Cell scaffolds can be made from artificial muscle fibers
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed and tested in two new studies a series textile fibers capable of changing shape and generating force similar to a muscle. In their first study published in Actuators the researchers examined the influence of the materials on the strength and length of contractions for artificial muscles. Researchers could use the findings to tailor fibers for specific applications.
Researchers tested their fibers in a second proof-of concept study, published in Biomimetics. They used them as scaffolds to support live cells. The researchers’ findings indicate that the fibers, also known as \”fiber robotics\”, could be used to create 3D models of moving and living systems within the human body.
Muh Amdadul Hoque is a graduate student at NC State studying textile engineering, chemistry, and science. She said, \”We found that the fiber robot was a very good scaffold for the cell, and we could alter the frequency of contraction and the ratio to create an environment more suitable for cells.\” These were proof-of-concept studies. Our ultimate goal is to determine if these fibers can be used as a scaffold to study stem cells or to develop artificial organs for future studies.
Source:
https://phys.org/news/2023-05-artificial-muscle-fibers-cell-scaffolds.html
