Biohybrid systems refer to the integration of biological materials, such as cells or tissues, with artificial components, includingelectronics ormechanical structure. This combination uses the capabilities of living organisms alongside the precision of man-made technology, enabling the performance of tasks that neither biology nor machines could achieve independently.
Biohybrid systems might utilize lab-cultured muscle cells to power small robots or combine sensors with living tissue for better health sensing. The intent behind these systems is to bring together the benefits of biological and technological components in order to introduce new solutions for complex medical challenges.[1]
Biohybrid systems have transformative potential across multiple sectors such asrobotics to create actuators and sensors that mimic natural muscle and nerve function,medicine in developing smart implants and drug delivery systems, inprosthetics for enhancing user control through neural or muscular interfaces andenvironmental sustainability for deploying biohybrid solutions for pollution sensing or remediation.[2]
The term "biohybrid" is a compound of "bio" frombiology (meaning life) and "hybrid" (referring to a combination of distinct elements), denoting a field of study. Its use helps distinguish such systems from purely biological constructs or entirely synthetic machines. Early academic mentions may include bio actuated robotics papers and foundational tissue-robot integration studies published in journals likeNature Biotechnology orScience Robotics.[3] The emergence of the term reflects a growing recognition of the need to describe systems that do not fit cleanly into traditional categories.[4][2]
One of the most significant biohybrid challenges is to engineer interfaces between living tissue and artificial materials that are efficient. This means having precise control overadhesion at the surface,diffusion of nutrients, and signal conduction.[5][2] Actuation mechanisms within the heart of these systems generate movement or mechanical response. These may be in the form of living muscle cells such as skeletalmyocytes orcardiomyocytes, softpneumatic actuators, or electrical stimulation-responsive tissues.[3][2]
Materials selection is equally critical.Hydrogels, elastomers like PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), andbiopolymers are commonly used due to their softness and biocompatibility. These materials must support cell viability, resist immune attack, and allow the integration of mechanical or electrical components.[6]
At their core, biohybrid systems work by bridging living biological parts with technological aspects. Through this integration, functionality that neither system could accomplish singularly is made possible.[5][3]
Biological parts may be cells, tissues, or even organs—occasionallycultured in a laboratory setting. These biological parts carry out biologically inspired behaviors, such asmuscle contraction or chemical sensing in the body.[2]
Technological Components constitute devices likesensors,electronic components, and structures that are mechanical. These constituents serve to manipulate the system, supply power, or transfer data. As a point of illustration, an example is a sensor that is implantable within a body and detects glucose levels as it sends information to a smart phone in real time.[1]
By integrating these artificial and biological parts, biohybrid systems can perform advanced functions, such astissue regeneration, real-time health monitoring, or the recovery ofmotor function inparalysis patients.[5][6]
Biohybrid systems generally consist of two major components: the biological and the mechanical.
These components are combined in a manner that allows for dynamic, lifelike behaviour—such as the contraction of tissue or the propagation of mechanical waves—while maintaining biocompatibility and durability.[6]
The range of applications for biohybrid systems is broad and expanding. For robotics, biohybrid structures have been used to engineer microscopic, muscle-driven machines, such as Harvard's biohybrid stingray robot.[5][3] In medical applications, they offer new alternatives for organ repair and augmentation, including biohybrid heart valves and esophageal scaffolds.[2]
Biohybrids is also promising in neural interfaces, where the goal is to create long-lasting, stable interaction between mechanical devices and brain tissue.[7][1] Muscle-actuated drug response platforms are under exploration inpharmacology for modelling and real-time screening.[6]
Several high-profile research projects have demonstrated the potential of biohybrid systems:
These examples showcase not only the feasibility but the versatility of biohybrid systems across disciplines.
As with many technologies that involve living systems, biohybrid systems raise important ethical and biomedical questions. Cell sourcing remains a key issue, particularly when embryonic or animal-derived cells are used.[11] Long-term viability is another concern—living tissues must be kept alive with nutrients and oxygen, and they often degrade or elicit immune responses when implanted.[12]
Powering these biological parts presents logistical and ethical hurdles as well. Systems must either include internal mechanisms for nutrient delivery or be supported externally, which can limit portability and independence.[13]
Researchers are exploring self-directed, self-regulated organ substitutes and regenerative implants that can respond to their surroundings in real-time. These systems may be integrated withartificial intelligence to make them adjust to stimuli and coordinate complex behaviours.
Future potential applications are wearable biohybrid systems for rehabilitation, space medicine devices for long-duration missions, and implantable devices that fully integrate into humanphysiology.[14][15]