Gizem Gumuskaya, a Ph.D. candidate from Tufts University’s Wyss Institute for Biologically-Inspired Engineering, has conducted groundbreaking research by transforming human cells into tiny robots, referred to as “anthrobots,” to assist in human tissue healing. While the term may evoke visions of miniature robotic entities, these anthrobots are essentially clusters of human cells engineered to exhibit unique movements that facilitate tissue repair.
Gumuskaya focused on cells present in the lining of the human trachea, which feature hair-like structures called cilia, aiding in fluid flow. The experimental process involved cultivating thousands of these cells in a 3D matrix for two weeks, allowing them to multiply and form spheroids. Subsequently, the spheroids were treated with a chemical triggering the emergence of cilia, resulting in diverse anthrobot structures with distinct cilia distributions.
The anthrobots displayed various movements, such as swimming in straight lines or circles, based on their structural differences. The research team then assessed the anthrobots’ functionality by introducing them to damaged human tissue, specifically damaged neurons in a petri dish.
The anthrobots autonomously navigated the damaged tissue, forming structures that acted as protective bridges, facilitating the healing of the neurons. This innovative study opens up new possibilities for utilizing cell-based anthrobots to aid in tissue repair and regeneration.
Published in the journal Advanced Science on November 30, 2023, the research represents a significant step toward harnessing the potential of cellular robotics for therapeutic applications in the field of medicine. While anthrobots are not an army of microscopic robots, the study lays the groundwork for future advancements in the integration of cellular robotics into medical treatments.
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