Light driven microscopic hydrogel objects

The aim of the project is to produce and control the body movements of microscopic hydrogel objects for which the volume phase transition from a swollen to a de swollen state induces (i) bending and torsional movements and (ii) can be manipulated by a rapid temperature change due to near-infrared light. Light as an energy source combined with the ability of the soft-hydrogel to actively respond and adapt to stress enabled the development of fast microactuator and microswimmers.