Yeast-Driven and Bioimpedance-Sensitive Biohybrid Soft Robots

MennaAllah Soliman ¹, Frederick Forbes ^1,2, Dana D Damian ^1,2,3

⁰School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK.

Cyborg and Bionic Systems (washington, D.c.) +

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April 28, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study introduces biohybrid robots powered by yeast fermentation for adaptable robotic functions. Yeast

Area Of Science

Robotics
Biotechnology
Bioengineering

Background

Biohybrid robots merge biological components with synthetic materials for novel robotic capabilities.
Yeast fermentation offers a unique biological process for generating actuation and sensing in soft robotic systems.

Purpose Of The Study

To leverage yeast fermentation dynamics for actuation and sensing in biohybrid soft robotic systems.
To integrate bioimpedance sensing for real-time monitoring of yeast behavior and metabolic activity.

Main Methods

Utilized yeast fermentation to generate CO2 pressure for robotic actuation.
Developed an adjustable single-resistor oscillator circuit with a digital potentiometer for bioimpedance sensing.
Modeled yeast growth rate based on measured impedance frequency.

Main Results

Demonstrated the feasibility of yeast-driven biohybrid robots with lifelike behavior.
The bioimpedance sensing circuit showed sensitivity to yeast concentration and correlated with actuation power.
Developed functional prototypes including a rotating soft limb, tactile sensor, palpation probe, and gripper.

Conclusions

Yeast fermentation dynamics and bioimpedance sensing can significantly enhance biohybrid robotic functionality.
This research provides a foundation for developing advanced, adaptable biohybrid robotic systems.