1
|
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 PMCID: PMC11294997 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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mestre
- Agents, Interaction and Complexity Group, School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Politics and International Relations Department, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Centre for Democratic Futures, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Centre for Robotics, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Aníbal M. Astobiza
- Department of Public Law, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Donostia20018, Spain
| | - Victoria A. Webster-Wood
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh15213, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh15213, Pennsylvania
- The Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh15213, Pennsylvania
- The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh15213, Pennsylvania
| | - Matt Ryan
- Politics and International Relations Department, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Centre for Democratic Futures, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Democratic Innovations Research Unit, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main60323, Germany
| | - M. Taher A. Saif
- Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana61801, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cao Y, Xu B, Li B, Fu H. Advanced Design of Soft Robots with Artificial Intelligence. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2024; 16:214. [PMID: 38869734 PMCID: PMC11176285 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01423-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
A comprehensive review focused on the whole systems of the soft robotics with artificial intelligence, which can feel, think, react and interact with humans, is presented. The design strategies concerning about various aspects of the soft robotics, like component materials, device structures, prepared technologies, integrated method, and potential applications, are summarized. A broad outlook on the future considerations for the soft robots is proposed. In recent years, breakthrough has been made in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), which has also revolutionized the industry of robotics. Soft robots featured with high-level safety, less weight, lower power consumption have always been one of the research hotspots. Recently, multifunctional sensors for perception of soft robotics have been rapidly developed, while more algorithms and models of machine learning with high accuracy have been optimized and proposed. Designs of soft robots with AI have also been advanced ranging from multimodal sensing, human–machine interaction to effective actuation in robotic systems. Nonetheless, comprehensive reviews concerning the new developments and strategies for the ingenious design of the soft robotic systems equipped with AI are rare. Here, the new development is systematically reviewed in the field of soft robots with AI. First, background and mechanisms of soft robotic systems are briefed, after which development focused on how to endow the soft robots with AI, including the aspects of feeling, thought and reaction, is illustrated. Next, applications of soft robots with AI are systematically summarized and discussed together with advanced strategies proposed for performance enhancement. Design thoughts for future intelligent soft robotics are pointed out. Finally, some perspectives are put forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- Nanotechnology Center, School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingang Xu
- Nanotechnology Center, School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bin Li
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Fu
- Department of Mathematics and Information Technology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li T, Nie M, Morimoto Y, Takeuchi S. Pillar electrodes embedded in the skeletal muscle tissue for selective stimulation of biohybrid actuators with increased contractile distance. Biofabrication 2024; 16:035022. [PMID: 38744312 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad4ba1] [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] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Electrodes are crucial for controlling the movements of biohybrid robots, but their external placement outside muscle tissue often leads to inefficient and non-selective stimulation of nearby biohybrid actuators. To address this, we propose embedding pillar electrodes within the skeletal muscle tissue, resulting in enhanced contraction of the target muscle without affecting the neighbor tissue with a 4 mm distance. We use finite element method simulations to establish a selectivity model, correlating the VIE(volume integration of electric field intensity within muscle tissue) with actual contractile distances under different amplitudes of electrical pulses. The simulated selective index closely aligns with experimental results, showing the potential of pillar electrodes for effective and selective biohybrid actuator stimulation. In experiments, we validated that the contractile distance and selectivity achieved with these pillar electrodes exceed conventional Au rod electrodes. This innovation has promising implications for building biohybrid robots with densely arranged muscle tissue, ultimately achieving more human-like movements. Additionally, our selectivity model offers valuable predictive tools for assessing electrical stimulation effects with different electrode designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Li
- Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minghao Nie
- Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuya Morimoto
- Department of Electronic and Physical Systems,School of Fundamental Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoji Takeuchi
- Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hidaka M, Kojima M, Sakai S, Delattre C. Characterization of Chitosan Hydrogels Obtained through Phenol and Tripolyphosphate Anionic Crosslinking. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1274. [PMID: 38732743 PMCID: PMC11085344 DOI: 10.3390/polym16091274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Chitosan is a deacetylated polymer of chitin that is extracted mainly from the exoskeleton of crustaceans and is the second-most abundant polymer in nature. Chitosan hydrogels are preferred for a variety of applications in bio-related fields due to their functional properties, such as antimicrobial activity and wound healing effects; however, the existing hydrogelation methods require toxic reagents and exhibit slow gelation times, which limit their application in biological fields. Therefore, a mild and rapid gelation method is necessary. We previously demonstrated that the visible light-induced gelation of chitosan obtained through phenol crosslinking (ChPh) is a rapid gelation method. To further advance this method (<10 s), we propose a dual-crosslinked chitosan hydrogel obtained by crosslinking phenol groups and crosslinking sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and the amino groups of chitosan. The chitosan hydrogel was prepared by immersing the ChPh hydrogel in a TPP solution after phenol crosslinking via exposure to visible light. The physicochemical properties of the dual-crosslinked hydrogels, including Young's moduli and water retentions, were subsequently investigated. Young's moduli of the dual-crosslinked hydrogels were 20 times higher than those of the hydrogels without TPP ion crosslinking. The stiffness could be manipulated by varying the immersion time, and the water retention properties of the ChPh hydrogel were improved by TPP crosslinking. Ion crosslinking could be reversed using an iron chloride solution. This method facilitates chitosan hydrogel use for various applications, particularly tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuyuki Hidaka
