Hydrogel-based microactuators with remote-controlled locomotion and fast Pb2+-response for micromanipulation

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2013 Aug 14;5(15):7219-26. doi: 10.1021/am401570k. Epub 2013 Jul 18.

Abstract

Hydrogel-based microactuators that enable remote-controlled locomotion and fast Pb(2+)-response for micromanipulation in Pb(2+)-polluted microenvironment have been fabricated from quadruple-component double emulsions. The microactuators are Pb(2+)-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-benzo-18-crown-6-acrylamide) microgels, each with an eccentric magnetic core for magnetic manipulation and a hollow cavity for fast Pb(2+)-response. Micromanipulation of the microactuators is demonstrated by using them for preventing Pb(2+)-leakage from microchannel. The microactuators can be remotely and precisely transported to the Pb(2+)-leaking site under magnetic guide, and then clog the microchannel with Pb(2+)-responsive volume swelling to prevent flowing out of Pb(2+)-contaminated solution. The proposed microactuator structure provides a potential and novel model for developing multifunctional actuators and sensors, biomimetic soft microrobots, microelectro-mechanical systems and drug delivery systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrylamides / chemistry
  • Biomimetics*
  • Crown Ethers
  • Emulsions
  • Gels
  • Glycine max
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Lead / chemistry*
  • Magnetics
  • Microfluidics
  • Micromanipulation / instrumentation*
  • Micromanipulation / methods*
  • Movement
  • Plant Oils
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Acrylamides
  • Crown Ethers
  • Emulsions
  • Gels
  • Hydrogels
  • Plant Oils
  • Polymers
  • Lead
  • 18-crown-6
  • N-isopropylacrylamide