Rutgers University engineers 4D printed hydrogel structures that shrink and grow depending on temperature, potentially leading to advances in biomedicine, robotics and space exploration

Briefing

Rutgers University engineers 4D printed hydrogel structures that shrink and grow depending on temperature, potentially leading to advances in biomedicine, robotics and space exploration

February 5, 2018

Briefing
  • 4D Printed Hydrogel – Rutgers University engineers discovered fast and scalable way to print 4D hydrogel structures that can shrink or grow using commercially-available 3D printers
  • Temperature-Based Shape – Hydrogel structure can grow by absorbing more water from environment at temperature below 32 degrees Celsius, and shrink at above 32 degrees Celsius by releasing water from main body
  • Printing Process – Used lithography-based technique to print special resin composed of hydrogel, chemical binding agent, and photosensitive chemicals that control light penetration and facilitate bonding
  • Potential Applications – Can lead to innovation in sensors, soft robotics, biomedical devices, artificial human tissue production and space exploration

Accelerator
3D Printing

Sector
Cross-sector

Organization
Rutgers University

Source

Original Publication Date
February 1, 2018

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