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan; (M.H.); (M.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Masaru Kojima
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan; (M.H.); (M.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Shinji Sakai
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan; (M.H.); (M.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Cédric Delattre
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Institute Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Roshan U, Mudugamuwa A, Cha H, Hettiarachchi S, Zhang J, Nguyen NT. Actuation for flexible and stretchable microdevices. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2146-2175. [PMID: 38507292 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01086d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Flexible and stretchable microdevices incorporate highly deformable structures, facilitating precise functionality at the micro- and millimetre scale. Flexible microdevices have showcased extensive utility in the fields of biomedicine, microfluidics, and soft robotics. Actuation plays a critical role in transforming energy between different forms, ensuring the effective operation of devices. However, when it comes to actuating flexible microdevices at the small millimetre or even microscale, translating actuation mechanisms from conventional rigid large-scale devices is not straightforward. The recent development of actuation mechanisms leverages the benefits of device flexibility, particularly in transforming conventional actuation concepts into more efficient approaches for flexible devices. Despite many reviews on soft robotics, flexible electronics, and flexible microfluidics, a specific and systematic review of the actuation mechanisms for flexible and stretchable microdevices is still lacking. Therefore, the present review aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art actuation mechanisms for flexible and stretchable microdevices. We elaborate on the different actuation mechanisms based on fluid pressure, electric, magnetic, mechanical, and chemical sources, thoroughly examining and comparing the structure designs, characteristics, performance, advantages, and drawbacks of these diverse actuation mechanisms. Furthermore, the review explores the pivotal role of materials and fabrication techniques in the development of flexible and stretchable microdevices. Finally, we summarise the applications of these devices in biomedicine and soft robotics and provide perspectives on current and future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uditha Roshan
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Amith Mudugamuwa
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Haotian Cha
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Samith Hettiarachchi
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xia N, Zhu G, Wang X, Dong Y, Zhang L. Multicomponent and multifunctional integrated miniature soft robots. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:7464-7485. [PMID: 36189642 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00891b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Miniature soft robots with elaborate structures and programmable physical properties could conduct micromanipulation with high precision as well as access confined and tortuous spaces, which promise benefits in medical tasks and environmental monitoring. To improve the functionalities and adaptability of miniature soft robots, a variety of integrated design and fabrication strategies have been proposed for the development of miniaturized soft robotic systems integrated with multicomponents and multifunctionalities. Combining the latest advancement in fabrication technologies, intelligent materials and active control methods enable these integrated robotic systems to adapt to increasingly complex application scenarios including precision medicine, intelligent electronics, and environmental and proprioceptive sensing. Herein, this review delivers an overview of various integration strategies applicable for miniature soft robotic systems, including semiconductor and microelectronic techniques, modular assembly based on self-healing and welding, modular assembly based on bonding agents, laser machining techniques, template assisted methods with modular material design, and 3D printing techniques. Emerging applications of the integrated miniature soft robots and perspectives for the future design of small-scale intelligent robots are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neng Xia
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Guangda Zhu
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yue Dong
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Chow Yuk Ho Technology Center for Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK T Stone Robotics Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
|
11
|
Rogkas N, Vakouftsis C, Spitas V, Lagaros ND, Georgantzinos SK. Design Aspects of Additive Manufacturing at Microscale: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13050775. [PMID: 35630242 PMCID: PMC9147298 DOI: 10.3390/mi13050775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has been researched and developed for almost three decades. Microscale AM is one of the fastest-growing fields of research within the AM area. Considerable progress has been made in the development and commercialization of new and innovative microscale AM processes, as well as several practical applications in a variety of fields. However, there are still significant challenges that exist in terms of design, available materials, processes, and the ability to fabricate true three-dimensional structures and systems at a microscale. For instance, microscale AM fabrication technologies are associated with certain limitations and constraints due to the scale aspect, which may require the establishment and use of specialized design methodologies in order to overcome them. The aim of this paper is to review the main processes, materials, and applications of the current microscale AM technology, to present future research needs for this technology, and to discuss the need for the introduction of a design methodology. Thus, one of the primary concerns of the current paper is to present the design aspects describing the comparative advantages and AM limitations at the microscale, as well as the selection of processes and materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Rogkas
- Laboratory of Machine Design, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou, 15780 Zografou, Greece; (N.R.); (C.V.); (V.S.)
