Conjugated Polymers as Actuators for Medical Devices and Microsystems

In conducting polymers ion transport occurs during the (electro-)chemical oxidation and reduction of the polymer. This redox change results in a change of material properties such as conductivity, electrochromism, and wettability. The ion transport during this redox switching has also been used in drug release applications. This reversible intercalation motion of the ions also results in a volume change of conducting polymers. These materials were proposed as actuator materials by Baughman et al. for their large strains and low operating potentials. The first such conducting polymer-based actuator was demonstrated in the early 90’s by Pei and Inganäs. The phenomenon was thereafter demonstrated by other laboratories and the new field of conjugated polymer actuators emerged. Initial research was focused on understanding the physical principles behind the electrochemically induced actuation and exploring the limitations