A microfabricated, biohybrid, soft robotics flagellum

Brian J. Williams, Sandeep V. Anand, Jagannathan Rajagopalan, M. Taher A. Saif

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We present a microfabricated soft robotics flagellum powered by living cells that can generate propulsion at low Reynolds number (Re). The swimmer utilizes contractile cardiomyocytes to provide on-board actuation to a thin, deformable, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) filament. To enable propulsion at low Re, the filament is designed such that it deforms passively in response to fluid drag, producing a time irreversible cyclical deformation and a net propulsive force. This work provides a new paradigm by integrating microfabrication and biological cells to enable the realization of an independent, soft robotics actuator with micron-scale dimensions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMEMS 2014 - 27th IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages192-195
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)9781479935086
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event27th IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2014 - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Jan 26 2014Jan 30 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
ISSN (Print)1084-6999

Other

Other27th IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period1/26/141/30/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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