Cation-induced shape programming and morphing in protein-based hydrogels
Smart materials or advanced materials that can memorize a temporary shape and morph in response to a stimulus can revolutionize medicine and robotics. In a new study now on Science Advances, Luai R. Khoury and a research team in the department of physics at the University of Wisconsin-Miluwaukee U.S. introduced an innovative approach to program protein hydrogels and induce shape changes at room temperature in aqueous solutions. The team demonstrated their approach using hydrogels made of serum albumin, the most abundant protein in blood plasma. The scientists synthesized the protein in a cylindrical or flower shape and programmed the gels into a spring or ring shape. They performed the programming by changing the stiffness of the material by inducing the adsorption of Zinc (Zn2+) or Copper (Cu2+) cations. The programmed biomaterials could morph back into their original shape as the cations diffused outside of the hydrogel material. The method is...