Autonomous microfluidics with stimuli-responsive hydrogels

Molecular Design of Light-Responsive Hydrogels, For in Situ Generation of Fast and Reversible Valves for Microfluidic Applications

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11] This approach is appealing for optical data storage, 12 actuators 1 and valves in microfluidics. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] In particular, the latter application ideally requires fast and large actuation of the valve structure in order to work efficiently. However, up to now, most examples are based on temperature responsive systems, which is not readily implementable in microfluidics.…”

Smart Microfluidics: The Role of Stimuli- Responsive Polymers in Microfluidic Devices

“…The hydrogel ring was able to control the curvature and the focal length of the water-oil meniscus upon environmental changes. (Dong & Jiang, 2007a, 2007bDong et al, 2006) Gold-PNIPAAm nanocomposites have been also demonstrated to be tunable light-sensitive microlenses. In an attractive demonstration, multiple micropost structures of goldPNIPAAm hydrogels were patterned around a lens aperture.…”

Calcium powered phloem protein ofSEOgene family “Forisome” functions in wound sealing and act as biomimetic smart materials

“…The possible applications include microactuators, microvalves, self powered smart biosensors, and biocompatible and biodegradable nanomaterials are suitable for medical applications such as tissue engineering because they do not tend to provoke an immune response. 61,62 The discoveries of novel smart materials with unique characteristics which can be controlled by electrical stimuli under non physiological environment are fulfilling the requirement for space science technology. In vitro studies have shown that forisome smart material can be undergoes repeated cycles of contraction and expansion anisotropically.…”