Bio-actuators as Dynamic Models for Biomedical Studies
Bio-hybrid muscle systems incorporate motile functionality, making them uniquely suited to study the movement of living beings in vitro, with broad implications for research on health, disease, and lifestyle.
Our lab develops bio-hybrid muscle systems to explore how human skeletal muscle responds to mechanical and electrical stimulation, with a focus on gender-specific, exercise, and lifestyle-dependent variations. While gender-related differences in muscle structure and performance are recognized, the mechanisms behind these variations remain poorly understood. By providing programmable exercise and environmental cues, we study muscle adaptation, growth, and fatigue under diverse conditions.
Our projects combine 3D biofabrication and in vitro modeling to create advanced muscle actuators. Engineered tissues can be stimulated through precise mechanical loading and electrical activation, mimicking exercise and activity patterns.
Tissue composition is programmable. Tracking male- or female-cell usage and exposing the tissue to hormonal compositions, we aim to create gender-specific muscle physiology. We also aim to conduct systematic testing of lifestyle factors such as exercise intensity, nutrition, and environmental exposures, enabling quantitative studies of how these variables influence muscle performance, resilience, and adaptation. Additionally, our bioactuators provide a disease modeling platform, for example, using engineered neuromuscular tissues to investigate neuromuscular junction stability in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, uncovering mechanisms of pathology and potential therapeutic strategies.
Our platforms have broad applications in exercise-related studies concerning health, sports science, and rehabilitation. We aim to contribute to mechanistic studies of gender-specific muscle adaptation, guiding personalized training, exercise, and rehabilitation strategies. By simulating diverse lifestyles, we aim to reveal how mechanical and electrical training interacts with sex-typical physiology, informing tailored interventions for both male and female individuals. The system is also relevant for aging populations and individuals in rehabilitation programs, supporting evidence-based approaches to improve muscle function and resilience. By combining advanced engineering with inclusive design, this research fosters equitable access to insights on human muscle health, bridging fundamental science, disease modeling, and translational impact.
