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Mestre R, Astobiza AM, Webster-Wood VA, Ryan M, Saif MTA. Ethics and responsibility in biohybrid robotics research. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310458121. [PMID: 39042690 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310458121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The industrial revolution of the 19th century marked the onset of an era of machines and robots that transformed societies. Since the beginning of the 21st century, a new generation of robots envisions similar societal transformation. These robots are biohybrid: part living and part engineered. They may self-assemble and emerge from complex interactions between living cells. While this new era of living robots presents unprecedented opportunities for positive societal impact, it also poses a host of ethical challenges. A systematic, nuanced examination of these ethical issues is of paramount importance to guide the evolution of this nascent field. Multidisciplinary fields face the challenge that inertia around collective action to address ethical boundaries may result in unexpected consequences for researchers and societies alike. In this Perspective, we i) clarify the ethical challenges associated with biohybrid robotics, ii) discuss the need for and elements of a potential governance framework tailored to this technology; and iii) propose tangible steps toward ethical compliance and policy formation in the field of biohybrid robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mestre
- Agents, Interaction and Complexity Group, School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Politics and International Relations Department, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Centre for Democratic Futures, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Centre for Robotics, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Aníbal M Astobiza
- Department of Public Law, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Donostia 20018, Spain
| | - Victoria A Webster-Wood
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh 15213, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh 15213, Pennsylvania
- The Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh 15213, Pennsylvania
- The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh 15213, Pennsylvania
| | - Matt Ryan
- Politics and International Relations Department, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Centre for Democratic Futures, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Democratic Innovations Research Unit, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main 60323, Germany
| | - M Taher A Saif
- Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana 61801, Illinois
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2
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Bienau A, Jäkel AC, Simmel FC. Cell-Free Gene Expression in Bioprinted Fluidic Networks. ACS Synth Biol 2024. [PMID: 39042670 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The realization of soft robotic devices with life-like properties requires the engineering of smart, active materials that can respond to environmental cues in similar ways as living cells or organisms. Cell-free expression systems provide an approach for embedding dynamic molecular control into such materials that avoids many of the complexities associated with genuinely living systems. Here, we present a strategy to integrate cell-free protein synthesis within agarose-based hydrogels that can be spatially organized and supplied by a synthetic vasculature. We first utilize an indirect printing approach with a commercial bioprinter and Pluronic F-127 as a fugitive ink to define fluidic channel structures within the hydrogels. We then investigate the impact of the gel matrix on the expression of proteins in E. coli cell-extract, which is found to depend on the gel density and the dilution of the expression system. When supplying the vascularized hydrogels with reactants, larger components such as DNA plasmids are confined to the channels or immobilized in the gels while nanoscale reaction components can diffusively spread within the gel. Using a single supply channel, we demonstrate different spatial protein concentration profiles emerging from different cell-free gene circuits comprising production, gene activation, and negative feedback. Variation of the channel design allows the creation of specific concentration profiles such as a long-term stable gradient or the homogeneous supply of a hydrogel with proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bienau
- TU Munich, School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, 85748 Garching b. München, Germany
| | - Anna C Jäkel
- TU Munich, School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, 85748 Garching b. München, Germany
| | - Friedrich C Simmel
- TU Munich, School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, 85748 Garching b. München, Germany
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3
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Morita T, Nie M, Takeuchi S. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac muscle rings for biohybrid self-beating actuator. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3377-3387. [PMID: 38916038 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00276h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac muscle, a subtype of striated muscle composing our heart, has garnered attention as a source of autonomously driven actuators due to its inherent capability for spontaneous contraction. However, conventional cardiac biohybrid robots have utilized planar (2D) cardiac tissue consisting of a thin monolayer of cardiac myotubes with a thickness of 3-5 μm, which can generate a limited contractile force per unit footprint. In this study, 3D cardiac muscle rings were proposed as robotic actuator units. These units not only exhibit higher contractile force per unit footprint compared to their 2D counterparts due to their increased height, but they can also be integrated into desired 3D configurations. We fabricated cardiac muscle rings from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), evaluated their driving characteristics, and verified the actuation effects by integrating them with artificial components. After the 10th day from culture, the cardiac muscle rings exhibited rhythmic spontaneous contraction and increased contractile force in response to stretching stimuli. Furthermore, after constructing a centimeter-sized biohybrid self-beating actuator with an antagonistic pair structure of cardiac muscle rings, the periodic antagonistic beating motion at its tail portion was confirmed. We believe that 3D cardiac muscle rings, possessing high contractile force and capable of being positioned within limited 3D space, can be used as potent biohybrid robotic actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Morita
- Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Minghao Nie
- Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Shoji Takeuchi
- Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
- Institude of Industrial Science (IIS), The University of Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), the University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), 113-0033, Japan
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4
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Raman R. Biofabrication of Living Actuators. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:223-245. [PMID: 38959387 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110122-013805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The impact of tissue engineering has extended beyond a traditional focus in medicine to the rapidly growing realm of biohybrid robotics. Leveraging living actuators as functional components in machines has been a central focus of this field, generating a range of compelling demonstrations of robots capable of muscle-powered swimming, walking, pumping, gripping, and even computation. In this review, we highlight key advances in fabricating tissue-scale cardiac and skeletal muscle actuators for a range of functional applications. We discuss areas for future growth including scalable manufacturing, integrated feedback control, and predictive modeling and also propose methods for ensuring inclusive and bioethics-focused pedagogy in this emerging discipline. We hope this review motivates the next generation of biomedical engineers to advance rational design and practical use of living machines for applications ranging from telesurgery to manufacturing to on- and off-world exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Raman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
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5
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Zhang C, Yang L, Wang W, Fan H, Tan W, Wang R, Wang F, Xi N, Liu L. Steering Muscle-Based Bio-Syncretic Robot Through Bionic Optimized Biped Mechanical Design. Soft Robot 2024; 11:484-493. [PMID: 38407843 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2023.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Bio-syncretic robots consisting of artificial structures and living muscle cells have attracted much attention owing to their potential advantages, such as high drive efficiency, miniaturization, and compatibility. Motion controllability, as an important factor related to the main performance of bio-syncretic robots, has been explored in numerous studies. However, most of the existing bio-syncretic robots still face challenges related to the further development of steerable kinematic dexterity. In this study, a bionic optimized biped fully soft bio-syncretic robot actuated by two muscle tissues and steered with a direction-controllable electric field generated by external circularly distributed multiple electrodes has been developed. The developed bio-syncretic robot could realize wirelessly steerable motion and effective transportation of microparticle cargo on artificial polystyrene and biological pork tripe surfaces. This study may provide an effective strategy for the development of bio-syncretic robots and other related studies, such as nonliving soft robot design and muscle tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Lianchao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Huijie Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiqian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ning Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Emerging Technologies Institute, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
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6
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Dong X, Li X, Wang X, Zhao Y, Song W, Wang F, Xu S, Miao Z, Wu Z. Improve the Charge Carrier Transporting in Two-Dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskite Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313056. [PMID: 38315828 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Conventional 3D organic-inorganic halide perovskite materials have shown substantial potential in the field of optoelectronics, enabling the power conversation efficiency of solar cells beyond 26%. A key challenge limiting the further commercial application of 3D perovskite solar cells is their inherent instability over outer oxygen, humidity, light, and heat. By contrast, 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (2DRP) perovskites with bulky organic cations can effectively stabilize the inorganic slabs, yielding excellent environmental stability. However, the efficiencies of 2DRP perovskite solar cells are much lower than those of the 3D counterparts due to poor charge carrier transporting property of insulating bulky organic cations. Their inner structural, dielectric, optical, and excitonic properties remain to be primarily studied. In this review, the main reasons for the low efficiency of 2DRP perovskite solar cells are first analyzed. Next, a detailed description of various strategies for improving the charge carrier transporting of 2DRP perovskites is provided, such as bandgap regulation, perovskite crystal phase orientation and distribution, energy level matching, interfacial modification, etc. Finally, a summary is given, and the possible future research directions and methods to achieve high-efficiency and stable 2DRP perovskite solar cells are rationalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Dong
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Advanced Photo-Electronics Materials and Energy Conversion Device, Technological Institute of Materials & Energy Science (TIMES), Xijing University, Xi'an, 710123, China
| | - Xin Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Yuzhen Zhao
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Advanced Photo-Electronics Materials and Energy Conversion Device, Technological Institute of Materials & Energy Science (TIMES), Xijing University, Xi'an, 710123, China
| | - Wenqi Song
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Advanced Photo-Electronics Materials and Energy Conversion Device, Technological Institute of Materials & Energy Science (TIMES), Xijing University, Xi'an, 710123, China
| | - Fangmin Wang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Advanced Photo-Electronics Materials and Energy Conversion Device, Technological Institute of Materials & Energy Science (TIMES), Xijing University, Xi'an, 710123, China
| | - Shudong Xu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Advanced Photo-Electronics Materials and Energy Conversion Device, Technological Institute of Materials & Energy Science (TIMES), Xijing University, Xi'an, 710123, China
| | - Zongcheng Miao
- School of Artificial Intelligence Optics and Electronics (iOPEN), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Zhongbin Wu
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
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7
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Ye J, Xiang W, Cheng C, Bao W, Zhang Q. Principles and methods of liquid metal actuators. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:2196-2211. [PMID: 38372963 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01756g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
As a promising material, liquid metals (LMs) have gained considerable interest in the field of soft robotics due to their ability to move as designed routines or change their shape dramatically under external stimuli. Inspired by the science fiction film Terminator, tremendous efforts have been devoted to liquid robots with high compliance and intelligence. How to manipulate LM droplets is crucial to achieving this goal. Accordingly, this review is dedicated to presenting the principles driving LMs and summarizing the potential methods to develop LM actuators of high maneuverability. Moreover, the recent progress of LM robots based on these methods is overviewed. The challenges and prospects of implementing autonomous robots have been proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Ye
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, China.
