Direct Writing and Actuation of Three-Dimensionally Patterned Hydrogel Pads on Micropillar Supports
Written by: Grant England AP225 Fall, 2011
Info
Title: Direct Writing and Actuation of Three-Dimensionally Patterned Hydrogel Pads on Micropillar Supports
Authors: Lauren D. Zarzar, Philseok Kim, Mathias Kolle, C. Jeffrey Brinker, Joanna Aizenberg, and Bryan Kaehr
@Harvard: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ange.201102975/pdf
Keywords
Actuation, gels, hybrid materials, multi-photon lithography, micro patterns, hydrogel
Summary
The main results of this paper were the extension of the hydrogel actuation model to include the ability for unconstrained actuation and local actuation of high aspect ratio structures in response to various stimuli (pH, temperature, etc.).
Methods and Results
By using a multiphoton lithographic technique to initiate the polymerization of the hydrogel, the hydrogel can be patterned three-dimensionally onto a substrate, which allows for greater swelling of the hydrogel and therefore a greater amount of actuation of the micropillars. Additionally, the patterning method allows for localized areas of pillars to be actuated by the hydrogels response characteristic as seen in the figures below.
The figures also show the set-up used for the multi-photon lithography for patterning of the hydrogel. Additionally, in the paper they discuss methods by which multiple different types of hydrogel can be patterned onto the same substrate in an interlocking pattern in order to actuate structures in response to more than one stimulus.
