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Abstract:
The next generation of biomedical tools requires reshapeable electronics to
closely interface with biological tissues. This will offer unique mechanical
properties and the ability to conform to irregular geometries while being robust
and lightweight. Such devices can be achieved with soft materials and thin-film
structures that are able to reshape on demand. However, reshaping at the
submillimeter scale remains a challenging task. Herein, shape-controlled
microscale devices are demonstrated that integrate electronic sensors and
electroactive polymer actuators. The fast and biocompatible actuators are capable
of actively reshaping the device into flat or curved geometries. The curvature and
position of the devices are monitored with strain or magnetic sensors. The sensor
signals are used in a closed feedback loop to control the actuators. The devices
are wafer-scale microfabricated resulting in multiple functional units capable
of grasping, holding, and releasing biological tissues, as demonstrated with a
neuronal bundle.
