Article abstract
Nature Materials 4, 180 - 184 (2005)
Published online: 16 January 2005 | doi:10.1038/nmat1308
Subject Categories: Biological materials | Mechanical properties | Design synthesis and processing
Self-assembled microdevices driven by muscle
Jianzhong Xi1, Jacob J. Schmidt1 & Carlo D. Montemagno1
Abstract
Current procedures for manual extraction of mature muscle tissue in micromechanical structures are time consuming and can damage the living components. To overcome these limitations, we have devised a new system for assembling muscle-powered microdevices based on judicious manipulations of materials phases and interfaces. In this system, individual cells grow and self-assemble into muscle bundles that are integrated with micromechanical structures and can be controllably released to enable free movement. Having realized such an assembly with cardiomyocytes we demonstrate two potential applications: a force transducer able to characterize in situ the mechanical properties of muscle and a self-assembled hybrid (biotic/abiotic) microdevice that moves as a consequence of collective cooperative contraction of muscle bundles. Because the fabrication of silicon microdevices is independent of the subsequent assembly of muscle cells, this system is highly versatile and may lead to the integration of cells and tissues with a variety of other microstructures.
- UCLA Department of Bioengineering, 7523 Boelter Hall, 420 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, California 90095-1600, USA
Correspondence to: Jianzhong Xi1 e-mail: jzxi@ucla.edu
Correspondence to: Carlo D. Montemagno1 e-mail: cdm@seas.ucla.edu
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.
RESEARCH
Integrated three-dimensional microelectromechanical devices from processable carbon nanotube wafersNature Nanotechnology Article (01 May 2008)
Assembly of aligned linear metallic patterns on siliconNature Nanotechnology Article (01 Aug 2007)
High-resolution electrohydrodynamic jet printingNature Materials Article (01 Oct 2007)
See all 44 matches for Research
