripping system are described. Building microgrippers using 2‐photon polymerization additive manufacturing based on nonplanar, bioinspired architectures on the end of an optical fiber is investigated. To control actuation, current regulated growth of hydrogels within the printed architecture is demonstrated. Forces are generated by expansive gels actuated by changes in pH, temperature, and application of light via optical fiber. The resulting multimaterial actuators incorporate inert skeletal components with active hydrogels on the tip of a 200 µm diameter core fiber. The response time, accuracy, and cyclic durability of hybrid grippers are evaluated. This work provides a foundation to integrate stimuli‐responsive mechanical functions with microscale optical devices to expand the suite of tools available for minimally invasive surgical procedures.

In 2017, the FDA approved several new drugs for use in primary care. This article highlights the following new drugs: brodalumab (Siliq), dapagliflozin and saxagliptin (Qtern), dupilumab (Dupixent), oxymetazoline (Rhofade), safinamide (Xadago), and sarilumab (Kevzara).

While the field of medical device design has made tremendous progress in recent decades, implantable devices continue to be plagued by the body’s immune response and fibrosis. The field of soft robotics uses low modulus materials that compliance match surrounding tissues to help address this issue. Traditionally, silicone has been the material of choice for soft robots. Although durable and elastic, implanted silicone often leads to fibrosis. To advance the use of soft robotics in medical devices, new materials must be explored. We hypothesize that protein-based soft robotic actuators hold promise for implantable medical devices by not only matching moduli surrounding tissues but also providing physiologically relevant chemical cues. Biocompatible soft actuators that achieve the functionality of silicone counterparts may promote integration with host cells and support long-term implant safety. Additionally, controlled degradation may hold promise for post-surgical support devices or drug delivery. Here, we develop and characterize crosslinked gelatin (GEL) actuators. The development of biomaterial soft actuators with properties comparable to synthetic analogues expands the applications of soft robotic devices for medical devices and healthcare applications.

No abstract

No abstract