Abstract
Study on actuators using cultured muscle cells has attracted attention nowadays. This technology is expected to be used for regenerative medicine and soft robotics. For example, it can become a bridge that connects the conventional artificial arm and the future regenerated arm. Recently researches showed bending movement of the joint by these actuators; however, torsion movement of the joint has not been achieved yet. Realizing a cell-based twisting mechanism actuator, we fabricate a linear motion device using cultured muscle cells as the first step. This device consists of a culture chamber and pillars to be fixed with gel containing cells. For our prototype, myocardial cells and skeletal muscle cells of Xenopus laevis are used. Experimental results show that myocardial cells can survive for 8 days under the cultured condition. Moreover, the gel can attach firmly to the pillars. The movement of the pillar in the chamber is, however, not confirmed due to its small amount of cells.
