Behavior in electric fields of smart hydrogels with potential application as bio-inspired actuators

This study investigated the possibility of using hydrogels as artificial muscle. Hydrogels fully swollen in a 0.9 wt% aqueous NaCl solution were inserted between a pair of platinum electrodes and an electric field was applied. The PAAc/PV SA copolymer hydrogels exhibited electrically induced contraction with concomitant deformation. The contractile behavior increased with increasing time and intensity of the electrical stimulus. These deformations were sensitive to the electric field and hydrogels, when placed in an electrochemical cell, may allow the electrical activation of artificial muscle. These results highlight the potential of developing an electrically activated hydrogel for use as artificial muscle and muscle actuators.