Ternary complex formation inducing large expansions of chemomechanical polymers by metal chelators, aminoacids and peptides as effectors

Formation of supramolecular ternary complexes within a functionalized hydrogel are shown for the first time to lead to large macroscopic motions with biologically important effectors such as aminoacids and peptides. The mechanical motions can be made reversible by the addition of external metal ion complexing agents, and represent also chemical logical gate functions, operating without external devices or power supply.