Recent Advances in Smart Soft Materials: From Theory to Practice

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Smart soft materials—engineered systems capable of dynamically responding to external stimuli—are rapidly transforming the landscape of science and technology. This Topic explores cutting-edge advances at the intersection of material design, theoretical modeling, and real-world applications. Emphasizing both fundamental principles and practical implementations, this collection showcases novel approaches regarding stimuli-responsive polymers, adaptive hydrogels, shape-morphing structures, and bioinspired systems. The scope includes multiscale theoretical frameworks, innovative material formulation design, advanced fabrication techniques, and emerging applications in fields such as soft robotics, wearable electronics, biomedical devices, and environmental sensing. By bridging the gap between conceptual development and functional deployment, this Topic highlights the multidisciplinary innovation driving the next generation of smart soft materials. Original research articles, reviews, and communications articles are welcome.

Dr. Lorenzo Bonetti
Dr. Giulia Scalet
Prof. Dr. Silvia Farè
Dr. Nicola Ferro
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Actuators actuators	2.4	4.3	2012	16.6 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Gels gels	6.4	10.3	2015	13 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Journal of Functional Biomaterials jfb	5.9	9.7	2010	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Materials materials	3.7	7.0	2008	14.4 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Mathematical and Computational Applications mca	2.2	2.8	1996	23.3 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Polymers polymers	5.8	11.0	2009	13.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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All Actuators Gels JFB Polymers MCA Materials

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17 pages, 7689 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Design and Fabrication Method of a Soft Pneumatic Silicone Exosuit for Elbow Rehabilitation Assistance

by Zhirui Zhao, Dequan Deng, Xinyu Hou, Chun Xia, Xinyu Zeng, Dexing Shan, Lina Hao and Huicong Gao

Actuators 2026, 15(6), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/act15060348 - 18 Jun 2026

Viewed by 229

Abstract

This study introduces the design process and fabrication method of a soft pneumatic silicone-based exosuit intended to assist human elbow extension and flexion movement for rehabilitation. First of all, an integrated fabrication method is developed to replace the step-by-step casting and cloth fiber [...] Read more.

This study introduces the design process and fabrication method of a soft pneumatic silicone-based exosuit intended to assist human elbow extension and flexion movement for rehabilitation. First of all, an integrated fabrication method is developed to replace the step-by-step casting and cloth fiber layer, using a 3D-printed PVA mold in silicone casting to ensure the airtightness of the silicone actuator, and a carbon fiber woven mesh is used as the base plate of the actuator to improve its bending performance. Then, the finite element analysis is used to optimize the geometric parameters, hardness, and the number of air chambers for the exosuit structure. The experimental evaluation confirms that the exosuit achieves a bending angle of 112 degrees without any load and 71 degrees with a load of 2 kg. Combining with the PI angular controller, the system limits the maximum absolute tracking error to 4.29 degrees. These results also suggest the proposed exosuit is a promising candidate for practical rehabilitation tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Smart Soft Materials: From Theory to Practice)

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23 pages, 3237 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Geometry-Flexible Liquid Crystal Elastomer Self-Oscillator Enabled by Light Feedback Routing

by Dali Ge, Yan Wu and Cong Li

Actuators 2026, 15(5), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/act15050250 - 1 May 2026

Viewed by 387

Abstract

Self-oscillators convert constant external stimuli into sustained mechanical work, offering potential for applications such as soft robotics, energy absorption, and mechanical logic. However, the effective design of a light-driven self-oscillation system is challenging due to geometrically constrained deformation modes and the inherent rigidity [...] Read more.

Self-oscillators convert constant external stimuli into sustained mechanical work, offering potential for applications such as soft robotics, energy absorption, and mechanical logic. However, the effective design of a light-driven self-oscillation system is challenging due to geometrically constrained deformation modes and the inherent rigidity of rectilinear light propagation paths. Notably, the mirror-reflected optical feedback loop decouples the feedback mechanism from geometric constraints imposed by deformation modes, enabling dynamic coupling independent of structural geometry. In this study, we introduce a geometry-flexible light feedback loop to drive a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) self-oscillator. The system comprises an optically responsive LCE fiber, a spring, a mirror, and a perforated plate. By integrating the dynamic photon propagation path in light feedback routing with the dynamic deformation model of the LCE, we develop a dynamic theoretical model of the oscillator under constant illumination. Numerical simulations reveal two distinct patterns: static equilibrium and self-oscillation. Self-oscillation is generated by the light-induced contraction of LCE fiber segments illuminated by reflected light. Crucially, mirror-reflected light enables localized deformations anywhere along the fiber to contribute to global displacement feedback, thereby transcending the constraints of geometric deformation modes. This capability transcends the limitations posed by constrained geometric deformation modes, enabling adaptable control of the optical feedback loop through simple geometric alterations. This innovative approach circumvents the need for intricate structural feedback designs and separate energy harvesters, as well as actuator systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Smart Soft Materials: From Theory to Practice)

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