Polymorphing Hydrogels Regulated by Photo‐reactive DNA Cross‐links

Polymorphing hydrogels can morph into another structure on demand with reprogrammable features. This concept extends the degree of morphing beyond that of traditional shape-morphing hydrogels, which predetermine their morphing capabilities at the fabrication stage. However, current polymorphing hydrogels face limitations due to the need for complex, non-sustained responsiveness or additional chemical steps for reconfigurable morphing. Here, photo-reactive DNA-cross-linked polymorphing hydrogels are presented that enable polymorphing under patterned light. The photo-reactive DNA cross-links act as a regulator in changing the shapes of the hydrogels by adjusting the lengths of the cross-links depending on the wavelength of light, which allows precise and dynamic morphing in a programmable way through a one-pot reaction. The high programmability involving spatiotemporal controllability and reprogrammable features offers advanced solutions for multifunctional soft machines and applications requiring complex processes.