Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wei Wang, Qingkun Liu, Ivan Tanasijevic, Michael F. Reynolds, Alejandro J. Cortese, Marc Z. Miskin, Michael C. Cao, David A. Muller, Alyosha C. Molnar, Eric Lauga, Paul L. McEuen, Itai Cohen
Summary: This article presents an electronically actuated artificial cilia metasurface that can create arbitrary flow patterns in liquids. The technology has the potential for fine-scale microfluidic manipulation, with applications in microfluidic pumping and microrobotic locomotion.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
R. Pramanik, R. W. C. P. Verstappen, P. R. Onck
Summary: This study uses computational simulation to investigate the swimming kinematics and induced flow field dynamics of jellyfish-inspired soft robotic swimmers. The researchers explore the kinematic performance of the jellyfishbot through a parametric sweep of different system parameters. They find that applying an appropriate magnetic field and controlling the remnant magnetization profile can enhance the temporal and spatial asymmetries in the soft magnetic composite elastomeric lappets, leading to improved swimming speed.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gen Li, Tieshan Zhang, Yajing Shen
Summary: This study presents a method to construct a transparent magnetic millirobot with high transmittance and remote-controllable movement and obstacle-crossing capabilities. The robot also demonstrates optical transparency in different environments and movement and camouflage capabilities on sand.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meng Li, Aniket Pal, Junghwan Byun, Gaurav Gardi, Metin Sitti
Summary: This study introduces a magnetically hard and soft material called magnetic putty, which has large remanence and low coercivity. The magnetization of the putty can be easily reoriented with an external field that is only one-tenth of its coercivity. Additionally, the magnetic putty is malleable and self-healing, making it versatile for various magnetic robotics applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zixuan Deng, Hang Zhang, Arri Priimagi, Hao Zeng
Summary: This study reports an optically powered soft material strip that can perform nonreciprocal, cilia-like, self-sustained oscillation under water. The actuator is made of planar-aligned liquid crystal elastomer responding to visible light. Two laser beams from orthogonal directions allow for piecewise control over the strip deformation, enabling two self-shadowing effects coupled in one single material to yield nonreciprocal strokes. The results demonstrate autonomous microfluidic pumping, translocation of a micro-object, and coupling between two oscillating strips through liquid medium interaction, offering new concepts for non-equilibrium soft actuators that can perform bio-like functions under water.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiwei Cui, Shuaizhong Zhang, Ye Wang, Laura Tormey, Olivia S. Kanies, Richard Chasen Spero, Jay K. Fisher, Jaap M. J. den Toonder
Summary: The study successfully removed microparticles using biologically-sized magnetic artificial cilia that are only 45 micrometers long, achieving a cleanliness level of up to 100% with the highest actuation frequency. The randomness in cilia distribution is shown to have a positive effect on cleanliness compared to a regular cilia array.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ruiqian Wang, Chuang Zhang, Yiwei Zhang, Wenjun Tan, Wenyuan Chen, Lianqing Liu
Summary: This article systematically reviews the recent advances in soft underwater swimming robots based on different actuation methods and classifies and compares them according to the different swimming modes of underwater organisms. The results show that the robot needs to select the optimal design by choosing the appropriate actuation method and swimming mode for different swimming tasks and application scenarios.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mingyan Gao, Jing Hu, Jianfei Wang, Mengnan Liu, Xiaona Zhu, Sadaf Saeed, Cuihua Hu, Zhengxun Song, Hongmei Xu, Zuobin Wang
Summary: In this study, the effects of DNA concentration, magnetic field intensity and direction, and modification of mica surface on DNA self-assembly were investigated using atomic force microscopy. The results showed that these factors play important roles in DNA self-assembly.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guangda Zhu, Yi Hou, Neng Xia, Xin Wang, Chong Zhang, Jianzhong Zheng, Dongdong Jin, Li Zhang
Summary: Researchers have designed a new polymer matrix and magnetic microparticles to create a programmable magnetic soft robot capable of deformation and locomotion. The polymer has a defined range of softness and stretchability and allows for full chemical recyclability and rapid room-temperature healability. The robot's mechanical properties can be fully restored and its deformability/mobility can be healed quickly within seconds and minutes, respectively, through cyclic depolymerization/repolymerization.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Youngbin Lee, Florian Koehler, Tom Dillon, Gabriel Loke, Yoonho Kim, Juliette Marion, Marc-Joseph Antonini, Indie C. Garwood, Atharva Sahasrabudhe, Keisuke Nagao, Xuanhe Zhao, Yoel Fink, Ellen T. Roche, Polina Anikeeva
Summary: The widespread use of magnetic soft robots is hindered by complex control paradigms and challenges in fabricating devices across different scales. In this study, advancements in fiber-based actuators and magnetic elastomer composites are utilized to create 3D magnetic soft robots controlled by one-directional fields. These robots can crawl or walk in magnetic fields orthogonal to their motion plane. They can also act as cargo carriers and be simultaneously controlled in opposite directions using a single stationary electromagnet. This scalable fabrication and control approach opens up possibilities for future applications of magnetic soft robots in environments with constrained and complex fields.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Mai Thanh Thai, Phuoc Thien Phan, Trung Thien Hoang, Harrison Low, Nigel H. Lovell, Thanh Nho Do
Summary: The study introduces a new type of hydraulically soft microtubule artificial muscle (SMAM) that offers advantages in terms of low cost, scalability, and simplicity in fabrication, suitable for flexible robotic systems. Experimental results demonstrate the stable hysteresis characteristics of SMAM and its ability to capture hysteresis phenomena, which could be used for flexible medical devices and surgical robotic systems.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Youngbin Lee, Florian Koehler, Tom Dillon, Gabriel Loke, Yoonho Kim, Juliette Marion, Marc-Joseph Antonini, Indie C. Garwood, Atharva Sahasrabudhe, Keisuke Nagao, Xuanhe Zhao, Yoel Fink, Ellen T. Roche, Polina Anikeeva
