Electrophoretic fabrication of an active and selective wrinkle surface on hydrogels

Abstract

We developed a novel method for the fabrication of a wrinkle structure on the hydrogel surface in aqueous conditions by the electrophoretic formation of a polyion complex. The wrinkling wavelength was controlled by changing the electrophoresis conditions and Young's modulus of the hydrogels. It was possible to prepare the patterned and gradient wrinkle surface by modulating the electrode installation. An active wrinkle on the surface of the thermoresponsive hydrogel could be switched to a flat and wrinkle surface by changing the temperature.