Bio-bot locomotion via photopolymerizable hydrogel
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for controllable, soft robotic devices with bidirectional locomotive capabilities that can dynamically sense and respond to complex environmental signals, and methods for fabricating such devices with short fabrication time, scalability, and spatial control.
Innovation Solution
A bio-bot composition comprising a hydrogel strip and base with immobilized cells, where the hydrogel strip and base are made using photopolymerizable hydrogels, and methods for making and controlling the bio-bots using stereo-lithographic and micromolding techniques, allowing for directional locomotion and response to light, electrical, or chemical stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid materials such as silicon and polydimethylsiloxane are used for biohybrid actuators, then structural strength and stability are improved, but flexibility and tissue-like elasticity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydrogels as a composite material that combines the benefits of flexibility and tissue-like elasticity with sufficient structural integrity. Hydrogels are cross-linked polymer networks that are hydrated and possess tissue-like elasticity, making them suitable for biological applications while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties for actuator functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydrogel-based flexible structures including hydrogel strips, hydrogel bases, and hydrogel pillars that provide the necessary flexibility and tissue-like elasticity. These flexible hydrogel components replace rigid materials while maintaining structural functionality through their viscoelastic properties and ability to deform reversibly.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex cell-based biological machines are fabricated with high precision, then functional performance is improved, but fabrication time and complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-fabricated hydrogel structures (strips, bases, pillars) with predetermined geometries and mechanical properties. These pre-formed hydrogel components are prepared in advance with controlled dimensions and material properties, then assembled with cells to create functional biohybrid actuators, reducing overall fabrication time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs photopolymerizable hydrogels that can be rapidly cured by controlling light exposure parameters. By adjusting photopolymerization conditions (light intensity, exposure time, photoinitiator concentration), the fabrication process achieves high precision while minimizing fabrication time through rapid polymerization kinetics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogel structures are made softer to improve biocompatibility, then tissue-like elasticity is improved, but structural stability and load-bearing capacity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs composite hydrogel structures combining different hydrogel formulations with varying mechanical properties. Softer hydrogel regions provide tissue-like elasticity and biocompatibility, while stiffer hydrogel regions or reinforced structures provide structural stability and load-bearing capacity. The composite approach allows spatial variation of mechanical properties within a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality variations in hydrogel structures by using different cross-linking densities, polymer concentrations, or hydrogel formulations in different regions. This allows specific areas to have softer, more elastic properties for cell interaction while other areas maintain stiffer, more stable properties for structural support, optimizing both tissue-like elasticity and structural stability locally.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the creation of soft robotic devices that can perform specific tasks, such as directional locomotion, with controlled movement and responsiveness to environmental signals, while offering rapid fabrication and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrogel strip and hydrogel base can comprise a photopolymerizable hydrogel
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides locomotive biological machines comprised of hydrogel structures and one or more types of cells. The locomotive biological machines are capable of controlled directional movement and can be used for sensing, information processing, actuation, protein expression, and transportation.