We demonstrate the preparation of siloxane-based and epoxy-based liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and LCE nanocomposites. The LCEs are characterized with respect to reversible strain, liquid crystal ordering, and stiffness. As a potential application, we demonstrate their use as shape-responsive substrates in a custom device for active cell culture.
Kim, H., Zhu, B., Chen, H., Adetiba, O., Agrawal, A., Ajayan, P., Jacot, J. G., Verduzco, R. Preparation of Monodomain Liquid Crystal Elastomers and Liquid Crystal Elastomer Nanocomposites. J. Vis. Exp. (108), e53688, doi:10.3791/53688 (2016).