Magnet-controlled soft metamaterial resists acid and holds shape

Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel soft metamaterial that can rapidly change size and shape under remote magnetic control, combining exceptional flexibility with high strength and stability. Unlike traditional materials, this metamaterial’s properties arise from its engineered geometry rather than its chemical composition. It features “programmed multistability” enabled by trapezoidal supports and reinforced beams that lock the structure into new shapes even after external forces are removed. The material withstands compressive loads over ten times its weight and remains functional under extreme temperatures and corrosive conditions, such as those found in the human stomach. Constructed using 3D-printed molds, the metamaterial’s microarchitecture allows it to switch between open and closed states with magnetic triggers, retaining its shape afterward, effectively giving it a form of memory. Larger structures made by linking unit cells can perform complex motions like peristaltic waves, enabling controlled movement or fluid delivery. This soft, adaptable design aims to reduce risks associated with rigid implantable devices, such