Microfabricated electroactive polymer benders for cell handling

The study for the development of a microbender based on conducting polymer actuators and finalized for the handling of cells is here presented. The device is similar to other proposed wet systems but it works in dry conditions. The authors intend to use the actuators for controlled release of different substances to stimulate in different ways the cells. They have developed a special deposition device capable of managing small quantities of material. The thickness and height of polymer deposited can be controlled by varying the polymer concentration and the deposition speed. The bending device is constituted of two electroactive polymer (EAP) elements made of conducting polymers (CP) with an interposed film of solid polymer electrolyte, SPE and two electrodes which give the electrochemical stimulation to the EAP. To predict the response of these actuators, the authors modified a model proposed for piezoelectric materials and adapted it to describe the behavior of CP's and they used also finite element model analysis to simulate its bending.