| | - Wentao Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenic Science and Technology, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Cai Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenic Science and Technology, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wendi Bao
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenic Science and Technology, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenic Science and Technology, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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8
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Sharifi Panah S, Großmann R, Lepro V, Beta C. Cargo Size Limits and Forces of Cell-Driven Microtransport. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304666. [PMID: 37933711 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The integration of motile cells into biohybrid microrobots offers unique properties such as sensitive responses to external stimuli, resilience, and intrinsic energy supply. Here, biohybrid cell-cargo systems that are driven by amoeboid Dictyostelium discoideum cells are studied and how the cargo speed and the resulting viscous drag force scales with increasing radius of the spherical cargo particle are explored. Using a simplified geometrical model of the cell-cargo interaction, the findings toward larger cargo sizes, which are not accessible with the experimental setup, are extrapolated and a maximal cargo size is predicted beyond which active cell-driven movements will stall. The active forces exerted by the cells to move a cargo show mechanoresponsive adaptation and increase dramatically when challenged by an external pulling force, a mechanism that may become relevant when navigating cargo through complex heterogeneous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Setareh Sharifi Panah
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht Straße 24/25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Robert Großmann
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht Straße 24/25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Valentino Lepro
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht Straße 24/25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Carsten Beta
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht Straße 24/25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
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9
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Zhang Y, Lauder GV. Energy conservation by collective movement in schooling fish. eLife 2024; 12:RP90352. [PMID: 38375853 PMCID: PMC10942612 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Many animals moving through fluids exhibit highly coordinated group movement that is thought to reduce the cost of locomotion. However, direct energetic measurements demonstrating the energy-saving benefits of fluid-mediated collective movements remain elusive. By characterizing both aerobic and anaerobic metabolic energy contributions in schools of giant danio (Devario aequipinnatus), we discovered that fish schools have a concave upward shaped metabolism-speed curve, with a minimum metabolic cost at ~1 body length s-1. We demonstrate that fish schools reduce total energy expenditure (TEE) per tail beat by up to 56% compared to solitary fish. When reaching their maximum sustained swimming speed, fish swimming in schools had a 44% higher maximum aerobic performance and used 65% less non-aerobic energy compared to solitary individuals, which lowered the TEE and total cost of transport by up to 53%, near the lowest recorded for any aquatic organism. Fish in schools also recovered from exercise 43% faster than solitary fish. The non-aerobic energetic savings that occur when fish in schools actively swim at high speed can considerably improve both peak and repeated performance which is likely to be beneficial for evading predators. These energetic savings may underlie the prevalence of coordinated group locomotion in fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfan Zhang
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - George V Lauder
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
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10
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Xie R, Cao Y, Sun R, Wang R, Morgan A, Kim J, Callens SJP, Xie K, Zou J, Lin J, Zhou K, Lu X, Stevens MM. Magnetically driven formation of 3D freestanding soft bioscaffolds. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl1549. [PMID: 38306430 PMCID: PMC10836728 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl1549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
3D soft bioscaffolds have great promise in tissue engineering, biohybrid robotics, and organ-on-a-chip engineering applications. Though emerging three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques offer versatility for assembling soft biomaterials, challenges persist in overcoming the deformation or collapse of delicate 3D structures during fabrication, especially for overhanging or thin features. This study introduces a magnet-assisted fabrication strategy that uses a magnetic field to trigger shape morphing and provide remote temporary support, enabling the straightforward creation of soft bioscaffolds with overhangs and thin-walled structures in 3D. We demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of our strategy through the fabrication of bioscaffolds that replicate the complex 3D topology of branching vascular systems. Furthermore, we engineered hydrogel-based bioscaffolds to support biohybrid soft actuators capable of walking motion triggered by cardiomyocytes. This approach opens new possibilities for shaping hydrogel materials into complex 3D morphologies, which will further empower a broad range of biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxiao Xie
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Yuanxiong Cao
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Rujie Sun
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Richard Wang
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Alexis Morgan
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Junyoung Kim
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Sebastien J P Callens
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Kai Xie
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jiawen Zou
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Junliang Lin
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Kun Zhou
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Xiangrong Lu
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Molly M Stevens
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
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11
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Ke X, Yong H, Xu F, Chai Z, Jiang J, Ni X, Wu Z. Synergistical Mechanical Design and Function Integration for Insect-Scale On-Demand Configurable Multifunctional Soft Magnetic Robots. Soft Robot 2024; 11:43-56. [PMID: 37418155 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2022.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Meso- or micro-scale(or insect-scale) robots that are capable of realizing flexible locomotion and/or carrying on complex tasks in a remotely controllable manner hold great promise in diverse fields, such as biomedical applications, unknown environment exploration, in situ operation in confined spaces, and so on. However, the existing design and implementation approaches for such multifunctional, on-demand configurable insect-scale robots are often focusing on their actuation or locomotion, while matched design and implementation with synergistic actuation and function modules under large deformation targeting varying task/target demands are rarely investigated. In this study, through systematical investigations on synergistical mechanical design and function integration, we developed a matched design and implementation method for constructing multifunctional, on-demand configurable insect-scale soft magnetic robots. Based on such a method, we report a simple approach to construct soft magnetic robots by assembling various modules from the standard part library together. Moreover, diverse soft magnetic robots with desirable motion and function can be (re)configured. Finally, we demonstrated (re)configurable soft magnetic robots shifting into different modes to adapt and respond to varying scenarios. The customizable physical realization of complex soft robots with desirable actuation and diverse functions can pave a new way for constructing more sophisticated insect-scale soft machines that can be applied to practical applications soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haochen Yong
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fukang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiping Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Chen X, Liu S, Han M, Long M, Li T, Hu L, Wang L, Huang W, Wu Y. Engineering Cardiac Tissue for Advanced Heart-On-A-Chip Platforms. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301338. [PMID: 37471526 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality worldwide, and current preclinical models including traditional animal models and 2D cell culture models have limitations in replicating human native heart physiology and response to drugs. Heart-on-a-chip (HoC) technology offers a promising solution by combining the advantages of cardiac tissue engineering and microfluidics to create in vitro 3D cardiac models, which can mimic key aspects of human microphysiological systems and provide controllable microenvironments. Herein, recent advances in HoC technologies are introduced, including engineered cardiac microtissue construction in vitro, microfluidic chip fabrication, microenvironmental stimulation, and real-time feedback systems. The development of cardiac tissue engineering methods is focused for 3D microtissue preparation, advanced strategies for HoC fabrication, and current applications of these platforms. Major challenges in HoC fabrication are discussed and the perspective on the potential for these platforms is provided to advance research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Chen
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Sitian Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Mingying Han
- Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Meng Long
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ting Li
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lanlan Hu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yaobin Wu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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13
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Shin M, Ha T, Lim J, An J, Beak G, Choi J, Melvin AA, Yoon J, Choi J. Human Motor System-Based Biohybrid Robot-On-a-Chip for Drug Evaluation of Neurodegenerative Disease. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305371. [PMID: 38036423 PMCID: PMC10811491 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Biohybrid robots have been developed for biomedical applications and industrial robotics. However, the biohybrid robots have limitations to be applied in neurodegenerative disease research due to the absence of a central nervous system. In addition, the organoids-on-a-chip has not yet been able to replicate the physiological function of muscle movement in the human motor system, which is essential for evaluating the accuracy of the drugs used for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Here, a human motor system-based biohybrid robot-on-a-chip composed of a brain organoid, multi-motor neuron spheroids, and muscle bundle on solid substrateis proposed to evaluate the drug effect on neurodegenerative diseases for the first time. The electrophysiological signals from the cerebral organoid induced the muscle bundle movement through motor neuron spheroids. To evaluate the drug effect on Parkinson's disease (PD), a patient-derived midbrain organoid is generated and incorporated into a biohybrid robot-on-a-chip. The drug effect on PD is successfully evaluated by measuring muscle bundle movement. The muscle bundle movement of PD patient-derived midbrain organoid-based biohybrid robot-on-a-chip is increased from 4.5 ± 0.99 µm to 18.67 ± 2.25 µm in response to levodopa. The proposed human motor system-based biohybrid robot-on-a-chip can serve as a standard biohybrid robot model for drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyu Shin
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringSogang University35 Baekbeom‐ro, Mapo‐guSeoul04107Republic of Korea
| | - Taehyeong Ha
