ETD

• Bio-hybrid systems
• Cell-based actuators
• Engineered bio/non-bio interfaces
• Living machines

This work aims at reporting an innovative approach towards the development of a three-dimensional cell-based bio-hybrid actuator. The system, made of polydimethylsiloxane and based on a stress-induced rolling membrane technique, was provided with different elastic moduli (achieved by varying the monomer/curing agent ratio), with proper surface micro-topographies and with a proper surface chemical functionalization to assure a long-term stable protein coating. Finite element modeling allowed to correlate the overall contraction of the polymeric structure along its main axis (caused by properly modeled muscle cell contraction forces) with substrate thickness and with matrix mechanical properties.