Programming Light‐Driven Surface Topographies in Liquid Crystal Elastomers for Potential Biomedical Applications Through Combined Experiments and Simulations

ABSTRACT

Light‐responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have emerged as promising materials for generating dynamic surface topographies for use in haptic, self‐cleaning, and biomedical applications. However, the programmability and predictability of such topography formation under biomedically relevant conditions remain largely unexplored, which limits their practical use. In this work, we present a combined experimental and simulation analysis of light‐responsive LCE surfaces operating under physiological conditions, enabling programmable, highly spatially controlled topography formation through bottom photomask exposure. Using a cholesteric LCE film and a mask geometry consisting of 50 µm pillars with a 4‐min ultraviolet (UV)‐light exposure, the maximum achievable topography height was obtained. By shorter and longer exposure times, and variations in mask geometry, maximum topography heights can be programmed. The resulting surface topographies can be erased under visible (vis)‐light, with the switching process being reversible. Moreover, employing photomasks of different geometries enables the generation of a wide range of alternative topographical patterns. Experimental findings are corroborated by simulations. The combined experimental and simulation results provide a predictive model for (re)programmable dynamic surface topography formation. Taken together, these findings establish a foundation for light‐responsive dynamic bio surfaces with potential for applications in controlled cellular modulation, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.