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringSogang University35 Baekbeom‐ro, Mapo‐guSeoul04107Republic of Korea
| | - Joungpyo Lim
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringSogang University35 Baekbeom‐ro, Mapo‐guSeoul04107Republic of Korea
| | - Joohyun An
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringSogang University35 Baekbeom‐ro, Mapo‐guSeoul04107Republic of Korea
| | - Geunyoung Beak
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringSogang University35 Baekbeom‐ro, Mapo‐guSeoul04107Republic of Korea
| | - Jin‐Ha Choi
- School of Chemical EngineeringJeonbuk National University567 Baekje‐daero, Deokjin‐guJeonju‐siJeollabuk‐do54896Republic of Korea
| | - Ambrose Ashwin Melvin
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringSogang University35 Baekbeom‐ro, Mapo‐guSeoul04107Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Yoon
- Department of Biomedical‐Chemical EngineeringThe Catholic University of Korea43 Jibong‐ro, Wonmi‐guBucheon‐siGyeonggi‐do14662Republic of Korea
- Department of BiotechnologyThe Catholic University of Korea43 Jibong‐ro, Wonmi‐guBucheon‐siGyeonggi‐do14662Republic ofKorea
| | - Jeong‐Woo Choi
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringSogang University35 Baekbeom‐ro, Mapo‐guSeoul04107Republic of Korea
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14
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Jin Q, Lee KY, Selimi Z, Shimura D, Wang E, Zimmerman JF, Shaw RM, Kucera JP, Parker KK, Saffitz JE, Kleber AG. Determinants of electrical propagation and propagation block in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024; 186:71-80. [PMID: 37956903 PMCID: PMC10872523 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Gap junction and ion channel remodeling occur early in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM), but their pathogenic consequences have not been elucidated. Here, we identified the arrhythmogenic substrate, consisting of propagation slowing and conduction block, in ACM models expressing two different desmosomal gene variants. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes were transduced to express variants in genes encoding desmosomal proteins plakoglobin or plakophilin-2. Studies were performed in engineered cells and anisotropic tissues to quantify changes in conduction velocity, formation of unidirectional propagation, cell-cell electrical coupling, and ion currents. Conduction velocity decreased by 71% and 63% in the two ACM models. SB216763, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta, restored conduction velocity to near normal levels. Compared to control, both ACM models showed greater propensity for unidirectional conduction block, which increased further at greater stimulation frequencies. Cell-cell electrical conductance measured in cell pairs was reduced by 86% and 87% in the two ACM models. Computer modeling showed close correspondence between simulated and experimentally determined changes in conduction velocity. The simulation identified that reduced cell-cell electrical coupling was the dominant factor leading to slow conduction, while the combination of reduced cell-cell electrical coupling, reduced sodium current and inward rectifier potassium current explained the development of unidirectional block. Expression of two different ACM variants markedly reduced cell-cell electrical coupling and conduction velocity, and greatly increased the likelihood of developing unidirectional block - both key features of arrhythmogenesis. This study provides the first quantitative analysis of cellular electrophysiological changes leading to the substrate of reentrant arrhythmias in early stage ACM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianru Jin
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keel Yong Lee
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zoja Selimi
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daisuke Shimura
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ethan Wang
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John F Zimmerman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robin M Shaw
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jan P Kucera
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Kit Parker
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Saffitz
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andre G Kleber
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Bagheri R, Ball AK, Kasraie M, Chandra A, Chen X, Miskioglu I, Shan Z, Pour Shahid Saeed Abadi P. Conductive 3D nano-biohybrid systems based on densified carbon nanotube forests and living cells. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH 2023; 39:137-149. [PMID: 38223564 PMCID: PMC10784361 DOI: 10.1557/s43578-023-01163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Conductive biohybrid cell-material systems have applications in bioelectronics and biorobotics. To date, conductive scaffolds are limited to those with low electrical conductivity or 2D sheets. Here, 3D biohybrid conductive systems are developed using fibroblasts or cardiomyocytes integrated with carbon nanotube (CNT) forests that are densified due to interactions with a gelatin coating. CNT forest scaffolds with a height range of 120-240 µm and an average electrical conductivity of 0.6 S/cm are developed and shown to be cytocompatible as evidenced from greater than 89% viability measured by live-dead assay on both cells on day 1. The cells spread on top and along the height of the CNT forest scaffolds. Finally, the scaffolds have no adverse effects on the expression of genes related to cardiomyocyte maturation and functionality, or fibroblast migration, adhesion, and spreading. The results show that the scaffold could be used in applications ranging from organ-on-a-chip systems to muscle actuators. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Bagheri
- Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
| | - Alicia K. Ball
- Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
| | - Masoud Kasraie
- Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
| | - Aparna Chandra
- Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
| | - Xinqian Chen
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
- Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
| | - Ibrahim Miskioglu
- Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
| | - Zhiying Shan
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
- Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
- Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
| | - Parisa Pour Shahid Saeed Abadi
- Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
- Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
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16
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Li C, Schramma N, Wang Z, Qari NF, Jalaal M, Latz MI, Cai S. Ultrasensitive and robust mechanoluminescent living composites. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi8643. [PMID: 37862415 PMCID: PMC10588950 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi8643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensing, the transduction of extracellular mechanical stimuli into intracellular biochemical signals, is a fundamental property of living cells. However, endowing synthetic materials with mechanosensing capabilities comparable to biological levels is challenging. Here, we developed ultrasensitive and robust mechanoluminescent living composites using hydrogels embedded with dinoflagellates, unicellular microalgae with a near-instantaneous and ultrasensitive bioluminescent response to mechanical stress. Not only did embedded dinoflagellates retain their intrinsic mechanoluminescence, but with hydrophobic coatings, living composites had a lifetime of ~5 months under harsh conditions with minimal maintenance. We 3D-printed living composites into large-scale mechanoluminescent structures with high spatial resolution, and we also enhanced their mechanical properties with double-network hydrogels. We propose a counterpart mathematical model that captured experimental mechanoluminescent observations to predict mechanoluminescence based on deformation and applied stress. We also demonstrated the use of the mechanosensing composites for biomimetic soft actuators that emitted colored light upon magnetic actuation. These mechanosensing composites have substantial potential in biohybrid sensors and robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghai Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nico Schramma
- Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098XH, Netherlands
| | - Zijun Wang
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nada F. Qari
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Maziyar Jalaal
- Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098XH, Netherlands
| | - Michael I. Latz
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shengqiang Cai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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17
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Kim HS, Park NG. Future Research Directions in Perovskite Solar Cells: Exquisite Photon Management and Thermodynamic Phase Stability. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2204807. [PMID: 35838881 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202204807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has rapidly increased up to 25.7% in 2022, a curiosity about the achievable limit of the PCE has prevailed and demands understanding about the underlying fundamentals to step forward. Meanwhile, outstanding long-term stability of PSCs over 1000 h has been reported at operating conditions or under damp heat test with 85 °C/85% relative humidity. Herein comes the question as to whether the phase stability issue of perovskite crystal is completely resolved in the most recent state-of-the-art perovskite film or if it deceives everyone into believing so by significantly slowing the kinetics. On the one hand, the fundamental origins of a discrepancy between reported values and the theoretical limit are thoroughly examined, where the importance of light management is greatly emphasized with the introduction of external luminescence as a key parameter to narrow the gap. On the other hand, the phase stability of a perovskite film is understood from thermodynamic point of view to address viable approaches to lower the Gibbs free energy, distinguishing the kinetically trapped condition from the thermodynamically stable phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Seon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Gyu Park
- School of Chemical Engineering and Center for Antibonding Regulated Crystals, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- SKKU Institute of Science and Technology (SIEST), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
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18
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Matthews DG, Dial TR, Lauder GV. Genes, Morphology, Performance, and Fitness: Quantifying Organismal Performance to Understand Adaptive Evolution. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:843-859. [PMID: 37422435 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand the complexities of morphological evolution, we must understand the relationships between genes, morphology, performance, and fitness in complex traits. Genomicists have made tremendous progress in finding the genetic basis of many phenotypes, including a myriad of morphological characters. Similarly, field biologists have greatly advanced our understanding of the relationship between performance and fitness in natural populations. However, the connection from morphology to performance has primarily been studied at the interspecific level, meaning that in most cases we lack a mechanistic understanding of how evolutionarily relevant variation among individuals affects organismal performance. Therefore, functional morphologists need methods that will allow for the analysis of fine-grained intraspecific variation in order to close the path from genes to fitness. We suggest three methodological areas that we believe are well suited for this research program and provide examples of how each can be applied within fish model systems to build our understanding of microevolutionary processes. Specifically, we believe that structural equation modeling, biological robotics, and simultaneous multi-modal functional data acquisition will open up fruitful collaborations among biomechanists, evolutionary biologists, and field biologists. It is only through the combined efforts of all three fields that we will understand the connection between evolution (acting at the level of genes) and natural selection (acting on fitness).
