Solvent-responsive deformation of magnetic pollen platform for cargo transportation

Abstract

Pollen paper, made from pollen grains, is an innovation that contributes to a sustainable future and mindset. Repurposing an abundant and renewable material, pollen paper has the potential to be used for applications in various fields. This study explores the application of pollen paper as a platform for underwater cargo transportation while also analyzing its properties. After bleaching, its unique solvent-responsive behaviour enables it to shrink and expand in response to different solvents. During the shrinking process, the pollen paper actuated and folded into a bucket to collect and transport small cargos. Additionally, magnetic nanoparticles were added to enable the controlled movement of pollen paper during transportation. The magnetic pollen paper was tested for its actuation mechanism and properties under different parameters and solvents to ensure that there was no modification to the paper's fundamental properties. The magnetic pollen paper was also tested for its biodegradability and recyclability to show and understand its sustainability. By studying and exploring the properties of bleached and unbleached, non-magnetic and magnetic pollen paper, this research aims to uncover their potential for actuation-based applications of a bio-inspired underwater cargo transport system.