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Related Concept Videos

Muscle Contraction01:15

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The Role of Actin and Myosin in Non-muscle Cells01:10

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Actin and myosin or actomyosin filaments also play a significant role in cells other than those involved in muscle contraction (which occurs within the sarcomere of muscle cells). The mechanism of non-muscle cell contractile bundles was first observed in Dictyostelium and Acanthamoeba. In non-muscle cells, two bundles are commonly found: stress fibers and actomyosin adherence belts. These contractile bundles are smaller and less organized than the ones found in muscle cells. They  are held...
Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy01:21

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Satellite stem cells or myosatellite cells are quiescent stem cells that Alexander Mauro first identified in 1961. These cells are located between the sarcolemma, the plasma membrane of muscle fibers, and the basal lamina, the connective tissue sheath covering it. These mononucleated cells are activated in response to muscle injury, can transform into myoblasts, and may form or repair muscle fibers. Myosatellite cells can provide additional myonuclei for muscle regeneration or return to a...
Microscopic Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles01:13

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Skeletal muscle cells, also called muscle fibers, are distinctly elongated, multi-nucleated, slender biological units. They are packed with specialized structures designed to facilitate their primary function, which is contraction.
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Cardiac Muscle Cell-based Actuator and Self-stabilizing Biorobot - Part 2
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Published on: May 9, 2017

Bio-hybrid muscle cell-based actuators.

Leonardo Ricotti1, Arianna Menciassi

  • 1Biorobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy. l.ricotti@sssup.it

Biomedical Microdevices
|September 11, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers are developing bio-hybrid actuators by merging artificial and living components to create machines with life-like movements. This innovative approach aims to overcome limitations in current artificial actuators, potentially powering future robotics and ICT applications.

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08:38

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Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Robotics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Living muscles excel as natural actuators, offering superior force, work, and power generation compared to artificial counterparts.
  • Current artificial actuators face limitations in inertia, backdrivability, stiffness control, and power consumption, hindering advancements in robotics and ICT.
  • Bio-inspired robotics seeks to overcome these limitations by developing novel actuators that mimic or surpass natural muscle performance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review scientific and technological progress in cell- or tissue-based actuators over the last two decades.
  • To explore the potential of bio-hybrid devices in matching or exceeding natural muscle capabilities.
  • To identify challenges and solutions for developing advanced bio-actuators for micro- and mini-devices.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cell- and tissue-based actuators.
  • Analysis of research efforts in bio-hybrid device development.
  • Comparative assessment of different approaches, highlighting advantages and drawbacks.

Main Results:

  • Significant research efforts have been dedicated to creating cell- and tissue-based actuators.
  • Various approaches have been explored, each with specific benefits and limitations.
  • Bio-hybrid actuators show promise for powering micro- and mini-devices with life-like movements.

Conclusions:

  • Merging artificial and living entities offers a promising avenue for next-generation actuators.
  • Overcoming challenges in bio-actuator development is crucial for advancing robotics and ICT.
  • Future bio-hybrid actuators could enable machines with unprecedented life-like motion and performance.