Bi-enzymatic chemo-mechanical feedback loop for continuous self-sustained actuation of conducting polymers

Serena Arnaboldi, Gerardo Salinas, Sabrina Bichon, Sebastien Gounel, Nicolas Mano and Alexander Kuhn ()
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Serena Arnaboldi: Univ. degli Studi di Milano
Gerardo Salinas: University Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255
Sabrina Bichon: Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, University Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5031
Sebastien Gounel: Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, University Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5031
Nicolas Mano: Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, University Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5031
Alexander Kuhn: University Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Artificial actuators have been extensively studied due to their wide range of applications from soft robotics to biomedicine. Herein we introduce an autonomous bi-enzymatic system where reversible motion is triggered by the spontaneous oxidation and reduction of glucose and oxygen, respectively. This chemo-mechanical actuation is completely autonomous and does not require any external trigger to induce self-sustained motion. The device takes advantage of the asymmetric uptake and release of ions on the anisotropic surface of a conducting polymer strip, occurring during the operation of the enzymes glucose oxidase and bilirubin oxidase immobilized on its surface. Both enzymes are connected via a redox polymer at each extremity of the strip, but at the opposite faces of the polymer film. The time-asymmetric consumption of both fuels by the enzymatic reactions produces a double break of symmetry of the film, leading to autonomous actuation. An additional break of symmetry, introduced by the irreversible overoxidation of one extremity of the polymer film, leads to a crawling-type motion of the free-standing polymer film. These reactions occur in a virtually unlimited continuous loop, causing long-term autonomous actuation of the device.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42153-1

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