Descripción del proyecto
Polímeros iónicos electromecánicamente activos: actuadores/sensores biomiméticos y biocompatibles
El campo de la robótica blanda para robots industriales que imitan sistemas biológicos ha avanzado a pasos agigantados. Pese a ello, la mayoría de estos sistemas sigue haciendo uso de piezas rígidas para los proceso de detección y accionamiento. Los polímeros electromecánicamente activos (PEA), capaces de responder a la estimulación eléctrica externa con un cambio de tamaño o forma, son excelentes candidatos para sustituir a muchos materiales rígidos. Los PEA han sido objeto de décadas de investigación que han traído consigo enormes avances en este campo. Sin embargo, para permitir su aplicación en campos como la biotecnología o ingeniería biomédica, antes se requiere disponer de PEA biocompatibles. Con el apoyo de la iniciativa Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, el proyecto BIOACT tratará de paliar esta necesidad. Para ello, el proyecto se centrará en los polímeros iónicos electromecánicamente activos aprovechando los conocimientos en química orgánica, electroquímica, toxicología y simulaciones computacionales.
Objetivo
Bioinspired devices and soft robotics are of great interest in nowadays science and technology. Technological development towards biomimetic systems requires replacement of traditional actuators. Most of the industrial robots consist of joined rigid parts, but in nature biological structures are flexible and generate motion without motors and other rigid mechanical constituents. Electromechanically active polymers (EAPs) are potential materials for preparation of biomimetic devices. These stimuli responsive materials have been in the focus of intense research already for decades and have gone through significant development during this time in terms of work output and operation voltage. However, proposed applications for EAPs in biotechnology and biomedical engineering require biocompatible materials. Preparation of EAP actuators/sensors from entirely biocompatible materials is still remained an unattained challenge and will be the aim of the current project. Developed materials have high commercialization potential and influence to our everyday life due to applications in medical devices and consumers electronics (smart prosthesis, soft haptic devices, wearable electronics). Therefore the project is in accordance with European Research Area and Innovation Union Flagship Initiative principles to get more innovation out of the research. Successful accomplishment of the project goals enhance the experienced researcher's career prospects by complementing her experiences in organic chemistry with new knowledge in electrochemisty, toxicology and computational simulations.
Ámbito científico
- natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistry
- natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringroboticssoft robotics
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologyimplants
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinador
51005 Tartu
Estonia