Reagent-Free Programming of Shape-Memory Behavior in Gelatin by Electron Beams: Experiments and Modeling

They say an e00exl00exe00exp00exh00exa00exn00ext never forgets{}but your d00exe00exs00exs00exe00exr00ext? In this study, energetic electron beams are employed to induce the shape-memory effect in pure off-the-shelf gelatin, $i.e.$ unadulterated by undesirable additives. This is experimentally demonstrated by programming actuators to perform complex shape changes. Also presented is a semi-empirical force field that is capable of predicting the experimental observations in molecular-dynamics calculations. This combined experimental and theoretical framework opens the potential for large-scale use of this suddenly smart material, in biomedical applications and beyond.