An Anisotropic Dielectric Elastomer Actuator with an Oriented Electrospun Nanofiber Composite Film

Abstract

Anisotropic actuation, a universal phenomenon in nature, may be inspiring for the development of intelligent soft robotics in the future. For dielectric elastomers (DEs), important investigations have been done to decrease the voltage and increase the actuation strain. However, mechanical isotropy of synthetic DEs shows in‐plane uniform deformation, lacking the controllability of the actuation direction. Herein, an anisotropic DE (denoted as ADE) is constructed by casting Ecoflex/BaTiO3 solution onto oriented TPU nanofibrous membranes fabricated via drum electrospinning. The resulting ADE with a seamless three‐layer structure features mechanical anisotropy in the elastic modulus, with the maximum ratio between x and y directions of the plane being 11. A prototype ADE‐based actuator demonstrates a high electroactuation anisotropy of 3.95, a large unidirectional length strain of 15%, and a high energy density of 0.014 MJ m−3 at an electric field of 40 V µm−1. Two potential applications, a flow divider valve simulating the Transwell test in the medical field and a mechanical stimulus component mimicking the maturation of cardiomyocytes, are successfully demonstrated. Thus, this work offers a versatile yet simple approach for fabricating anisotropic electroactive elastomer actuators in the future.

Research Status and Prospect of Finger Rehabilitation Machinery

“…If the finger rehabilitation machinery is classified by the actuation method, it can be divided into: end traction drive, 49–53 motor drive, 54–59 spring drive, 60–63 rope drive, 64–70 memory alloy drive, 71–76 electroactive material drive, 77–79 hydraulic drive 80–82 and pneumatic drive. 83–88 Each actuation mode has its application characteristics, this paper will analyze the above driving methods and their typical applications.…”

Immunomodulation in diabetic wounds healing: The intersection of macrophage reprogramming and immunotherapeutic hydrogels

“…Nanofiber hydrogel composites 3D scaffolds have been commonly employed in tissue engineering owing to their resemblance to ECM in terms of morphology, as well as their adjustable chemical and physical characteristics that govern cellular behaviors and functions. 185 , 186 ECM comprises immunomodulatory domains that selectively bind to immune cell receptors, facilitating adhesion and regulating their function. 187 Additionally, ECM acts as a structural scaffold promoting cellular migration, thereby creating an immune microenvironment conducive to tissue regeneration.…”

Construction of bioactive electrospun microfibers with VEGF to facilitate the repair of infected wounds

“…It is worth noting that the nanocomposite fiber membrane constructed by electrospinning technology has the softness, water absorption, water retention and biocompatibility of similar tissues of hydrogel systems while maintaining the ECM-like 3D fiber structure, large specific surface area and flexibility [14,15]. Loading drugs into the inside or surface of nanofibers can effectively enhance the drug load and improve the controlled release of drugs, achieving breakthroughs in the application value of efficient wound dressings [16]. In the preparation of tissue engineering scaffolds, polylactic acid-glycolic acid (PLGA) and VEGF are the most commonly used synthetic materials [17,18].…”