Biodegradable Soft Robots for Biomedical Innovation From Plant Residues

Date:25 Oct 2022

Country: Korea, Republic of

Application

• Targeted Drug Delivery and Biopsy Tools: Biodegradable soft robots can deliver drugs to specific sites in the body and perform minimally invasive biopsies, degrading naturally after use.
• Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: They serve as scaffolds for stem cells or tissue repair, aiding in the growth and regeneration of biological tissues.

Description

This project focuses on developing biodegradable soft robots made from stimuli-responsive materials that react to triggers like heat, pH, or light. These robots are designed for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and smart actuators, providing eco-friendly and non-invasive solutions. Advanced fabrication methods, such as 3D/4D printing, enable their precise and scalable production. The project addresses challenges like improving material durability and adapting the robots for real-world biomedical applications.

Pathway Description:

The process of making biodegradable soft robots involves photolithography to create precise patterns on biodegradable materials, often combined with self-folding strategies for 3D shapes. 3D/4D printing enables the layer-by-layer construction of programmable structures that change shape over time when exposed to stimuli. Polymerization is used to chemically bond monomers into biodegradable polymers, enabling the creation of flexible, responsive materials. Together, these techniques ensure high precision, scalability, and functionality for biomedical applications.