Semidry release of nanomembranes for tubular origami

Three-dimensional tubular origami, fabricated by the self-rolling of functional nanomembranes, is of great interest due to its numerous opportunities for applications in photochemical sensing, intelligent actuators, microrobots, electronics, and many others. A continuing opportunity of this area is in the development of strategies for fabricating tubular origami, in solvent-free and low-cost conditions. This paper proposed a semidry release approach, allowing for the sacrificial layer-free, vapor-assisted self-rolling, and recyclable use of substrates, to create microscale tubular origami. Interface engineering designs that involve hydrophilic and hydrophobic material stacks are introduced to realize the semidry release of nanomembranes, which finally self-roll into multifunctional tubular structures. Systematic experimental and theoretical studies demonstrate the controllability of their dimensions. Finally, a bioresorbable microtube with potential for transient implantable devices is demonstrated. Our present work adds to the portfolio of routes for the construction of tubular origami, which can be utilized as functional platforms for fundamental studies and practical applications.