Autonomous Switching of Self-Propelled Motion Modes of Hinokitiol-Fueled Elastomer Matrices.

ABSTRACT: Programmable self-propelled motion underpins essential biological functions and serves as a powerful inspiration in the design of dynamic synthetic materials. While significant progress has been made in developing self-propelled systems, most existing strategies rely on external stimuli or the incorporation of coupled oscillatory chemical reactions to achieve mode switching. In contrast, approaches that enable intrinsic switching between motion modes─such as from continuous to oscillatory─without external control remain limited. In this study, we introduce a self-propelled disk utilizing hinokitiol as a surface-active "fuel" within a polystyrene elastomer matrix, floating on the water surface. Hinokitiol-containing disks exhibited spontaneous transitions from continuous to oscillatory move

SUBMITTER: Holstein LR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12576836 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature