Biohybrid systems: Borrowing from nature to make better machines
Arianna Menciassi, Shoji Takeuchi, Roger D. Kamm
Abstract
This Editorial highlights the current and future capabilities of biohybrid machines and components over a wide range of topics, from basic research to translation into practice. The blend between biology and engineering for replicating the performance of living machines or for developing machine components with a life-like behavior, better biocompatibility, and better sustainability, is investigated by many research teams, coming from bioengineering, biology, chemistry, and robotics. With seven selected contributions from leading researchers exploring the field of biohybrid machines from different perspectives and for different scientific and application needs, the Special Topic on "Biohybrid Machines" in APL Bioengineering will provide the readers with a solid and appealing vision in the field, hopefully stimulating new research avenues.