Self-folding of microfibers for constructing complex 3D structures

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15H05513
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Intelligent mechanics/Mechanical systems
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: Onoe Hiroaki 慶應義塾大学, 理工学部(矢上), 准教授 (30548681)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 自己折りたたみ / 刺激応答性ゲル / マイクロ流体デバイス / ハイドロゲル / マイクロファイバ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study is to establish a technology to form complicated three-dimensional structures by self-folding of stimuli-responsive swelling/shrinking hydrogel microfibers. Using microfluidic devices, hydrogel microfibers where stimuli-responsive materials were spatially patterned were fabricated. By stimulating those microfibers by changing temperature or pH, we successfully demonstrated spring-shaped soft actuators that largely expands and contracts, tubular micropumps that can deliver liquid inside, and artificial muscle actuators composed of bundled microfibers.

Free Research Field

マイクロナノ工学