A microfabricated, biohybrid, soft robotics flagellum

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.