Scientists at Rice University have created a groundbreaking material that can change its size and shape when controlled remotely, opening the door to a new generation of safer, more effective medical devices that can be implanted or swallowed.
The material, developed by mechanical engineer Yong Lin Kong and his team, is a type of metamaterial—a man-made structure with properties not found in natural substances.
Unlike ordinary materials that rely on their chemical makeup, metamaterials are defined by their design, including the arrangement and shape of their tiny building blocks.
This gives them unusual and powerful abilities.
What makes this new metamaterial so special is its unique mix of softness, strength, and flexibility.
It can carry more than 10 times its weight, withstand high heat and harsh chemicals, and still keep working reliably.
At the same time, its soft structure makes it much safer for medical use than rigid devices, which can sometimes cause stomach ulcers, punctures, or irritation inside the body.
“We programmed multistability into the design, meaning the material can stay locked in more than one shape without constant force being applied,” Kong explained.
“We achieved this by building in trapezoidal segments and reinforced beams, which hold the new shape securely even after the magnetic force is gone.”
The team used 3D printing to make molds for the material’s complex internal architecture. These interconnected beams and segments let the material switch quickly between an “open” and “closed” state.
By linking many of these small units together, the scientists were able to create larger structures that can do much more than just change shape.
When activated with a magnetic field, they can also perform movements similar to the squeezing and releasing action of the digestive system, even pushing fluids in controlled directions.
In tests, the material held up under strong mechanical stress and acidic conditions that mimic the environment of the human stomach. This shows it could work reliably inside the body without breaking down.
“The ability to remotely control the size and shape of a device inside the body could be lifesaving,” Kong said.
“It could allow us to deliver medicine exactly where it’s needed, keep devices in place safely, or even apply targeted forces to specific tissues deep inside the body.”
Looking ahead, Kong and his collaborators are exploring medical uses such as treating obesity with ingestible devices and working with surgeons to create wireless systems that can help address unmet clinical needs.
The research team also sees potential applications in veterinary medicine, including improving the health of marine mammals.
This breakthrough represents a major step forward in designing medical devices that are both effective and safe, offering exciting possibilities for the future of healthcare.
