A Facile Approach for 4D Microprinting of Multi?Photoresponsive Actuators

For microscale 4D photoresponsive actuators, light is crucial in two ways. First, the underlying additive manufacturing techniques rely on photopolymerization processes triggered by absorption of light. Second, serves as actuation stimulus. The absorptions can be conflicting. While microstructure requires strong at wavelength(s), this should not interfere with that process. Herein, a simple strategy proposed to overcome these limitations and allow for fabrication multi-photoresponsive 3D microstructures actuated different wavelengths Two-photon laser printing selected technique liquid crystalline (LC) elastomers functional materials. In first step, are fabricated using an aligned LC ink formulation. Thereafter, up five dyes exhibiting extend over entire visible regime (400–700 nm) successfully incorporated into exchange process enabling programmable irradiating suitable wavelength. Furthermore, combining orthogonal absorptions, wavelength-selective actuations demonstrated.