Light-Controlled Graphene-Elastin Composite Hydrogel Actuators

TLDR

Hydrogel actuators that reversibly respond to stimuli are useful in many fields, but faster response rates and precise control over actuation timing and location are needed. To address these criteria, we synthesized near‑infrared light‑driven hydrogels by interfacing genetically engineered elastin‑like polypeptides with reduced‑graphene oxide sheets. The authors created nanocomposite hydrogels by combining engineered elastin‑like polypeptides with reduced‑graphene oxide sheets to enable near‑infrared light responsiveness. The nanocomposites displayed rapid, tunable motions controlled by light position, intensity, and path, enabling finger‑like flexing and crawling, demonstrating that rationally designed proteins can be combined with synthetic nanoparticles to produce macroscale functional materials.

Abstract

Hydrogels actuators (HAs) that can reversibly respond to stimuli have applications in diverse fields. However, faster response rates and improved control over actuation timing and location are required to fulfill their potential. To address these criteria, we synthesized near-infrared light-driven HAs by interfacing genetically engineered elastin-like polypeptides with reduced-graphene oxide sheets. The resulting nanocomposites exhibited rapid and tunable motions controlled by light position, intensity, and path, including finger-like flexing and crawling. This work demonstrates the ability of rationally designed proteins to be combined with synthetic nanoparticles for the creation of macroscale functional materials.