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About

Andrew K. Capulli is a pioneering researcher in biohybrid systems and tissue engineering, whose work bridges the gap between biology and robotics to create living, functional devices. His most celebrated contribution is the development of a tissue-engineered soft-robotic ray, inspired by the elegant morphology of batoid fish like stingrays. This biohybrid system, detailed in his highly cited 2016 paper (713 citations), integrates dissociated rat cardiomyocytes onto a flexible scaffold, enabling the artificial ray to swim and phototactically follow a light cue. This breakthrough demonstrated how biological components can be harnessed to drive engineered structures, offering profound insights into tissue engineering, biomechanics, and soft robotics. Capulli’s research has significantly advanced the field of biohybrid design, showcasing the potential for living tissues to power autonomous, responsive systems. His work not only highlights the intersection of developmental biology and engineering but also sets the stage for future applications in regenerative medicine and bio-inspired robotics. With over 700 citations on this landmark study alone, Capulli has established himself as a key innovator in creating hybrid systems that blur the line between natural and artificial life.