Chemomechanical polymers are a new type of smart polymer with specific recognition sites that can respond selectively to chemical and biological stimuli through large movements. They have the unique feature of combining a sensor and an actuator (a mechanical device for moving or controlling a mechanism or system) within one single unit, without the need of external devices such as a transducer or a power supply. When exposed to chemical or biological stimuli - such as nucleotides, amino acids or peptides - in the local environment these polymers produce large and reversible expansions and contractions. They can also be downsized to thin films or microparticles, with enhanced velocity and sensitivity of response.
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