Dandelion-Inspired, Wind-Dispersed Polymer-Assembly Controlled by Light.

ABSTRACT: The rise of stimuli-responsive polymers has brought about a wealth of materials for small-scale, wirelessly controlled soft-bodied robots. Thinking beyond conventional robotic mobilities already demonstrated in synthetic systems, such as walking, swimming and jumping, flying in air by dispersal, gliding, or even hovering is a frontier yet to be explored by responsive materials. The demanding requirements for actuator's performance, lightweight, and effective aerodynamic design underlie the grand challenges. Here, a soft matter-based porous structure capable of wind-assisted dispersal and lift-off/landing action under the control of a light beam is reported. The design is inspired by the seed of dandelion, resembling several biomimetic features, i.e., high porosity, lightweight, and separat

SUBMITTER: Yang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9982548 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature