Supramolecular Soft Robotics

Using a concept in the chemistry of non-covalent intermolecular interaction, PolyU researchers are able to fabricate novel supramolecular soft robotic materials with the smallest machine in the world, “artificial molecular machinery”.

The photoresponsive molecular amphiphiles are composed of photoresponsive molecular switching units, oil soluble, and water-soluble motifs, providing intrinsic structural and functional properties in its nanostructures.

The nanostructures are forming the supramolecular soft robotic material through supramolecular interaction. Upon UV light irradiation, the supramolecular soft robotic material provides muscle-like motion. The supramolecular soft robotic material can serve as a growth scaffold for stem cells without losing photoresponsive properties.

The team is hoping to further develop these highly dynamic, reversible and biocompatible supramolecular soft actuators into future soft robotics materials. The team will further improve the biocompatibility by using less harmful visible-light to substitute bio-damaging UV-light so as to speed up the progress in applying as tissue regenerative materials.