Summary: This study leverages advancements in magnetic materials and fiber-based actuators to create three-dimensional magnetic soft robots controlled by unidirectional fields. These robots demonstrate high programmability and scalability, allowing for cargo transportation and simultaneous control of multiple robots in specific environments.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yin Cheng, Kwok Hoe Chan, Xiao-Qiao Wang, Tianpeng Ding, Tongtao Li, Chen Zhang, Wanheng Lu, Yi Zhou, Ghim Wei Ho
Summary: The research introduces a self-healing supramolecular magnetic elastomer (SHSME) with high mechanical strength and fast self-healing capability. This material enables diverse robotic applications such as rapid amphibious function recovery, soft robots with complex geometries, and robotic tasking in confined spaces.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Robotics
Edoardo Milana, Benjamin Gorissen, Eline De Borre, Frederik Ceyssens, Dominiek Reynaerts, Michael De Volder
Summary: This research proposes a fabrication technique using soft lithography to make out-of-plane bending microactuators. It enables the production of miniaturized and high-performance soft microsystems for applications in microfluidics and micromanipulation.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Huiyan Yang, Shiyan Jin, Wei Dawid Wang
Summary: This paper demonstrates a compliant and passive connection strategy using reclosable fasteners as the connection mechanisms for the rapid assembly of various soft machines. Different assembling patterns and improved alignment precision are achieved through the design of multifaceted structures and alignment mechanisms. This approach provides routes to new modular soft robots and devices, with high adaptability and versatility for various application scenarios.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Byron Llerena Zambrano, Csaba Forro, Erik Poloni, Robert Hennig, Pragash Sivananthaguru, Aline F. Renz, Andre R. Studart, Janos Voeroes
Summary: This research demonstrates the manipulation of nanowires using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and vacuum filtration, resulting in different structures of oriented nanowires. The study also investigates the strain-dependent electrical properties of nanowires within composite materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Erik Poloni, Ahmad Rafsanjani, Vadim Place, David Ferretti, Andre R. Studart
Summary: Architectured composites have been developed to exhibit orientation-dependent color changes under ambient light with minimum power input, by rotating reflective coated platelets embedded in a soft polymer matrix. This concept of strain-induced architectured color could be utilized to create low-power smart stretchable displays, tactile synthetic skins, and autonomous soft robotic devices with fast and reversible color changes through mechano-optic coupling within their soft composite architecture.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Caner Unlu, Esranur Budak, Sacide Melek Kestir
Summary: Quantum dots, as versatile fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals, have been effectively utilized in biotechnology for almost three decades for applications such as cell imaging and energy transfer. They have shown great potential in altering the growth rate and photosynthetic activity of photosynthetic organisms. Toxic effects of cadmium-based and carbon-based quantum dots on photosynthetic organisms were also discussed in this review, highlighting the importance of quantum dots in future manipulation of natural photosynthesis.
FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Erik Poloni, Florian Bouville, Alexander L. Schmid, Pedro I. B. G. B. Pelissari, Victor C. Pandolfelli, Marcelo L. C. Sousa, Elena Tervoort, George Christidis, Valery Shklover, Juerg Leuthold, Andre R. Studart
Summary: This study reports the development of bio-inspired porous carbon insulators that enhance heat-shielding performance by tuning the pore size. The researchers identified a polymer additive that enables the formation of desired pore sizes. The insulators with optimal scattering range showed a significant reduction in laser-induced damage.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Selin Gumrukcu, Ramazan Katirci, Mukaddes Ozcesmeci, Caner Unlu, Ibrahim Ozcesmeci
Summary: In this study, a 1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindoline derivative and its zinc complex were synthesized and characterized. The electronic and optical properties of these compounds were investigated, revealing an energy transfer phenomenon induced by the addition of a phenol group.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Erik Poloni, Henning Galinski, Florian Bouville, Bodo Wilts, Leonid Braginsky, David Bless, Valery Shklover, Alba Sicher, Andre R. Studart
Summary: The use of distributed microplatelets for light reflection is an effective way to create color and control optical properties in paints, security features, and optical filters. However, the design and manufacturing of these composite materials are limited due to the complex light-matter interactions that determine their optical response. This study experimentally investigates and analytically calculates the optical reflectance of individual reflective microplatelets and polymer-based composites containing these engineered platelets.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sener Ozonder, Caner Unlu, Cihat Guleryuz, Levent Trabzon
Summary: We performed time-dependent density functional theory calculations on 63 different square-shaped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with side lengths of 1, 1.5, and 2 nm. These GQDs were doped with elements B, N, O, S, and P at dopant percentages of 1.5%, 3%, 5%, and 7%. The results show the systematic variations in the UV-vis absorption spectra of the GQDs with changes in size, dopant type, and dopant percentage.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohamad-Anas Hejazi, Osman Eksik, Cigdem Tasdelen-Yucedag, Caner Unlu, Levent Trabzon
Summary: This article provides an overview of the recent progress in the utilization of carbon nanomaterials and their composites in gas sensing devices. The sensing mechanism, design, preparation techniques, and the influence of modification with other nanomaterials on sensing performance are discussed. The existing challenges and potential improvements for future work are also presented.
EMERGENT MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Merve Erkan, Nida Uk, Ilgin Nar, Caner Unlu
Summary: The photophysical properties of quantum dots can be adjusted by controlling nanocrystal size and composition. This study focuses on ternary and quaternary alloy type cadmium-based quantum dots synthesized using a two-phases synthesis approach. The research sheds light on the variation of photophysical properties in different synthesis compositions.
Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Arnold J. T. M. Mathijssen, Maciej Lisicki, Vivek N. Prakash, Endre J. L. Mossige
Summary: Innovations in fluid mechanics have been improving food throughout history, while creative cooking has led to breakthroughs in science. This review explores how recent advancements in hydrodynamics are impacting food science and culinary arts, as well as how kitchen-related phenomena are driving discoveries in various disciplines such as molecular gastronomy, rheology, and nanotechnology. The paper takes a menu-like structure, focusing on different aspects of culinary fluid mechanics, and discusses the accessibility and inclusivity of scientific knowledge. It also assesses the current state-of-the-art and presents future research directions in both science and gastronomy.
REVIEWS OF MODERN PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Physics, Applied
Tran Thanh Tung, Ana L. C. Pereira, Erik Poloni, Minh Nhat Dang, James Wang, Truong-Son Dinh Le, Young-Jin Kim, Quoc Hue Pho, Md J. Nine, Cameron James Shearer, Volker Hessel, Dusan Losic
Summary: The research community has seen a surge in the exploration of graphene-related two-dimensional materials (GR2Ms) for innovative applications and emerging technologies. However, there is still a challenge in finding simple, low-cost, sustainable, and environmentally friendly methods to manufacture large quantities of high-quality GR2Ms. To overcome this challenge, the top-down irradiation approach has proven to be an effective and eco-friendly technology for scalable exfoliation and processing of GR2Ms, leading to new properties for emerging applications.
APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rodrigo S. Bonatti, Ausdinir D. Bortolozo, Rodrigo F. G. Baldo, Erik Poloni, Wislei R. Osorio
Summary: Powder metallurgy is a preferred manufacturing method due to its advantages in design flexibility, material efficiency, and cost-effective production. This research focuses on studying the influence of different compaction directions on the strength characteristics of parts produced using powder metallurgy. The use of reclaimed powders and careful planning of compaction loads, directions, and heat treatments play a significant role in achieving cost-effective and environmentally friendly processes.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Sacide Melek Kestir, Sultan Sahin Keskin, Ozge Erguder, Nida Uk, Yurdanur Turker, Ilgin Nar, Levent Trabzon, Caner Unlu
Summary: In this study, researchers modified a traditional two-phase synthesis method to successfully synthesize CdTeS quantum dots with precise control over size and photophysical properties. They also demonstrated the interaction between CdTeS quantum dots and other fluorophores, resulting in enhanced fluorescence intensity.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ahmet F. Demiroers, Erik Poloni, Maddalena Chiesa, Fabio L. Bargardi, Marco R. Binelli, Wilhelm Woigk, Lucas D. C. de Castro, Nicole Kleger, Fergal B. Coulter, Alba Sicher, Henning Galinski, Frank Scheffold, Andre R. Studart
Summary: In this study, a 3D printing platform for the assembly of colloidal particles of silica and carbon with programmable structural color is proposed. The printing parameters and ink composition are optimized to achieve objects with tunable structural color. Multimaterial printing is used to create complex-shaped objects with multiple structural colors, offering a new approach for mimicking structural color in natural systems.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Hongri Gu, Emre Hanedan, Quentin Boehler, Tian-Yun Huang, Arnold J. T. M. Mathijssen, Bradley J. Nelson
Summary: Researchers have developed an artificial microtubule that uses embedded micromagnets to guide particles quickly through flow networks, reducing dispersal. This technology could potentially enable precise and fast drug delivery in microvascular networks.
NATURE MACHINE INTELLIGENCE
(2022)
