Optomechanically-responsive materials for use as light-activated actuators and valves

A method for making a photoactuator in a void space comprising the steps of:

• (a) mixing a plurality of nanoparticles and a monomer, said monomer being capable of forming a thermally sensitive material upon polymerization;
• (b) filling said void space with said plurality of nanoparticles and said monomer;
• and
• (c) inducing polymerization of said monomer such tat said monomer polymerizes to form said thermally responsive material within said void space and encompasses at least some of said plurality of nanoparticles.

A microfluidic device comprising:

• a substrate;
• at least one channel etched into said substrate for directing a flow;
• and
• a first photoactuated device located on said substrate and designed to control said flow.

A method for producing a photoactuated valve comprising the steps of:

• (a) mixing a plurality of nanoparticles, a crosslinker, a photoinitiator, and a monomer;
• (b) injecting said plurality of nanoparticles, said crosslinker, said photoinitiator, and said monomer into a channel;
• and
• (c) illuminating said monomer, said crosslinker, said photoinitiator, and said plurality of nanoparticles with ultraviolet light such that said monomer polymerizes to form a thermally responsive material that encompasses at least some of said plurality of nanoparticles.