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Matthews
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Terry R Dial
- Department of Biology and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Moab, UT 84322, USA
- Department of Environment and Society, Utah State University, Moab, UT 84322, USA
| | - George V Lauder
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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19
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Maemura D, Le TS, Takahashi M, Matsumura K, Maenosono S. Optogenetic Calcium Ion Influx in Myoblasts and Myotubes by Near-Infrared Light Using Upconversion Nanoparticles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:42196-42208. [PMID: 37652433 PMCID: PMC10510107 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Bioactuators made of cultured skeletal muscle cells are generally driven by electrical or visible light stimuli. Among these, the technology to control skeletal muscle consisting of myoblasts genetically engineered to express photoreceptor proteins with visible light is very promising, as there is no risk of cell contamination by electrodes, and the skeletal muscle bioactuator can be operated remotely. However, due to the low biopermeability of visible light, it can only be applied to thin skeletal muscle films, making it difficult to realize high-power bioactuators consisting of thick skeletal muscle. To solve this problem, it is desirable to realize thick skeletal muscle bioactuators that can be driven by near-infrared (NIR) light, to which living tissue is highly permeable. In this study, as a promising first step, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) capable of converting NIR light into blue light were bound to C2C12 myoblasts expressing the photoreceptor protein channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), and the myoblasts calcium ion (Ca2+) influx was remotely manipulated by NIR light exposure. UCNP-bound myoblasts and UCNP-bound differentiated myotubes were exposed to NIR light, and the intracellular Ca2+ concentrations were measured and compared to myoblasts exposed to blue light. Exposure of the UCNP-bound cells to NIR light was found to be more efficient than exposure to blue light in terms of stimulating Ca2+ influx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Maemura
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan
| | - The Son Le
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan
| | - Mari Takahashi
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Matsumura
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan
| | - Shinya Maenosono
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan
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20
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Kim SL, Trembley MA, Lee KY, Choi S, MacQueen LA, Zimmerman JF, de Wit LHC, Shani K, Henze DE, Drennan DJ, Saifee SA, Loh LJ, Liu X, Parker KK, Pu WT. Spatiotemporal cell junction assembly in human iPSC-CM models of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1811-1826. [PMID: 37595583 PMCID: PMC10545490 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiac disorder that causes life-threatening arrhythmias and myocardial dysfunction. Pathogenic variants in Plakophilin-2 (PKP2), a desmosome component within specialized cardiac cell junctions, cause the majority of ACM cases. However, the molecular mechanisms by which PKP2 variants induce disease phenotypes remain unclear. Here we built bioengineered platforms using genetically modified human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes to model the early spatiotemporal process of cardiomyocyte junction assembly in vitro. Heterozygosity for truncating variant PKP2R413X reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling, impaired myofibrillogenesis, delayed mechanical coupling, and reduced calcium wave velocity in engineered tissues. These abnormalities were ameliorated by SB216763, which activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, improved cytoskeletal organization, restored cell junction integrity in cell pairs, and improved calcium wave velocity in engineered tissues. Together, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in a human model of ACM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L Kim
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA; Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael A Trembley
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Keel Yong Lee
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA; Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Suji Choi
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Luke A MacQueen
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - John F Zimmerman
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Lousanne H C de Wit
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Kevin Shani
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA; Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Douglas E Henze
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Daniel J Drennan
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Shaila A Saifee
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Li Jun Loh
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xujie Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin Kit Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA; Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - William T Pu
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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21
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Sánchez-Rodríguez J, Raufaste C, Argentina M. Scaling the tail beat frequency and swimming speed in underwater undulatory swimming. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5569. [PMID: 37689714 PMCID: PMC10492801 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41368-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Undulatory swimming is the predominant form of locomotion in aquatic vertebrates. A myriad of animals of different species and sizes oscillate their bodies to propel themselves in aquatic environments with swimming speed scaling as the product of the animal length by the oscillation frequency. Although frequency tuning is the primary means by which a swimmer selects its speed, there is no consensus on the mechanisms involved. In this article, we propose scaling laws for undulatory swimmers that relate oscillation frequency to length by taking into account both the biological characteristics of the muscles and the interaction of the moving swimmer with its environment. Results are supported by an extensive literature review including approximately 1200 individuals of different species, sizes and swimming environments. We highlight a crossover in size around 0.5-1 m. Below this value, the frequency can be tuned between 2-20 Hz due to biological constraints and the interplay between slow and fast muscles. Above this value, the fluid-swimmer interaction must be taken into account and the frequency is inversely proportional to the length of the animal. This approach predicts a maximum swimming speed around 5-10 m.s-1 for large swimmers, consistent with the threshold to prevent bubble cavitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INPHYNI, 17 Rue Julien Lauprêtre, Nice, 06200, France
- Departamento de Física Fundamental, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Instabilities, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Raufaste
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INPHYNI, 17 Rue Julien Lauprêtre, Nice, 06200, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Médéric Argentina
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INPHYNI, 17 Rue Julien Lauprêtre, Nice, 06200, France.
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22
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Hou G, Zhang X, Du F, Wu Y, Zhang X, Lei Z, Lu W, Zhang F, Yang G, Wang H, Liu Z, Wang R, Ge Q, Chen J, Meng G, Fang NX, Qian X. Self-regulated underwater phototaxis of a photoresponsive hydrogel-based phototactic vehicle. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023:10.1038/s41565-023-01490-4. [PMID: 37605045 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01490-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Incorporating a negative feedback loop in a synthetic material to enable complex self-regulative behaviours akin to living organisms remains a design challenge. Here we show that a hydrogel-based vehicle can follow the directions of photonic illumination with directional regulation inside a constraint-free, fluidic space. By manipulating the customized photothermal nanoparticles and the microscale pores in the polymeric matrix, we achieved strong chemomechanical deformation of the soft material. The vehicle swiftly assumes an optimal pose and creates directional flow around itself, which it follows to achieve robust full-space phototaxis. In addition, this phototaxis enables a series of complex underwater locomotions. We demonstrate that this versatility is generated by the synergy of photothermofluidic interactions resulting in closed-loop self-control and fast reconfigurability. The untethered, electronics-free, ambient-powered hydrogel vehicle manoeuvres through obstacles agilely, following illumination cues of moderate intensities, similar to that of natural sunlight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feihong Du
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yadong Wu
- Institute of Aerospace Propulsion, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feiyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huamiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyu Liu
- Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qi Ge
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiangping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nicholas X Fang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xiaoshi Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Engineering Science, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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23
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Yuan Z, Guo Q, Jin D, Zhang P, Yang W. Biohybrid Soft Robots Powered by Myocyte: Current Progress and Future Perspectives. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1643. [PMID: 37630179 PMCID: PMC10456826 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Myocyte-driven robots, a type of biological actuator that combines myocytes with abiotic systems, have gained significant attention due to their high energy efficiency, sensitivity, biocompatibility, and self-healing capabilities. These robots have a unique advantage in simulating the structure and function of human tissues and organs. This review covers the research progress in this field, detailing the benefits of myocyte-driven robots over traditional methods, the materials used in their fabrication (including myocytes and extracellular materials), and their properties and manufacturing techniques. Additionally, the review explores various control methods, robot structures, and motion types. Lastly, the potential applications and key challenges faced by myocyte-driven robots are discussed and summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yuan
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (Z.Y.); (Q.G.)
| | - Qinghao Guo
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (Z.Y.); (Q.G.)
| | - Delu Jin
- School of Human Ities and Social Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China;
| | - Peifan Zhang
- Control Science and Engineering, Naval Aviation University, Yantai 264001, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (Z.Y.); (Q.G.)
