Soft Material–Based Photo Actuators in Microfluidics

This chapter delves into photo actuators, examining their classifications and photo-responsive behaviors across materials like hydrogels, polymers, and liquid crystals. It shows the uses of these actuators in industries including soft robotics, micropumps, and nanodevices and investigates the principles underlying them, including photothermal, photochemical, and photoelectric effects. The chapter also discusses advancements like light-driven bimorph actuators and carbon nanotube-based systems, emphasizing their potential in modern technologies. It outlines future directions focused on improving efficiency, response times, and durability, positioning photo actuators as key innovations in material science and engineering.