Supramolecular systems based on dielectric elastomer actuators for biomimetic and biomedical applications

So-called ElectroActive Polymers (EAP) currently offer attractive properties as “smart” materials for supramolecular electromechanical transduction, suitable for actuation devices capable of mimicking functional characteristics of biological muscles and structures. Within the broad EAP family, dielectric elastomers represent one of the most performing classes of materials, able to show superior electromechanical properties. This chapter presents the ongoing research activities and the latest results achieved in our lab for the development of soft actuators made of dielectric elastomers, along with their possible uses for biomimetic and biomedical systems. Devices here described exploit the basic principle of operation of any dielectric elastomer actuator, i.e. an electrical squeezing of an elastomeric insulator, although specifically implemented by means of different structural configurations with tailored active features. In particular, new actuators shaped as contractile linear devices are emphasised, with reference to possible applications currently considered.