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24
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Blackiston D, Kriegman S, Bongard J, Levin M. Biological Robots: Perspectives on an Emerging Interdisciplinary Field. Soft Robot 2023; 10:674-686. [PMID: 37083430 PMCID: PMC10442684 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2022.0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in science and engineering often reveal the limitations of classical approaches initially used to understand, predict, and control phenomena. With progress, conceptual categories must often be re-evaluated to better track recently discovered invariants across disciplines. It is essential to refine frameworks and resolve conflicting boundaries between disciplines such that they better facilitate, not restrict, experimental approaches and capabilities. In this essay, we address specific questions and critiques which have arisen in response to our research program, which lies at the intersection of developmental biology, computer science, and robotics. In the context of biological machines and robots, we explore changes across concepts and previously distinct fields that are driven by recent advances in materials, information, and life sciences. Herein, each author provides their own perspective on the subject, framed by their own disciplinary training. We argue that as with computation, certain aspects of developmental biology and robotics are not tied to specific materials; rather, the consilience of these fields can help to shed light on issues of multiscale control, self-assembly, and relationships between form and function. We hope new fields can emerge as boundaries arising from technological limitations are overcome, furthering practical applications from regenerative medicine to useful synthetic living machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Blackiston
- Department of Biology, Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute for Computationally Designed Organisms, Massachusetts and Vermont, USA
| | - Sam Kriegman
- Institute for Computationally Designed Organisms, Massachusetts and Vermont, USA
- Center for Robotics and Biosystems, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Josh Bongard
- Institute for Computationally Designed Organisms, Massachusetts and Vermont, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology, Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute for Computationally Designed Organisms, Massachusetts and Vermont, USA
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25
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Vurro V, Shani K, Ardoña HAM, Zimmerman JF, Sesti V, Lee KY, Jin Q, Bertarelli C, Parker KK, Lanzani G. Light-triggered cardiac microphysiological model. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:026108. [PMID: 37234844 PMCID: PMC10208677 DOI: 10.1063/5.0143409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Light is recognized as an accurate and noninvasive tool for stimulating excitable cells. Here, we report on a non-genetic approach based on organic molecular phototransducers that allows wiring- and electrode-free tissue modulation. As a proof of concept, we show photostimulation of an in vitro cardiac microphysiological model mediated by an amphiphilic azobenzene compound that preferentially dwells in the cell membrane. Exploiting this optical based stimulation technology could be a disruptive approach for highly resolved cardiac tissue stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Vurro
- Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Teconologia, Milano, 20133 Italy
| | - K. Shani
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02134, USA
| | | | - J. F. Zimmerman
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02134, USA
| | | | | | - Q. Jin
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02134, USA
| | | | - K. K. Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02134, USA
| | - G. Lanzani
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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26
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Yao Z, Lundqvist E, Kuang Y, Ardoña HAM. Engineering Multi-Scale Organization for Biotic and Organic Abiotic Electroactive Systems. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205381. [PMID: 36670065 PMCID: PMC10074131 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Multi-scale organization of molecular and living components is one of the most critical parameters that regulate charge transport in electroactive systems-whether abiotic, biotic, or hybrid interfaces. In this article, an overview of the current state-of-the-art for controlling molecular order, nanoscale assembly, microstructure domains, and macroscale architectures of electroactive organic interfaces used for biomedical applications is provided. Discussed herein are the leading strategies and challenges to date for engineering the multi-scale organization of electroactive organic materials, including biomolecule-based materials, synthetic conjugated molecules, polymers, and their biohybrid analogs. Importantly, this review provides a unique discussion on how the dependence of conduction phenomena on structural organization is observed for electroactive organic materials, as well as for their living counterparts in electrogenic tissues and biotic-abiotic interfaces. Expansion of fabrication capabilities that enable higher resolution and throughput for the engineering of ordered, patterned, and architecture electroactive systems will significantly impact the future of bioelectronic technologies for medical devices, bioinspired harvesting platforms, and in vitro models of electroactive tissues. In summary, this article presents how ordering at multiple scales is important for modulating transport in both the electroactive organic, abiotic, and living components of bioelectronic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze‐Fan Yao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringSamueli School of EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCA92697USA
- Department of ChemistrySchool of Physical SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCA92697USA
| | - Emil Lundqvist
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSamueli School of EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCA92697USA
| | - Yuyao Kuang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringSamueli School of EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCA92697USA
| | - Herdeline Ann M. Ardoña
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringSamueli School of EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCA92697USA
- Department of ChemistrySchool of Physical SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCA92697USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSamueli School of EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCA92697USA
- Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research CenterUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCA92697USA
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27
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Luo J, Chen J, Huang Y, You L, Dai Z. Engineering living materials by synthetic biology. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011305. [PMID: 38505813 PMCID: PMC10903423 DOI: 10.1063/5.0115645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Natural biological materials are programmed by genetic information and able to self-organize, respond to environmental stimulus, and couple with inorganic matter. Inspired by the natural system and to mimic their complex and delicate fabrication process and functions, the field of engineered living materials emerges at the interface of synthetic biology and materials science. Here, we review the recent efforts and discuss the challenges and future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiren Luo
- Materials Synthetic Biology Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jiangfeng Chen
- Materials Synthetic Biology Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yaoge Huang
- Materials Synthetic Biology Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lingchong You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA
| | - Zhuojun Dai
- Materials Synthetic Biology Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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28
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Yong U, Kim D, Kim H, Hwang DG, Cho S, Nam H, Kim S, Kim T, Jeong U, Kim K, Chung WK, Yeo WH, Jang J. Biohybrid 3D Printing of a Tissue-Sensor Platform for Wireless, Real-Time, and Continuous Monitoring of Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2208983. [PMID: 36528341 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced cardiotoxicity is regarded as a major hurdle in the early stages of drug development. Although there are various methods for preclinical cardiotoxicity tests, they cannot completely predict the cardiotoxic potential of a compound due to the lack of physiological relevance. Recently, 3D engineered heart tissue (EHT) has been used to investigate cardiac muscle functions as well as pharmacological effects by exhibiting physiological auxotonic contractions. However, there is still no adequate platform for continuous monitoring to test acute and chronic pharmacological effects in vitro. Here, a biohybrid 3D printing method for fabricating a tissue-sensor platform, composed of a bipillar-grafted strain gauge sensor and EHT, is first introduced. Two pillars are three-dimensionally printed as grafts onto a strain gauge-embedded substrate to promote the EHT contractility and guide the self-assembly of the EHTs along with the strain gauge. In addition, the integration of a wireless multi-channel electronic system allows for continuous monitoring of the EHT contractile force by the tissue-sensor platform and, ultimately, for the observation of the acute and chronic drug effects of cardiotoxicants. In summary, biohybrid 3D printing technology is expected to be a potential fabrication method to provide a next-generation tissue-sensor platform for an effective drug development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uijung Yong
- Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37666, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghwan Kim
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, POSTECH, Pohang, 37666, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojoong Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Dong Gyu Hwang
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, POSTECH, Pohang, 37666, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungkeon Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoryung Nam
- Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37666, Republic of Korea
| | - Sejin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyeong Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Unyong Jeong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Keehoon Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan Kyun Chung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Woon-Hong Yeo
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- IEN Center for Human-Centric Interfaces and Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jinah Jang
- Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37666, Republic of Korea
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, POSTECH, Pohang, 37666, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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29
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Kim Y, Yang Y, Zhang X, Li Z, Vázquez-Guardado A, Park I, Wang J, Efimov AI, Dou Z, Wang Y, Park J, Luan H, Ni X, Kim YS, Baek J, Park JJ, Xie Z, Zhao H, Gazzola M, Rogers JA, Bashir R. Remote control of muscle-driven miniature robots with battery-free wireless optoelectronics. Sci Robot 2023; 8:eadd1053. [PMID: 36652505 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.add1053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Bioengineering approaches that combine living cellular components with three-dimensional scaffolds to generate motion can be used to develop a new generation of miniature robots. Integrating on-board electronics and remote control in these biological machines will enable various applications across engineering, biology, and medicine. Here, we present hybrid bioelectronic robots equipped with battery-free and microinorganic light-emitting diodes for wireless control and real-time communication. Centimeter-scale walking robots were computationally designed and optimized to host on-board optoelectronics with independent stimulation of multiple optogenetic skeletal muscles, achieving remote command of walking, turning, plowing, and transport functions both at individual and collective levels. This work paves the way toward a class of biohybrid machines able to combine biological actuation and sensing with on-board computing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongdeok Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Yiyuan Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Zhengwei Li
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | | | - Insu Park
- Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jiaojiao Wang
- Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Andrew I Efimov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Zhi Dou
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Junehu Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Haiwen Luan
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Xinchen Ni
