Highly robust and soft biohybrid mechanoluminescence for optical signaling and illumination

Chenghai Li, Qiguang He, Yang Wang, Zhijian Wang, Zijun Wang, Raja Annapooranan, Michael I. Latz and Shengqiang Cai ()
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Chenghai Li: University of California, San Diego
Qiguang He: University of California, San Diego
Yang Wang: University of California, San Diego
Zhijian Wang: University of California, San Diego
Zijun Wang: University of California, San Diego
Raja Annapooranan: University of California, San Diego
Michael I. Latz: University of California, San Diego
Shengqiang Cai: University of California, San Diego

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Biohybrid is a newly emerging and promising approach to construct soft robotics and soft machines with novel functions, high energy efficiency, great adaptivity and intelligence. Despite many unique advantages of biohybrid systems, it is well known that most biohybrid systems have a relatively short lifetime, require complex fabrication process, and only remain functional with careful maintenance. Herein, we introduce a simple method to create a highly robust and power-free soft biohybrid mechanoluminescence, by encapsulating dinoflagellates, bioluminescent unicellular marine algae, into soft elastomeric chambers. The dinoflagellates retain their intrinsic bioluminescence, which is a near-instantaneous light response to mechanical forces. We demonstrate the robustness of various geometries of biohybrid mechanoluminescent devices, as well as potential applications such as visualizing external mechanical perturbations, deformation-induced illumination, and optical signaling in a dark environment. Our biohybrid mechanoluminescent devices are ultra-sensitive with fast response time and can maintain their light emission capability for weeks without special maintenance.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31705-6

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