Self-Folding Smart 3D Microstructures Using a Hydrogel-Parylene Bilayer

This paper describes a new method of fabricating 3D microstructure by using the self-folding of hydrogel-parylene bilayer. The environmental responsive properties of the hydrogel allows for automated bending 3D microstructures upon exposure to a chemical or physical stimuli. For a highly cross-linked pH-sensitive hydrogel, bending of the bilayer structure can be completed in 6 seconds when pH value is changed from 2.0 to 9.0.