Breakthrough in bioengineering: Scientists develop soft and wiggly robots powered by artificial muscle tissue that can mimic the complex patterns found in nature.
In recent years, scientists and engineers have been exploring the potential of muscles as actuators for ‘biohybrid’ robots. These machines are powered by soft, artificially grown muscle fibers that can squirm and wiggle through spaces where traditional machines cannot. However, most bio-bots have been limited to fabricating artificial muscle that pulls in one direction, restricting their range of motion.
MIT engineers have now developed a method to grow artificial muscle tissue that twitches and flexes in multiple coordinated directions. This breakthrough was achieved by using a new ‘stamping’ approach, which involves 3D-printing a small handheld stamp patterned with microscopic grooves. These grooves serve as a roadmap for muscle cells to follow and grow.
Established in 1861, MIT is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
With a strong focus on science and technology, it has produced numerous Nobel laureates and has been consistently ranked as one of the world's top universities.
The institute has five schools and one college, offering over 48 academic programs.
Its research activities are renowned for their innovation and impact, with notable contributions to fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
A New Approach to Muscle Fabrication
The team, led by Ritu Raman, used high-precision printing facilities in MITnano to create intricate patterns of grooves on the stamp. The researchers then pressed the stamp into a soft hydrogel mat, coated it with cells that responded to light, and waited for them to grow and fuse into fibers. Within a day, the cells had formed a muscle with an architecture and size similar to a real iris.
Ritu Raman is a young American innovator, educator, and scientist.
She is the founder of iGniTe, a program that aims to develop innovative solutions for global challenges.
Ritu received her Bachelor's degree from Harvard University and her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.
She has been recognized with several awards, including the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and the World Economic Forum's Young Scientist Award.
When stimulated by pulses of light, the artificial iris contracted in multiple directions, mimicking the behavior of the human iris. This achievement demonstrates the ability to fabricate complex, multidirectional muscle tissue using the stamping method.
Artificial muscles, also known as soft actuators, are a type of electroactive polymer (EAP) that mimics the properties of human muscle.
They can contract and expand like natural muscle tissue, enabling robots to move and manipulate objects with greater precision and dexterity.
Researchers have developed various types of artificial muscles, including ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) and dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs).
These innovations have significant potential for applications in robotics, prosthetics, and exoskeletons, potentially revolutionizing the field of biomechanics.
Potential Applications
Raman’s team believes that this technology has the potential to revolutionize soft robotics. Traditional machines are often rigid and energy-inefficient, but soft biological robots could navigate through spaces with more ease and sustainability. The researchers plan to apply the stamping method to other cell types and explore different muscle architectures to achieve useful work.
The development of artificial muscles that can mimic the complex patterns found in nature has significant implications for various fields, including medicine, robotics, and materials science. By understanding how to replicate these natural patterns, scientists may be able to create more efficient and effective solutions for a range of applications.
A New Frontier in Bioengineering
Raman’s work represents a significant breakthrough in bioengineering, demonstrating the potential for artificial muscle tissue to be fabricated with unprecedented precision and control. As researchers continue to explore the possibilities of this technology, we can expect to see innovative applications emerge in fields such as soft robotics, medicine, and materials science.
The development of soft and wiggly robots that can mimic the complex patterns found in nature has the potential to revolutionize various industries and improve our daily lives. With Raman’s team leading the charge, we are one step closer to realizing this vision and unlocking the full potential of biohybrid robotics.