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Yun Seong Kim
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Janice Baek
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joshua Jaehyung Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Zhaoqian Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Department of Engineering Mechanics, DUT-BSU Joint Institute, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Hangbo Zhao
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Mattia Gazzola
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - John A Rogers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rashid Bashir
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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30
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Soultati A, Tountas M, Armadorou KK, Yusoff ARBM, Vasilopoulou M, Nazeeruddin MK. Synthetic approaches for perovskite thin films and single-crystals. ENERGY ADVANCES 2023; 2:1075-1115. [DOI: 10.1039/d3ya00098b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Halide perovskites are compelling candidates for the next generation of photovoltaic technologies owing to an unprecedented increase in power conversion efficiency and their low cost, facile fabrication and outstanding semiconductor properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Soultati
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, 15341 Agia Paraskevi, Attica, Greece
| | - Marinos Tountas
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, 71410 Heraklion Crete, Greece
| | - Konstantina K. Armadorou
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, 15341 Agia Paraskevi, Attica, Greece
| | - Abd. Rashid bin Mohd Yusoff
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Maria Vasilopoulou
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, 15341 Agia Paraskevi, Attica, Greece
| | - Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
- Group for Molecular Engineering of Functional Materials, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Rue de l’Industrie 17, CH-1951 Sion, Switzerland
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31
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Li P, Kim S, Tian B. Nanoenabled Trainable Systems: From Biointerfaces to Biomimetics. ACS NANO 2022; 16:19651-19664. [PMID: 36516872 PMCID: PMC9798864 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c08042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In the dynamic biological system, cells and tissues adapt to diverse environmental conditions and form memories, an essential aspect of training for survival and evolution. An understanding of the biological training principles will inform the design of biomimetic materials whose properties evolve with the environment and offer routes to programmable soft materials, neuromorphic computing, living materials, and biohybrid robotics. In this perspective, we examine the mechanisms by which cells are trained by environmental cues. We outline the artificial platforms that enable biological training and examine the relationship between biological training and biomimetic materials design. We place emphasis on nanoscale material platforms which, given their applicability to chemical, mechanical and electrical stimulation, are critical to bridging natural and synthetic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Li
- Pritzker
School of Molecular Engineering, The University
of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Saehyun Kim
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Bozhi Tian
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- The
James Franck Institute, The University of
Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- The
Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University
of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
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32
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Sun M, Hao B, Yang S, Wang X, Majidi C, Zhang L. Exploiting ferrofluidic wetting for miniature soft machines. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7919. [PMID: 36564394 PMCID: PMC9789085 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35646-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Miniature magnetic soft machines could significantly impact minimally invasive robotics and biomedical applications. However, most soft machines are limited to solid magnetic materials, whereas further progress also relies on fluidic constructs obtained by reconfiguring liquid magnetic materials, such as ferrofluid. Here we show how harnessing the wettability of ferrofluids allows for controlled reconfigurability and the ability to create versatile soft machines. The ferrofluid droplet exhibits multimodal motions, and a single droplet can be controlled to split into multiple sub-droplets and then re-fuse back on demand. The soft droplet machine can negotiate changing terrains in unstructured environments. In addition, the ferrofluid droplets can be configured as a liquid capsule, enabling cargo delivery; a wireless omnidirectional liquid cilia matrix capable of pumping biofluids; and a wireless liquid skin, allowing multiple types of miniature soft machine construction. This work improves small magnetic soft machines' achievable complexity and boosts their future biomedical applications capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Sun
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bo Hao
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shihao Yang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xin Wang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carmel Majidi
- grid.147455.60000 0001 2097 0344Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Li Zhang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Chow Yuk Ho Technology Center for Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482CUHK T Stone Robotics Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Loganathan D, Wu SH, Chen CY. Behavioural responses of zebrafish with sound stimuli in microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 23:106-114. [PMID: 36453125 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00758d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal activities of the human brain responsible for cognitive features have been theorized through several animal models that exhibited various complementary spatial learning modes by generating a flexible repertoire of behavioral strategies. However, for such studies associated with a neurodegenerative disease, which can be further manipulated to provide therapeutic strategies, the animal models employed in their developmental stages have been preferred over the adult ones. This pilot work was incepted to underscore the spatial memory capabilities that strengthened the intricate mechanism of memory acquisition potential in one of the low-order evolutionarily conserved species, such as zebrafish larvae. Initially, a reliable and more easily reproducible microfluidic platform integrating simple and intricate paths was designed to learn and test the spatial information in zebrafish larvae of 4-6 d.p.f. under non-invasive acoustic stimuli. Further, to acquire spatial information as the representation of spatial memory formation in zebrafish larvae, the acoustic startle responses were evaluated by quantifying various dynamic behaviors under distinct operating parameters. After significant conditioning sessions, the spatial memory was tested by employing variable 'freezing'. By the end of the 30 min-long test session, 6 d.p.f. larvae were found to exhibit the highest value of freezing of approximately 43% and 20% in the short and long paths, respectively. Even though a substantial rate of memory loss was observed, it can be envisaged to serve several behavioral strategies that process the dynamic cognitive memory among distinct spatiotemporal environments. Further, the proposed behavioral paradigm had the advantage of being more adaptable and reliably replicable by other researchers. As a consequence, different hypotheses can be readily tested to generate more reproducible findings towards distinct neurobehavioral characteristics. Therefore, the proposed paradigm for the consolidation of spatial memory based on the non-invasive spatial avoidance strategies could provide an enduring framework of reference for behavioral studies using zebrafish larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dineshkumar Loganathan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Heng Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Yuan Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
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34
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Zhang S, Ke X, Jiang Q, Chai Z, Wu Z, Ding H. Fabrication and Functionality Integration Technologies for Small-Scale Soft Robots. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2200671. [PMID: 35732070 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202200671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Small-scale soft robots are attracting increasing interest for visible and potential applications owing to their safety and tolerance resulting from their intrinsic soft bodies or compliant structures. However, it is not sufficient that the soft bodies merely provide support or system protection. More importantly, to meet the increasing demands of controllable operation and real-time feedback in unstructured/complicated scenarios, these robots are required to perform simplex and multimodal functionalities for sensing, communicating, and interacting with external environments during large or dynamic deformation with the risk of mismatch or delamination. Challenges are encountered during fabrication and integration, including the selection and fabrication of composite/materials and structures, integration of active/passive functional modules with robust interfaces, particularly with highly deformable soft/stretchable bodies. Here, methods and strategies of fabricating structural soft bodies and integrating them with functional modules for developing small-scale soft robots are investigated. Utilizing templating, 3D printing, transfer printing, and swelling, small-scale soft robots can be endowed with several perceptual capabilities corresponding to diverse stimulus, such as light, heat, magnetism, and force. The integration of sensing and functionalities effectively enhances the agility, adaptability, and universality of soft robots when applied in various fields, including smart manufacturing, medical surgery, biomimetics, and other interdisciplinary sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Xingxing Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Qin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Zhiping Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Han Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
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35
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Biohybrid materials: Structure design and biomedical applications. Mater Today Bio 2022; 16:100352. [PMID: 35856044 PMCID: PMC9287810 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Biohybrid materials are proceeded by integrating living cells and non-living materials to endow materials with biomimetic properties and functionalities by supporting cell proliferation and even enhancing cell functions. Due to the outstanding biocompatibility and programmability, biohybrid materials provide some promising strategies to overcome current problems in the biomedical field. Here, we review the concept and unique features of biohybrid materials by comparing them with conventional materials. We emphasize the structure design of biohybrid materials and discuss the structure-function relationships. We also enumerate the application aspects of biohybrid materials in biomedical frontiers. We believe this review will bring various opportunities to promote the communication between cell biology, material sciences, and medical engineering.
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36
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Cable J, Arlotta P, Parker KK, Hughes AJ, Goodwin K, Mummery CL, Kamm RD, Engle SJ, Tagle DA, Boj SF, Stanton AE, Morishita Y, Kemp ML, Norfleet DA, May EE, Lu A, Bashir R, Feinberg AW, Hull SM, Gonzalez AL, Blatchley MR, Montserrat Pulido N, Morizane R, McDevitt TC, Mishra D, Mulero-Russe A. Engineering multicellular living systems-a Keystone Symposia report. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1518:183-195. [PMID: 36177947 PMCID: PMC9771928 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The ability to engineer complex multicellular systems has enormous potential to inform our understanding of biological processes and disease and alter the drug development process. Engineering living systems to emulate natural processes or to incorporate new functions relies on a detailed understanding of the biochemical, mechanical, and other cues between cells and between cells and their environment that result in the coordinated action of multicellular systems. On April 3-6, 2022, experts in the field met at the Keystone symposium "Engineering Multicellular Living Systems" to discuss recent advances in understanding how cells cooperate within a multicellular system, as well as recent efforts to engineer systems like organ-on-a-chip models, biological robots, and organoids. Given the similarities and common themes, this meeting was held in conjunction with the symposium "Organoids as Tools for Fundamental Discovery and Translation".
