Researchers at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) have developed a 4D printer capable of producing smart materials with magneto-and electro-mechanical properties. The technology will enable the creation of soft multifunctional structures that mimic biological tissues, with the ability to modify their electric properties or change their shape in response to magnetic fields.
Magnetic Particles
This development opens up new possibilities for creating soft robots and smart sensors and substrates that can transmit signals to different cellular systems. The technology uses a novel 4D printing methodology that enables the control of 3D structures and the ability to change their properties in response to external magnetic fields or electric currents.
The material used in the printing is a soft polymer matrix embedded with magnetic particles that enable self-healing. This material can be used to create smart substrates for cell proliferation or migration, as well as soft robots that can be controlled by magnetic fields.
“We can think of sensors that, attached to our body, collect information about our movement from variations in electric conductivity- in addition, the material’s self-healing capability allows the design of sensors with binary signals,” said Daniel Garcia González, researcher at UC3M.
“For example, if we have had a knee injury and need to limit rotation to a maximum value, we can incorporate a small band of this material over our joint. This way, when we exceed this maximum rotation, the material will break showing an abrupt change in its electric properties, thus providing a warning signal. However, when returning the knee to a relaxed state, the material’s healing capability will result in recovery of the electric signal. This way we can monitor our movements and warn of risky conditions after surgery or during rehabilitation periods”
The material’s self-healing capabilities and its ability to change electric conductivity properties open up possibilities for developing sensors to monitor body movements during rehabilitation or after surgery.
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