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Review
Conjugated Polymer Actuators for Biomedical Applications
Article first published online: 20 MAR 2003
DOI: 10.1002/adma.200390113
© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Additional Information
How to Cite
Smela, E. (2003), Conjugated Polymer Actuators for Biomedical Applications. Adv. Mater., 15: 481–494. doi: 10.1002/adma.200390113
Publication History
- Issue published online: 20 MAR 2003
- Article first published online: 20 MAR 2003
- Manuscript Accepted: 30 DEC 2002
- Manuscript Received: 27 AUG 2002
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Actuators;
- Biomedical applications;
- Polymers, conjugated;
- Polypyrrole
Abstract
Conjugated polymers are electroactive and have found applications as artificial muscles. Actuators that have been developed over the last decade have now reached the early stages of commercialization, particularly for use in biomedical devices. This article reviews the motivation for using this class of actuator, the types of devices that have been fabricated, and some of the biomedical applications that are being developed. Recommendations are presented for future work on understanding the actuation mechanisms, on actuator design, and on the measurement of metrics.