Japanese Researchers Develop Biohybrid Robotic Hand Built Using Real Human Muscle Cells
In a remarkable fusion of biology and technology, researchers from the University of Tokyo and Waseda University have developed a groundbreaking biohybrid robotic hand that utilizes lab-grown human muscle cells. This innovative device, measuring 18 centimeters in length, represents a significant leap in the field of robotics, particularly in the realm of prosthetics and humanoid machines.
The findings were published in Science Robotics, showcasing the potential of integrating biological systems with robotic frameworks.
The Science Behind the Biohybrid Hand
The biohybrid hand operates using “MuMuTAs” (multiple muscle tissue actuators), which are bundles of thin, lab-grown muscle fibers rolled into cylindrical shapes, reminiscent of sushi rolls. This design allows for improved contractility and oxygen diffusion, addressing a critical challenge in tissue engineering: necrosis.
Necrosis occurs when muscle cells are deprived of nutrients and oxygen, leading to cell death, particularly in thicker muscle tissues. By using thin muscle fibers, the researchers ensured that all cells have access to essential nutrients, thus maintaining their viability and functionality.
The hand’s structure is 3D-printed from plastic, with each finger featuring three joints actuated by cables connected to the MuMuTAs. This modular design allows for independent finger movements, enabling the hand to perform various tasks, from simple gestures to manipulating objects like pipettes.
The researchers noted that the hand could perform gestures such as “rock-paper-scissors,” demonstrating its ability to mimic human-like movements.
Technical Innovations and Challenges
One of the key innovations of this project is the method of creating MuMuTAs. The researchers cultured thin, flat muscle fibers on petri dishes, allowing for optimal nutrient access. Once the fibers were grown, they were rolled into tubes, enhancing their contractile strength while maintaining oxygen diffusion.
This sushi-rolling technique not only improved the muscles’ performance but also extended their longevity, as the MuMuTAs can be unrolled after use to provide oxygen and nutrition to the cells.
Despite these advancements, the biohybrid hand faces several challenges. Currently, it operates in a nutrient-rich liquid environment, which limits its practical applications outside laboratory settings. Researchers are exploring solutions such as artificial nutrient delivery systems and protective scaffolds to maintain tissue viability in dry environments.
Additionally, the hand experiences fatigue after about 10 minutes of use, a limitation that researchers aim to overcome through methods such as exercise regimens for the muscle tissues or the use of chemical growth factors to enhance muscle performance.
Applications and Implications
The implications of this technology are vast and varied. Biohybrid robotic hands could revolutionize prosthetics, providing users with more natural movement patterns and greater dexterity. For instance, advanced prosthetics could be designed to replicate the intricate movements of a human hand, allowing for tasks that require fine motor skills, such as playing musical instruments or performing delicate surgical procedures.
Moreover, this technology could enhance humanoid robotics, enabling robots to perform tasks that require human-like dexterity, such as assembling intricate components in manufacturing or assisting in healthcare settings. The ability to mimic human gestures opens up possibilities for robots to interact more naturally with people, improving their usability in everyday life.
In the realm of medical research, biohybrid systems like this robotic hand could serve as valuable tools for studying muscle function, testing surgical techniques, and developing new drugs targeting muscle tissues. The ability to observe how engineered muscle tissues respond to various stimuli could provide insights that are difficult to obtain through traditional research methods.