Actively-moving materials based on stimuli-responsive polymers

Abstract

This review addresses recent developments in actively moving materials based on stimuli-responsive polymers on the scale from single molecules to polymer networks. The examples of application of stimuli-responsive polymers for design of actuators, sensors, active elements in microfluidic devices, materials with switchable optical properties as well as biomaterials are discussed. Emphasis is given to biohybrid materials consisting of synthetic and living components as well as stimuli-responsive materials inspired by nature.