Project description
Ionic electromechanically active polymers: biomimetic and biocompatible actuator/sensors
The field of soft robotics for industrial robots mimicking biological systems has advanced tremendously. Most still rely on rigid parts for sensing and actuation. Electromechanically active polymers (EAPs) that respond to external electrical stimulation with a change in size or shape are excellent candidates to replace many rigid materials. EAPs have been the subject of decades of research, and tremendous progress has been achieved. However, to enable their application in biotechnology and biomedical engineering, biocompatible EAPs are required. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BIOACT project will address this unmet need. The project will focus on ionic electromechanically active polymers harnessing organic chemistry, electrochemistry, toxicology and computational simulations.
Objective
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.
Fields of science
- 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
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinator
51005 Tartu
Estonia