Programmable folding triggered by temperature and DNA

Temperature and biomolecule responsive materials allow the creation of wireless devices that respond autonomously to physiological or environmental cues without the need for any external tethers of power sources. However, it can be challenging to realize the same level of control and programmability that can be achieved with wired electrical or pneumatic devices. In addition, controllable folding of atomically thin films using these stimuli has proven challenging, especially under conditions compatible with living systems. In this talk, the design, fabrication and characterization of temperature and DNA responsive soft shape change devices will be discussed including those that display programmability, multi-state and complex shape change. Gels and soft-material hybrids including those with ultra-stiff yet ultra-thin graphene are patterned using multilayer photolithography or 3D printing; the swelling or collapse of gels or stimuli responsive polymers drives folding. Experiments are guided by mechanics and mulstiscale simulations and this synergy enables a high level of design. In addition to the intellectual elements, potential applications of these shape change and self-folding devices in electronics, optics, biosensing and medicine will be highlighted.