| | - Christos Vakouftsis
- Laboratory of Machine Design, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou, 15780 Zografou, Greece; (N.R.); (C.V.); (V.S.)
| | - Vasilios Spitas
- Laboratory of Machine Design, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou, 15780 Zografou, Greece; (N.R.); (C.V.); (V.S.)
| | - Nikos D. Lagaros
- Institute of Structural Analysis and Antiseismic Research, School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou, 15780 Zographou, Greece;
| | - Stelios K. Georgantzinos
- Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Structures and Digitalization, Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evripus Campus, 34400 Psachna, Greece
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sun W, Tashman JW, Shiwarski DJ, Feinberg AW, Webster-Wood VA. Long-Fiber Embedded Hydrogel 3D Printing for Structural Reinforcement. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:303-313. [PMID: 34860495 PMCID: PMC9206824 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are candidate building blocks in a wide range of biomaterial applications including soft and biohybrid robotics, microfluidics, and tissue engineering. Recent advances in embedded 3D printing have broadened the design space accessible with hydrogel additive manufacturing. Specifically, the Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH) technique has enabled the fabrication of complex 3D structures using extremely soft hydrogels, e.g., alginate and collagen, by assembling hydrogels within a fugitive support bath. However, the low structural rigidity of FRESH printed hydrogels limits their applications, especially those that require operation in nonaqueous environments. In this study, we demonstrated long-fiber embedded hydrogel 3D printing using a multihead printing platform consisting of a custom-built fiber extruder and an open-source FRESH bioprinter with high embedding fidelity. Using this process, fibers were embedded in 3D printed hydrogel components to achieve significant structural reinforcement (e.g., tensile modulus improved from 56.78 ± 8.76 to 382.55 ± 25.29 kPa and tensile strength improved from 9.44 ± 2.28 to 45.05 ± 5.53 kPa). In addition, we demonstrated the versatility of this technique by using fibers of a wide range of sizes and material types and implementing different 2D and 3D embedding patterns, such as embedding a conical helix using electrochemically aligned collagen fiber via nonplanar printing. Moreover, the technique was implemented using low-cost material and is compatible with open-source software and hardware, which facilitates its adoption and modification for new research applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhuan Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Joshua W Tashman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Daniel J Shiwarski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Adam W Feinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Victoria A Webster-Wood
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rivera-Tarazona LK, Campbell ZT, Ware TH. Stimuli-responsive engineered living materials. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:785-809. [PMID: 33410841 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01905d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive materials are able to undergo controllable changes in materials properties in response to external cues. Increasing efforts have been directed towards building materials that mimic the responsive nature of biological systems. Nevertheless, limitations remain surrounding the way these synthetic materials interact and respond to their environment. In particular, it is difficult to synthesize synthetic materials that respond with specificity to poorly differentiated (bio)chemical and weak physical stimuli. The emerging area of engineered living materials (ELMs) includes composites that combine living cells and synthetic materials. ELMs have yielded promising advances in the creation of stimuli-responsive materials that respond with diverse outputs in response to a broad array of biochemical and physical stimuli. This review describes advances made in the genetic engineering of the living component and the processing-property relationships of stimuli-responsive ELMs. Finally, the implementation of stimuli-responsive ELMs as environmental sensors, biomedical sensors, drug delivery vehicles, and soft robots is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Rivera-Tarazona
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 101 Bizzell Street, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|