Utilization and control of bioactuators across multiple length scales

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cellular Engineering

Background:

• Bioactuators represent an emerging field utilizing biological systems for mechanical work.
• Understanding force generation and control at various biological scales is crucial for developing novel actuators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in bioactuators across different length scales.
• To summarize the capabilities of biomolecules, cells, and tissues as actuators.
• To highlight the potential of bioactuators in powering micro- and macroscale devices.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on biomolecular motors (DNA, kinesin, myosin, F1-ATPase).
• Analysis of studies on single cells and cell clusters (bacteria, protozoa, algae, mammalian cells) as microactuators.
• Examination of research on 2D and 3D assembled muscle tissues and explants for macroscale actuation.

Main Results:

• Biomolecular motors generate forces from 1 pN to 45 pN.
• Microorganisms provide thrust forces from 0.3 pN to 200 pN, while mammalian cells produce contractile forces from 80 nN to 3.5 μN.
• Assembled muscle tissues and explants yield contractile forces ranging from 25 μN to 1.18 mN.

Conclusions:

• Bioactuators show significant potential across multiple length scales, from nano- to milli-Newtons.
• The hierarchical organization of biological materials enables tunable force generation for diverse applications.
• Continued research in bioactuators promises innovative solutions in fields like robotics and regenerative medicine.