Reprogrammable Dual‐Regulated Pollen Actuators for Geometric Encoding

J Jingyu Deng (State Key Laboratory of Power System Operation and Control, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University , Beijing,) Z Ze Zhao (Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-based Medical Materials, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University) A Albar Ahmad (School of Materials Science and Engineering Centre for Cross Economy Global Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Drive Singapore 637553 Singapore) J Jian Li Y Young Hwan Choe (School of Materials Science and Engineering Centre for Cross Economy Global Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Drive Singapore 637553 Singapore) Y Yu Chien Lin (School of Materials Science and Engineering Centre for Cross Economy Global Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Drive Singapore 637553 Singapore) S Shahrudin Ibrahim Mohammed (School of Materials Science and Engineering Centre for Cross Economy Global Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Drive Singapore 637553 Singapore) C Chenchen Zhou (State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering) N Nam‐Joon Cho (School of Materials Science and Engineering Centre for Cross Economy Global Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Drive Singapore 637553 Singapore)

Abstract

Abstract Bilayer actuators capable of autonomously responding to complex environmental stimuli have attracted increasing interest for their potential in intelligent and multifunctional systems. Yet, achieving simultaneous programming and reprogramming of shape transformations in both active and passive layers through scalable, sustainable methods remains a significant challenge. Here, a novel bilayer actuator derived from naturally abundant pollen is reported, offering unprecedented dual‐layer re‐programmability. The passive layer, composed of digitally patterned toner, dictates the deformation direction, with the folding angles ranging from 0° to ≈152°. Meanwhile, the active pollen layer exhibits tunable humidity responsiveness modulated by pH, controlling actuation curvature ranging from 0.036 to 0.28 cm cm −1 and response speed ranging from 1.04 to 0.15° s −1 . Notably, the entire bilayer system can be fully disassembled via a mild, one‐pot alkaline process, enabling more than 10 cycles of complete reprogramming without structural degradation. This dual‐regulated architecture supports complex 3D geometric transformations and is demonstrated as a carrier of confidential information, encoding data through morphing analogs of encrypted binary code. By integrating programmable mechanics, renewable biomaterials, and energy‐efficient reusability, this work establishes an eco‐friendly and versatile platform for next‐generation responsive materials and encrypted smart devices.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 8
Published February 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (9)

J

Jingyu Deng

State Key Laboratory of Power System Operation and Control, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University , Beijing,

Z

Ze Zhao

Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-based Medical Materials, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University

A

Albar Ahmad

School of Materials Science and Engineering Centre for Cross Economy Global Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Drive Singapore 637553 Singapore

J

Jian Li

Y

Young Hwan Choe

School of Materials Science and Engineering Centre for Cross Economy Global Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Drive Singapore 637553 Singapore

Y

Yu Chien Lin

School of Materials Science and Engineering Centre for Cross Economy Global Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Drive Singapore 637553 Singapore

S

Shahrudin Ibrahim Mohammed

School of Materials Science and Engineering Centre for Cross Economy Global Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Drive Singapore 637553 Singapore

C

Chenchen Zhou

State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering

N

Nam‐Joon Cho

School of Materials Science and Engineering Centre for Cross Economy Global Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Drive Singapore 637553 Singapore