Programmable spatial magnetization stereolithographic printing of biomimetic soft machines with thin-walled structures

Abstract Soft machines respond to external magnetic stimuli with targeted shape changes and motions due to anisotropic magnetization, showing great potential in biomimetic applications. However, mimicking biological functionalities, particularly the complex hollow structures of organs and their dyna...

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Main Authors: Xianghe Meng, Shishi Li, Xingjian Shen, Chenyao Tian, Liyang Mao, Hui Xie
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2024-11-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54773-2
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author Xianghe Meng
Shishi Li
Xingjian Shen
Chenyao Tian
Liyang Mao
Hui Xie
author_facet Xianghe Meng
Shishi Li
Xingjian Shen
Chenyao Tian
Liyang Mao
Hui Xie
author_sort Xianghe Meng
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Soft machines respond to external magnetic stimuli with targeted shape changes and motions due to anisotropic magnetization, showing great potential in biomimetic applications. However, mimicking biological functionalities, particularly the complex hollow structures of organs and their dynamic behaviors, remains challenging. Here, we develop a printing method based on three-dimensional uniform magnetic field-assisted stereolithography to fabricate thin-walled soft machines with internal cavities and programmable magnetization. This printing technique employs Halbach arrays and an electromagnetic solenoid to generate an adjustable uniform magnetic field (up to 80 millitesla), efficiently orienting ferromagnetic particles, followed by solidification with patterned ultraviolet light. A support strategy and optimized material composition enhance printing stability and success rates. Our developed method enables fabrication of magnetic-driven soft machines capable of peristaltic propulsion, unidirectional fluid transport, periodic pumping action, and intake-expulsion deformation. These structures, achieving hollow ratios as high as 0.92 and enabling parallel manufacturing, highlight this technique’s considerable potential for biomedical applications by emulating complex biological behaviors and functions.
format Article
id doaj-art-ae1977f4d3e64ed687bca93c7e66f8e6
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issn 2041-1723
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publishDate 2024-11-01
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spelling doaj-art-ae1977f4d3e64ed687bca93c7e66f8e62025-08-20T02:08:20ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232024-11-0115111410.1038/s41467-024-54773-2Programmable spatial magnetization stereolithographic printing of biomimetic soft machines with thin-walled structuresXianghe Meng0Shishi Li1Xingjian Shen2Chenyao Tian3Liyang Mao4Hui Xie5State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of TechnologyState Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of TechnologyState Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of TechnologyState Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of TechnologyState Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of TechnologyState Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of TechnologyAbstract Soft machines respond to external magnetic stimuli with targeted shape changes and motions due to anisotropic magnetization, showing great potential in biomimetic applications. However, mimicking biological functionalities, particularly the complex hollow structures of organs and their dynamic behaviors, remains challenging. Here, we develop a printing method based on three-dimensional uniform magnetic field-assisted stereolithography to fabricate thin-walled soft machines with internal cavities and programmable magnetization. This printing technique employs Halbach arrays and an electromagnetic solenoid to generate an adjustable uniform magnetic field (up to 80 millitesla), efficiently orienting ferromagnetic particles, followed by solidification with patterned ultraviolet light. A support strategy and optimized material composition enhance printing stability and success rates. Our developed method enables fabrication of magnetic-driven soft machines capable of peristaltic propulsion, unidirectional fluid transport, periodic pumping action, and intake-expulsion deformation. These structures, achieving hollow ratios as high as 0.92 and enabling parallel manufacturing, highlight this technique’s considerable potential for biomedical applications by emulating complex biological behaviors and functions.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54773-2
spellingShingle Xianghe Meng
Shishi Li
Xingjian Shen
Chenyao Tian
Liyang Mao
Hui Xie
Programmable spatial magnetization stereolithographic printing of biomimetic soft machines with thin-walled structures
Nature Communications
title Programmable spatial magnetization stereolithographic printing of biomimetic soft machines with thin-walled structures
title_full Programmable spatial magnetization stereolithographic printing of biomimetic soft machines with thin-walled structures
title_fullStr Programmable spatial magnetization stereolithographic printing of biomimetic soft machines with thin-walled structures
title_full_unstemmed Programmable spatial magnetization stereolithographic printing of biomimetic soft machines with thin-walled structures
title_short Programmable spatial magnetization stereolithographic printing of biomimetic soft machines with thin-walled structures
title_sort programmable spatial magnetization stereolithographic printing of biomimetic soft machines with thin walled structures
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54773-2
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