Synthesis of body temperature-triggerable dynamic liquid crystal elastomers using Diels-Alder crosslinkers

Abstract

Novel liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) with solely Diels-Alder dynamic covalent bonds (DADCBs) as crosslinks and body temperature sensitivity have been developed. The appealing attributes of the material, such as recyclability, reprogrammability and reconfigurability, have led to soft actuators capable of reversible deformation stimulated by shifting between ambient and body temperature, highlighting the potential for innovative applications in the biomedical field.