
This octopus has color-changing cells, called chromatophores, in its skin, a phenomenon that inspired Rutgers engineers.
Photo: NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program, Galapagos Rift Expedition 2011
Rutgers engineers’ invention can become color-changing ‘artificial muscle’
Inspired by the color-changing skin of cuttlefish, octopuses and squids, Rutgers engineers have created a 3D-printed smart gel that changes shape when exposed to light, becomes “artificial muscle” and may lead to new military camouflage, soft robotics and flexible displays.
The engineers also developed a 3D-printed stretchy material that can reveal colors when light changes, according to their study in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
Their invention is modeled after the amazing ability of cephalopods such as cuttlefish, octopuses and squids to change the color and texture of their soft skin for camouflage and communication. This is achieved by the thousands of color-changing cells, called chromatophores, in their skin.
“Electronic displays are everywhere and despite remarkable advances, such as becoming thinner, larger and brighter, they’re based on rigid materials, limiting the shapes they can take and how they interface with 3D surfaces,” said senior author Howon Lee, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the School of Engineering at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. “Our research supports a new engineering approach featuring camouflage that can be added to soft materials and create flexible, colorful displays.”
Rutgers engineers developed a 3D printable hydrogel, or smart gel, that senses light and changes shape as a result. Hydrogels, which keep their shape and stay solid despite containing water, are found in the human body, Jell-O, diapers and contact lenses, among many examples.
The engineers incorporated a light-sensing nanomaterial in the hydrogel, turning it into an “artificial muscle” that contracts in response to changes in light. The light-sensing smart gel, combined with the 3D-printed stretchy material, changes color, resulting in a camouflage effect.
Next steps include improving the technology’s sensitivity, response time, scalability, packaging and durability.
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- Rutgers engineers create 3D-printed smart gel inspired by cephalopodson January 21, 2021 at 9:05 pm
Inspired by the camouflage mechanisms of cephalopods, Rutgers engineers have created a 3D-printed smart gel that changes shape and color when exposed to light, according to their study.
- New materials contract, change color in response to lighton January 14, 2021 at 7:33 am
Engineers from New Jersey’s Rutgers University have developed a 3D-printed smart gel and stretchy material that combined will change color and shape in response to light exposure. Taking inspiration ...
- 3D Printed Smart Gel Adapts Colour and Shape with Lighton January 11, 2021 at 12:38 pm
A team of engineers at Rutgers University have developed a 3D printed smart gel that is able to sense and change according light exposure, becoming “artificial muscle”. The smart gel was inspired by ...
- This 3D-Printed Gel Changes Shape When Exposed to Lighton January 5, 2021 at 7:12 am
Inspired by the color-changing skin of cuttlefish, octopuses, and squids, Rutgers engineers have created a 3D-printed smart gel that changes shape when exposed to light, becomes "artificial muscle," ...
- 3D-printed smart gel changes shape when exposed to lighton January 5, 2021 at 6:52 am
3D-printed smart gel changes shape when exposed to light Engineers' invention can become color-changing 'artificial muscle' Date: January 5, 2021 Source: Rutgers University Summary: Inspired by ...
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