Microfluidic Spun Self-Healable Janus-Core Composite Microfibers as Smart Fiber Actuators

Smart fiber actuators with self-sensing and intelligent actuation can perceive environmental changes and respond with real-time movements. Herein, Janus-core composite microfibers (JCCMFs), consisting of a Janus NIR-driven active-passive core and a self-healable hydrogel shell, are fabricated through a microfluidic process. The resulting JCCMFs can perform rapid NIR-driven bending within 6 s and achieve fast self-healing within 5 min. The fast self-healing improves durability and enables straightforward assembly into biomimetic actuators without the need for additional adhesive. Furthermore, the JCCMFs also possess potential piezoresistive abilities, enabling applications as hybrid smart actuators and exhibiting excellent performance in touch sensitivity and microtexture recognition .