Phototactic guidance of a tissue-engineered soft-robotic ray
Harvard University · Stanford University · +3 more institutions
Abstract
Inspired by the relatively simple morphological blueprint provided by batoid fish such as stingrays and skates, we created a biohybrid system that enables an artificial animal--a tissue-engineered ray--to swim and phototactically follow a light cue. By patterning dissociated rat cardiomyocytes on an elastomeric body enclosing a microfabricated gold skeleton, we replicated fish morphology at 1/10 scale and captured basic fin deflection patterns of batoid fish. Optogenetics allows for phototactic guidance, steering, and turning maneuvers. Optical stimulation induced sequential muscle activation via serpentine-patterned muscle circuits, leading to coordinated undulatory swimming. The speed and direction of the…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 62.24
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 43
Authors
23- SPSung‐Jin Park
Harvard University, Stanford University
- SPSung‐Jin ParkCorresponding
Harvard University, Stanford University
- MGMattia GazzolaCorresponding
Harvard University, Sogang University
- KSKyong Soo ParkCorresponding
Sogang University, Stanford University
- SPShirley ParkCorresponding
Harvard University, Stanford University
Topics & keywords
- Fish <Actinopterygii>
- Skeleton (computer programming)
- Light source
- Anatomy
- Artificial intelligence
- Computer science
- Biology
- Physics
- Life below water
Funding
- NSNational Science FoundationAward: EFRI-0938043
- JDJohn D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
- SNSchweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung
- NRNational Research Foundation of KoreaAward: 2013K1A4A3055268
- RIRadcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University
- HSHarvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- NCNational Center for Advancing Translational SciencesAward: UH3TR000522