Artificial muscles

2024: The first laboratory of controlled bionic systems in Russia was launched. There they create "artificial muscles" for people and robots

In September 2024, it became known about the work of the first laboratory of controlled bionic systems in Russia. She works on the basis of Sechenov University and is engaged in the creation of "artificial muscles" for people and robots. Read more here

2023

Artificial muscles working from alternating current have been developed in Russia

In the First Moscow State Medical University named after Sechenov created artificial muscles based on a hydrogel from polyvinyl alcohol, which are activated by alternating current. The press service of the university spoke about this development in early October 2023.

The muscles developed consist of hydrogel-based actuators. These are devices capable of changing their size and shape under the influence of electricity due to the diffusion of anions and cations to the anode and cathode. Previously, such devices had a low response speed, and also when the voltage was exceeded, they could easily fail.

To solve these problems, scientists developed actuators based on an AC-activated polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel. When exposed to alternating current, the ions do not move towards the electrodes, but oscillate in place, so there is a uniform heating of the entire hydrogel and a change in the shape of the actuator. It takes about three seconds to achieve the desired effect. The actuator with a reinforcing grid in the form of a spiral is able to stretch up to 60%, and the actuator with a braided grid is able to contract by more than 20%.

As reported in Sechenov University, actuators based on ionic electroactive polymers (hydrogels) are devices capable of changing their size and shape under the influence of electricity due to the diffusion of anions and cations to the anode and cathode, respectively, which leads to swelling, compression or bending of the actuator when applying direct electric current.

Such actuators can be used in various fields where devices that provide linear movement are needed - these are artificial muscles for medical tasks, soft robotics, and various traction devices in technology, "said Tarek Daiyub, senior researcher at the Laboratory of Controlled Bionic Systems[1]

Human muscles began to be printed on a 3D printer

On August 25, 2023, American researchers at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation in Los Angeles announced the development of a new technology for the formation of human muscles by 3D printing. The proposed approach is expected to aid in the treatment of patients with skeletal muscle injuries resulting from trauma, disease or surgery.

The biological process of muscle development is a complex mechanism: progenitor cells called myoblasts fuse together to form tubular-shaped structures that eventually become mature muscle fibers. Precise alignment and orientation of cells is required for effective muscle contraction and function. The new technology of American scientists provides for the use of special biochernils for 3D printing, stimulating the development of muscle tissue.

American researchers reported on the development of a new technology for the formation of human muscles by 3D printing

The ink contains microparticles containing insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 delivery has been shown to improve the formation of mature skeletal muscle tissue from progenitor cells and facilitate their structural alignment. This increases the efficiency of the regenerative process.

The bio-kernels consist of a biocompatible gelatin-based hydrogel (GeIMA), myoblast cells and said microparticles of the same size as IGF-1. The growth factor is gradually released as the particles decompose, thereby ensuring prolonged and uniform exposure. A week after the muscle constructs were created with the new biochernils, the researchers observed improved alignment and fusion of myoblasts. And ten days after bioprinting, muscle tissue structures began to spontaneously contract. In general, prolonged release of IGF-1 promotes maturation and alignment of muscle cells, a crucial factor in muscle tissue repair and regeneration.^[2]

Russia has learned to create safe and environmentally friendly "artificial muscles"

Specialists at Sechenov University have found out how to create safe and environmentally friendly "artificial muscles." The press service of the university told about this on August 18, 2023.

Materials for the "artificial muscles" used in bionic prostheses can be produced from renewable raw materials using solvents and catalysts that are safe for humans and nature, the researchers said. Scientists decided to find out whether elastomers that are safer for humans and nature can be created for biomedical purposes. To do this, they analyzed more than 200 articles published in recent years on the synthesis of elastomers.

Sechenov University learned to create safe and environmentally friendly "artificial muscles"

Elastomers produced by conventional methods are well understood and their properties are known. We wanted to understand whether there are ways to create more environmentally friendly elastomers and whether they can compete in properties with traditional ones, "explained Olga Filippova, senior researcher at the Laboratory of Controlled Bionic Systems at Sechenov University.

As it turned out, the production of elastomers can really be environmentally friendly - vegetable oils, fatty acids, starch, sugars can be used to create them. According to the principles of "green chemistry," polyurethanes, silicone, acrylic and some other elastomers can be synthesized.

There are several criteria for obtaining eco-friendly elastomers. Firstly, it is the departure from petroleum products and the use of biological resources, renewable raw materials, for example, the production of materials from biomass. Secondly, the rejection of any dangerous components, including solvents and catalysts. Thirdly, it is important to reduce energy costs for production. And, fourthly, the final product should be safe for humans and for the environment, - said Filippova.[3]

Artificial muscles have been developed for humans

On July 11, 2023, British researchers from Queen Mary University of London reported the development of an artificial muscle of a new type, which has variable hardness, and is also able to determine the applied force and deformation. The technology makes it possible to mimic the work of human muscles.

Ketao Zhang, one of the authors of the project, says that the emergence of robots with the ability to sense themselves is a key step towards a real bionic future. Soft robotics has huge potential in the medical field. The flexible and pliable nature of these robotic components means they are well suited for interacting with living tissues - without causing damage.

British researchers report on the development of an artificial muscle of a new type

The muscle created consists of silicone-coated carbon nanotubes that form a cathode. This component also serves as a sensitive part, allowing the force to be recorded. The anode is made of soft metal mesh and the actuating layer is between the cathode and the anode. After curing liquid materials, a fully healthy artificial muscle of variable stiffness is formed. It is noted that the entire manufacturing process is simple and reliable.

The artificial muscle exhibits flexibility and extensibility similar to natural structures. The researchers say these features make the development ideal for integration into complex soft robotic systems. In addition, the novelty is able to adapt to various geometric shapes. Thanks to the ability to withstand stretching by more than 200% in length, the solution demonstrates very high durability. The muscle is able to change its stiffness by more than 30 times when applying various stresses. This control provides a significant advantage in response rate over other types of artificial muscles.^[4]

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