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Arlotta
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin Kit Parker
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex J Hughes
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katharine Goodwin
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology and LUMC hiPSC Hotel, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sandra J Engle
- Translational Biology, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danilo A Tagle
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sylvia F Boj
- Hubrecht Organoid Technology (HUB), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alice E Stanton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Morishita
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO) Program, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Melissa L Kemp
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dennis A Norfleet
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elebeoba E May
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and HEALTH Research Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Wisconsin Institute of Discovery and Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Aric Lu
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Draper Laboratory, Biological Engineering Division, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rashid Bashir
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Adam W Feinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah M Hull
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Anjelica L Gonzalez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael R Blatchley
- BioFrontiers Institute and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Ryuji Morizane
- Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Todd C McDevitt
- The Gladstone Institutes and Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Deepak Mishra
- Department of Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adriana Mulero-Russe
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience and School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Webster-Wood VA, Guix M, Xu NW, Behkam B, Sato H, Sarkar D, Sanchez S, Shimizu M, Parker KK. Biohybrid robots: recent progress, challenges, and perspectives. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2022; 18:015001. [PMID: 36265472 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac9c3b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The past ten years have seen the rapid expansion of the field of biohybrid robotics. By combining engineered, synthetic components with living biological materials, new robotics solutions have been developed that harness the adaptability of living muscles, the sensitivity of living sensory cells, and even the computational abilities of living neurons. Biohybrid robotics has taken the popular and scientific media by storm with advances in the field, moving biohybrid robotics out of science fiction and into real science and engineering. So how did we get here, and where should the field of biohybrid robotics go next? In this perspective, we first provide the historical context of crucial subareas of biohybrid robotics by reviewing the past 10+ years of advances in microorganism-bots and sperm-bots, cyborgs, and tissue-based robots. We then present critical challenges facing the field and provide our perspectives on the vital future steps toward creating autonomous living machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Webster-Wood
- Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering (by courtesy), McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15116, United States of America
| | - Maria Guix
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri-Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciència dels Materials i Química Física, Institut de Química Teòrica i Computacional Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicole W Xu
- Laboratories for Computational Physics and Fluid Dynamics, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Code 6041, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Bahareh Behkam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States of America
| | - Hirotaka Sato
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 65 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637460, Singapore
| | - Deblina Sarkar
- MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - Samuel Sanchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri-Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Avda. Lluis Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Masahiro Shimizu
- Department of Systems Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-machi, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kevin Kit Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
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38
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Wang J, Liu Q, Gong J, Wan Z, Zhou J, Chang C, Zhang D. Micropatterned Hydrogels with Highly Ordered Cellulose Nanocrystals for Visually Monitoring Cardiomyocytes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2202235. [PMID: 36089663 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac microphysiological systems are accurate in vitro platforms that reveal the biological mechanisms underlying cardiopathy, accelerating pharmaceutical research in this field. Current cardiac microphysiological devices and organs-on-chips consist of several layers prepared with complex, multi-step processes. Incorporating inorganic photonic crystals may cause long-term biocompatibility issues. Herein, micropatterned hydrogels with anisotropic structural colors are prepared by locking shear-oriented tunicate cellulose nanocrystals (TCNCs) in hydrogel networks through in situ polymerization, allowing the visualization and monitoring of cardiomyocytes. The anisotropic hydrogels are composed of highly ordered TCNCs with bright interference color and micro-grooved methacrylated gelatin with excellent biocompatibility. The microgroove patterns induce cardiomyocyte alignment and the autonomous beating of cardiomyocytes causes the hydrogels to deform, dynamically shifting the interference color. These micropatterned hydrogels could noninvasively monitor real-time changes of cardiomyocytes under pharmaceutical treatment and electrical stimulation through wavelength shifts in the transmittance spectra. This system provides a new way to detect the beat rate of cardiac tissue and it may contribute to high throughput develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-based Medical Materials, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Jixing Gong
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Zhongjun Wan
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Jinping Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-based Medical Materials, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chunyu Chang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-based Medical Materials, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Donghui Zhang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
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39
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Abstract
Robotics offers an unprecedented means to support people's daily lives. However, human-robot interactions remain challenging because of the appearance of robots. Kawai et al. propose to overcome this by growing biological skin equivalents on robots. Their study opens new possibilities to further humanize perception of robots and improve human-robot interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio R Gullo
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics, Hofackerstrasse 30, CH-4132 Muttenz, Switzerland.
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40
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Glykofrydis F, Elfick A. Exploring standards for multicellular mammalian synthetic biology. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:1299-1312. [PMID: 35803769 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is moving towards bioengineering multicellular mammalian systems that are poised to advance tissue engineering, biomedicine, and the food industry. Despite progress, the field lacks a framework of standards that could greatly accelerate further development. Here, we explore the landscape of standards for multicellular mammalian synthetic biology. We discuss the limits of current technical standards and categorise unaddressed parameters into an abstraction hierarchy. We then define the concept of a 'synthetic multicellular mammalian system' and apply our standard hierarchy framework to illustrate how it could aid bioengineering endeavours. We conclude with promising areas that could shape the future of the field, flagging the need for a critical and holistic consideration of standards that requires cross-disciplinary dialogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fokion Glykofrydis
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK; UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3BD, UK
| | - Alistair Elfick
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK; UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3BD, UK.
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41
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van den Berg SC, Scharff RB, Rusák Z, Wu J. OpenFish: Biomimetic design of a soft robotic fish for high speed locomotion. HARDWAREX 2022; 12:e00320. [PMID: 35694325 PMCID: PMC9178345 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
We present OpenFish: an open source soft robotic fish which is optimized for speed and efficiency. The soft robotic fish uses a combination of an active and passive tail segment to accurately mimic the thunniform swimming mode. Through the implementation of a novel propulsion system that is capable of achieving higher oscillation frequencies with a more sinusoidal waveform, the open source soft robotic fish achieves a top speed of 0.85 m / s . Hereby, it outperforms the previously reported fastest soft robotic fish by 27 % . Besides the propulsion system, the optimization of the fish morphology played a crucial role in achieving this speed. In this work, a detailed description of the design, construction and customization of the soft robotic fish is presented. Hereby, we hope this open source design will accelerate future research and developments in soft robotic fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander C. van den Berg
- Department of Sustainable Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Rob B.N. Scharff
- Bioinspired Soft Robotics Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Zoltán Rusák
- Department of Sustainable Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Sustainable Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands
- Corresponding author.
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42
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Wang J, Wang Y, Kim Y, Yu T, Bashir R. Multi-actuator light-controlled biological robots. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:036103. [PMID: 36035771 PMCID: PMC9417571 DOI: 10.1063/5.0091507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biohybrid robots, composed of cellular actuators and synthetic scaffolds, have garnered much attention in recent years owing to the advantages provided by their biological components. In recent years, various forms of biohybrid robots have been developed that are capable of life-like movements, such as walking, swimming, and gripping. Specifically, for walking or crawling biorobots, there is a need for complex functionality and versatile and robust fabrication processes. Here, we designed and fabricated multi-actuator biohybrid walkers with multi-directional walking capabilities in response to noninvasive optical stimulation through a scalable modular biofabrication process. Our new fabrication approach provides a constant mechanical strain throughout the cellular differentiation and maturation process. This maximizes the myotube formation and alignment, limits passive bending, and produces higher active forces. These demonstrations of the new fabrication process and bioactuator designs can pave the way for advanced multi-cellular biohybrid robots and enhance our understanding of the emergent behaviors of these multi-cellular engineered living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tianqi Yu
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61820, USA
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43
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Abstract
The next robotics frontier will be led by biohybrids. Capable biohybrid robots require microfluidics to sustain, improve, and scale the architectural complexity of their core ingredient: biological tissues. Advances in microfluidics have already revolutionized disease modeling and drug development, and are positioned to impact regenerative medicine but have yet to apply to biohybrids. Fusing microfluidics with living materials will improve tissue perfusion and maturation, and enable precise patterning of sensing, processing, and control elements. This perspective suggests future developments in advanced biohybrids.
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44
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Wang Z, Shi D, Wang X, Chen Y, Yuan Z, Li Y, Ge Z, Yang W. A Multifunctional Light-Driven Swimming Soft Robot for Various Application Scenarios. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179609. [PMID: 36077007 PMCID: PMC9455906 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The locomotor behavior of creatures in nature can bring a lot of inspiration for the fabrication of soft actuators. In this paper, we fabricated a bionic light-driven swimming soft robot that can perform grasping of tiny objects and achieve the task of object transfer. By adding carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the temperature-sensitive hydrogels can be endowed with light-responsive properties. The fabricated composite hydrogel structure can control the contraction and expansion of volume by light, which is similar to the contraction and diastole behavior of muscles. The oscillation of the fish tail and the grasping action of the normally closed micromanipulator can be achieved by the control of the irradiation of the xenon light source. The bending of the bionic arm can be controlled by the irradiation of a near-infrared (NIR) laser, which transforms the spatial position and posture of the micromanipulator. The proposed scheme is feasible for miniaturized fabrication and application of flexible actuators. This work provides some important insights for the study of light-driven microrobots and light-driven flexible actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Dongni Shi
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yibao Chen
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Zheng Yuan
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (W.Y.)
| | - Zhixing Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (W.Y.)
