Dielectric elastomer actuators: medical applications review

Electroactive polymers are effective actuators that respond to electrical stimuli, producing mechanical displacement. Their combined features encourage the application of electroactive polymers in the medical and healthcare sectors. Dielectric elastomers (DEAs) are the most promising electroactive polymers due to their high efficiency, fast response time, lightweight, and large strain. This review discusses the working principle, typical configurations, structures, key materials for DEAs, and their potential use in biological systems. Additionally, we discuss the applications, advantages, and disadvantages of DEAs in modern medicine. The influence of dielectric permittivity and the elastic modulus of the material on the deformation rate of the elastomer is discussed. Mechanical, biological, and chemical requirements for biomedical DEAs are addressed. The role of the structure of a dielectric elastomer actuator in the development of artificial muscles and other actuators is considered.