Objectif Living organisms teach us how to design material structures that can move autonomously. Such motility is not restricted to animated organisms but can also originate from local differences t expansion coefficients in ligneous compounds. This challenges the design of micro-objects that can perform mechanical work and undergo locomotion. Irrespective of the specific material, three fundamental tasks must be solved: (i) to fuel the material for the actuation; (ii) to control the morphing of the object in time and space; and (iii) to establish a feed-back mechanism that enables timing of a sequence of steps. The later refers to an integrated clock function in order to pulse the energy input for distinct mechanical strokes. Within JELLYCLOCK, we address all three questions at the example of light driven hydrogel micro-objects. We have developed light sensitive microgels that change their shape within milliseconds. IR-irradiation of gold nanorods, entrapped in a thermosensitive hydrogel, is used to heat the gel from inside and enable a gradated spatial and temporal control of its swelling and shrinking. The water-based actuation will be directed to generate a non-reciprocal deformation as required for locomotion at low Reynolds numbers. So far, a directed cyclic deformation action relies on the outside modulation of the irradiation. We will extent this concept by introducing self-oscillating absorption efficiency, so that a stepwise body deformation becomes feasible under continuous irradiation. The project comprises (1) the advanced design of hydrogel based actuators driven by modulated light, (2) achievement of a precise control of the deformation in time and space , and as the actual disruptive step, (3) the realization of a self-sustaining pulsation under continuous near IR irradiation. Such soft micro engines strike a new path to micro-robotics for biomedical or biomechanical applications, or to create micro devices that could mix, sort and circulate fluid. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriologynatural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciencesmedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologystrokeengineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materialsnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrymetalloids Mots‑clés Bioinspired Materials Engineering Responsive Materials Morphing Selfpropelling Soft Colloids Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Thème(s) ERC-ADG-2015 - ERC Advanced Grant Appel à propositions ERC-2015-AdG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant Institution d’accueil DWI LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FUR INTERAKTIVE MATERIALIEN EV Contribution nette de l'UE € 2 280 000,00 Adresse FORCKENBECKSTRASSE 50 52074 Aachen Allemagne Voir sur la carte Région Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Städteregion Aachen Type d’activité Research Organisations Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 2 280 000,00 Bénéficiaires (1) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution nette de l'UE Tout développer Tout réduire DWI LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FUR INTERAKTIVE MATERIALIEN EV Allemagne Contribution nette de l'UE € 2 280 000,00 Adresse FORCKENBECKSTRASSE 50 52074 Aachen Voir sur la carte Région Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Städteregion Aachen Type d’activité Research Organisations Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 2 280 000,00