Biomimetic intracellular matrix (ICM) materials, properties and functions. Full integration of actuators and sensors

Abstract

The electrochemistry of conducting polymers, and other organic compounds, originates biomimetic (intracellular matrix, ICM, reactive gels) materials, properties and devices here reviewed. One reaction changes several properties (multifunctionality): one device can integrate different actuators (artificial muscles, batteries, smart windows) and sensors (temperature, concentration, mechanical). Actuating (current and charge) and sensing (potential) magnitudes are present in the two connecting wires, and can be read by the computer, at any working time mimicking brain–organs dialog. The theoretical description of any multi-functional device envisages intelligent gel robots. The kinetic magnitudes of the reaction become a function of the conformational structure: predictive structural, chemical and biochemical kinetics are emerging.