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45
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Li J, Chen Y, Liu S, Zhong C. Engineered living materials (ELMs) design: From function allocation to dynamic behavior modulation. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 70:102188. [PMID: 35970133 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Natural materials possess many distinctive "living" attributes, such as self-growth, self-healing, environmental responsiveness, and evolvability, that are beyond the reach of many existing synthetic materials. The emerging field of engineered living materials (ELMs) takes inspiration from nature and harnesses engineered living systems to produce dynamic and responsive materials with genetically programmable functionalities. Here, we identify and review two main directions for the rational design of ELMs: first, engineering of living materials with enhanced performances by incorporating functional material modules, including engineered biological building blocks (proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids) or well-defined artificial materials; second, engineering of smart ELMs that can sense and respond to their surroundings by programming dynamic cellular behaviors regulated via cell-cell or cell-environment interactions. We next discuss the strengths and challenges of current ELMs and conclude by providing a perspective of future directions in this promising area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyi Wang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jing Li
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Sizhe Liu
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Chao Zhong
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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46
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Tetsuka H, Pirrami L, Wang T, Demarchi D, Shin SR. Wirelessly Powered 3D Printed Hierarchical Biohybrid Robots with Multiscale Mechanical Properties. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2022; 32:2202674. [PMID: 36313126 PMCID: PMC9603592 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202202674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The integration of flexible and stretchable electronics into biohybrid soft robotics can spur the development of new approaches to fabricate biohybrid soft machines, thus enabling a wide variety of innovative applications. Inspired by flexible and stretchable wireless-based bioelectronic devices, we have developed untethered biohybrid soft robots that can execute swimming motions, which are remotely controllable by the wireless transmission of electrical power into a cell simulator. To this end, wirelessly-powered, stretchable, and lightweight cell stimulators were designed to be integrated into muscle bodies without impeding the robots' underwater swimming abilities. The cell stimulators function by generating controlled monophasic pulses of up to ∼9 V in biological environments. By differentiating induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) directly on the cell stimulators using an accordion-inspired, three-dimensional (3D) printing construct, we have replicated the native myofiber architecture with comparable robustness and enhanced contractibility. Wirelessly modulated electrical frequencies enabled us to control the speed and direction of the biohybrid soft robots. A maximum locomotion speed of ∼580 μm/s was achieved in robots possessing a large body size by adjusting the pacing frequency. This innovative approach will provide a platform for building untethered and biohybrid systems for various biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Tetsuka
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Lansdowne Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139 USA
- Future Mobility Research Department, Toyota Research Institute of North America, Toyota Motor North America, 1555 Woodridge Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105 USA
| | - Lorenzo Pirrami
- iPrint Institute, HEIA-FR, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg-1700, Switzerland
| | - Ting Wang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Lansdowne Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139 USA
| | - Danilo Demarchi
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, Turin 10129, Italy
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Lansdowne Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139 USA
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47
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Wang Y, Su G, Li J, Guo Q, Miao Y, Zhang X. Robust, Healable, Self-Locomotive Integrated Robots Enabled by Noncovalent Assembled Gradient Nanostructure. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:5409-5419. [PMID: 35730755 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c01375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Integration, being lightweight, and intelligence are important orientations for the future advancement of soft robots. However, existing soft robots are generally hydrogels or silicone rubber, which are inherently mechanically inferior and easily damaged and difficult to integrate functions. Here, inspired by nacre, an elastomer actuator with sulfonated graphene-based gradient nanostructures is constructed via supramolecular multiscale assembly. The resulting nanocomposite possesses an ultrahigh toughness of 141.19 MJ/m3 and high room-temperature self-healing efficiency (89%). The proof-of-concept robot is demonstrated to emphasize its maximum swimming speed of 2.67 body length per second, whose speed is comparable to that of plankton, representing the outperformance of most artificial soft robots. Furthermore, the robot can stably absorb pollutants and recover its robustness and functionality even when damaged. This study breaks the mutual exclusivity of functional execution and fast locomotions, and we anticipate that our nanostructural design will offer an effective extended path to other integrated robots that required multifunction integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Gehong Su
- College of Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Jin Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Impact Dynamics and its Engineering Applications, School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Quanquan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Yinggang Miao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Impact Dynamics and its Engineering Applications, School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Xinxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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48
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Zhao J, Ma Y, Steinmetz NF, Bae J. Toward Plant Cyborgs: Hydrogels Incorporated onto Plant Tissues Enable Programmable Shape Control. ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:961-966. [PMID: 35819363 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Engineered living materials (ELMs) that incorporate living organisms and synthetic materials enable advanced functional properties. Here, we seek to create plant cyborgs by combining plants or plant tissues with stimuli-responsive polymeric materials. Plant tissues with integrated shape control may find applications in regenerative medicine, and the shape control of living plants enables another dimension of adaptability and response to environmental threats, which can be applied to next-generation precision farming. In this work, we develop chemistry to integrate stimuli-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels with decellularized plant tissues assisted by 3D printing. We demonstrate programmable shape morphing in response to thermal cues and ultraviolet (UV) light. Specifically, by taking advantage of the extrusion-based 3D printing method, we deposit nanocomposite PNIPAM precursors onto silane-treated decellularized leaf surface with prescribed shapes and spatial control. When subjected to external stimuli, the strain mismatch generated between the swellable nanocomposite PNIPAM and nonswellable decellularized leaf enables folding and bending to occur. This strategy to integrate the plant tissues with stimuli-responsive hydrogels allows the control of leaf morphology, opening avenues for plant-based biosensors and soft actuators to enhance food security; such materials also may find applications in biomedicine as tissue-engineering scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Zhao
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Yifeng Ma
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Nicole F Steinmetz
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States.,Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States.,Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States.,Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jinhye Bae
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States.,Chemical Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States.,Material Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States.,Sustainable Power and Energy Center (SPEC), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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49
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Chang H, Liu Q, Zimmerman JF, Lee KY, Jin Q, Peters MM, Rosnach M, Choi S, Kim SL, Ardoña HAM, MacQueen LA, Chantre CO, Motta SE, Cordoves EM, Parker KK. Recreating the heart's helical structure-function relationship with focused rotary jet spinning. Science 2022; 377:180-185. [PMID: 35857545 PMCID: PMC10077766 DOI: 10.1126/science.abl6395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Helical alignments within the heart's musculature have been speculated to be important in achieving physiological pumping efficiencies. Testing this possibility is difficult, however, because it is challenging to reproduce the fine spatial features and complex structures of the heart's musculature using current techniques. Here we report focused rotary jet spinning (FRJS), an additive manufacturing approach that enables rapid fabrication of micro/nanofiber scaffolds with programmable alignments in three-dimensional geometries. Seeding these scaffolds with cardiomyocytes enabled the biofabrication of tissue-engineered ventricles, with helically aligned models displaying more uniform deformations, greater apical shortening, and increased ejection fractions compared with circumferential alignments. The ability of FRJS to control fiber arrangements in three dimensions offers a streamlined approach to fabricating tissues and organs, with this work demonstrating how helical architectures contribute to cardiac performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibin Chang
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Qihan Liu
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - John F. Zimmerman
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Keel Yong Lee
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Qianru Jin
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Michael M. Peters
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Michael Rosnach
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Suji Choi
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Sean L. Kim
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Herdeline Ann M. Ardoña
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Luke A. MacQueen
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Christophe O. Chantre
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Sarah E. Motta
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth M. Cordoves
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Kevin Kit Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
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50
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Zhang C, Zhang Y, Wang W, Xi N, Liu L. A Manta Ray-Inspired Biosyncretic Robot with Stable Controllability by Dynamic Electric Stimulation. CYBORG AND BIONIC SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.34133/2022/9891380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Biosyncretic robots, which are new nature-based robots in addition to bionic robots, that utilize biological materials to realize their core function, have been supposed to further promote the progress in robotics. Actuation as the main operation mechanism relates to the robotic overall performance. Therefore, biosyncretic robots actuated by living biological actuators have attracted increasing attention. However, innovative propelling modes and control methods are still necessary for the further development of controllable motion performance of biosyncretic robots. In this work, a muscle tissue-based biosyncretic swimmer with a manta ray-inspired propelling mode has been developed. What is more, to improve the stable controllability of the biosyncretic swimmer, a dynamic control method based on circularly distributed multiple electrodes (CDME) has been proposed. In this method, the direction of the electric field generated by the CDME could be real-time controlled to be parallel with the actuation tissue of the dynamic swimmer. Therefore, the instability of the tissue actuation induced by the dynamic included angle between the tissue axis and electric field direction could be eliminated. Finally, the biosyncretic robot has demonstrated stable, controllable, and effective swimming, by adjusting the electric stimulation pulse direction, amplitude, and frequency. This work may be beneficial for not only the development of biosyncretic robots but also other related studies including bionic design of soft robots and muscle tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- School of Automation and Electrical Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang 110159, China
| | - Wenxue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Ning Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- Emerging Technologies Institute, Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
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