Carbon MEMS
Polymer Actuators
Research Background
Conducting polymers show great potentials as electro-mechanical actuator materials. The actuation mechanism in the case of redox polymers is based on the migration of ions in and out of the polymer during redox cycling. Among other polymers, Polypyrrole is a material of choice. Polypyrrole actuators in particular can generate a strain of 1%-3% under proper electrochemical excitation, thereby generating a high stress (100-1000 times greater than a skeletal muscle). They require low voltage for actuation (1 V or less), are biocompatible, and operate ideally in liquid electrolytes (including biofluids). All these features make them very promising for biomedical applications.
The Madou Group is currently working on responsive drug delivery applications of polymer actuators. We are making arrays of drug reservoirs covered with small polymer valves. A biosensor controls the opening and closing of the valves, and the required amount of drug is released. To minimize valve leakage and to simplify the fabrication of the polymer actuators. We are doing research on new polymer actuator array designs and alternative fabrication methods.
In addition, we are looking at how polypyrrole actuators might be used to assist in micromachined DNA hybridization devices. For example, they might be used for mixing to increase mass transport. These are just some of the many applications of polymer actuators.
Related Collaborators & Start-Ups
Relevant Publications
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Projects
Pictures to come...