Search Results (10)

Autonomous navigation in unknown; map-free environments is a core requirement for advanced robotics. While significant breakthroughs have been achieved in terrestrial scenarios, extending this capability to the unstructured, dynamic, and harsh underwater domain remains an enormous challenge. This review comprehensively analyzes the mainstream technologies underpinning mapless autonomous underwater navigation, with a primary focus on conventional Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). It systematically examines key technical pillars of AUV navigation, including Dead Reckoning and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). Furthermore, inspired by the emerging concept of fourth-generation submersibles—which leverage living organisms rather than conventional machinery—this review expands its scope to include live fish as potential controlled platforms for underwater navigation. It first dissects the sophisticated sensory systems and hierarchical navigational strategies that enable aquatic animals to thrive in complex underwater habitats. Subsequently, it categorizes and evaluates state-of-the-art methods for controlling live fish via Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), proposing a three-stage control hierarchy: Direct Motor Control, Semi-Autonomous Control with Task-Level Commands, and Autonomous Control by Biological Intelligence. Finally, the review summarizes current limitations in both conventional AUV technologies and bio-hybrid systems and outlines future directions, such as integrating external sensors with fish, developing onboard AI for adaptive control, and constructing bio-hybrid swarms. This work bridges the gap between robotic engineering and biological inspiration, providing a holistic reference for advancing mapless autonomous underwater navigation. Full article

The rapid rise of bio-hybrid robots and hybrid human–AI systems has triggered an explosion of terminology that inhibits clarity and progress. To investigate how terms are defined, we conduct a narrative scoping review and concept analysis. We extract 60 verbatim definitions spanning engineering, human–computer interaction, human factors, biomimetics, philosophy, and policy. Entries are coded on three axes: agency locus (human, shared, machine), integration depth (loose, moderate, high), and normative valence (negative, neutral, positive), and then clustered. Four categories emerged from the analysis: (i) machine-led, low-integration architectures such as neuro-symbolic or “Hybrid-AI” models; (ii) shared, moderately integrated systems like mixed-initiative cobots; (iii) human-led, medium-coupling decision aids; and (iv) human-centric, low-integration frameworks that focus on user agency. Most definitions adopt a generally positive valence, suggesting a gap with risk-heavy popular narratives. We show that, for researchers investigating where living meets machine, terminological precision is more than semantics and it can shape design, accountability, and public trust. This narrative review contributes a comparative taxonomy and a shared lexicon for reporting hybrid systems. Researchers are encouraged to clarify which sense of Hybrid-AI is intended (algorithmic fusion vs. human–AI ensemble), to specify agency locus and integration depth, and to adopt measures consistent with these conceptualizations. Such practices can reduce construct confusion, enhance cross-study comparability, and align design, safety, and regulatory expectations across domains. Full article

This study focuses on enhancing controllable fibrin-based hydrogels for tissue engineering, addressing existing weaknesses. By integrating a novel copolymer, we improved the foundation for cell-based angiogenesis with adaptable structural features. Tissue engineering often faces challenges like waste disposal and nutrient supply beyond the 200 µm diffusion limit. Angiogenesis breaks through this limitation, allowing the construction of larger constructs. Our innovative scaffold combination significantly boosts angiogenesis, resulting in longer branches and more capillary network junctions. The copolymer attached to fibrin fibers enables precise adjustment of hydrogel mechanical dynamic properties for specific applications. Our material proves effective for angiogenesis, even under suppression factors like suramin. In our study, we prepared fibrin-based hydrogels with and without the copolymer PVP12400-co-GMA10mol%. Using a co-culture system of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), we analyzed angiogenetic behavior on and within the modified hydrogels. Capillary-like structures were reproducibly formed on different surfaces, demonstrating the general feasibility of three-dimensional endothelial cell networks in fibrin-based hydrogels. This highlights the biomaterial’s suitability for in vitro pre-vascularization of biohybrid implants. Full article

The ability to construct three-dimensional architectures via nanoscale engineering is important for emerging applications in sensors, catalysis, controlled drug delivery, microelectronics, and medical diagnostics nanotechnologies. Because of their well-defined and highly organized symmetric structures, viral plant capsids provide a 3D scaffold for the precise placement of functional inorganic particles yielding advanced hierarchical hybrid nanomaterials. In this study, we used turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV), grafting gold nanoparticles (AuNP) or iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) onto its outer surface. It is the first time that such an assembly was obtained with IONP. After purification, the resulting nano-biohybrids were characterized by different technics (dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microcopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy…), showing the robustness of the architectures and their colloidal stability in water. In-solution photothermal experiments were then successfully conducted on TYMV-AuNP and TYMV-IONP, the related nano-biohybrids, evidencing a net enhancement of the heating capability of these systems compared to their free NP counterparts. These results suggest that these virus-based materials could be used as photothermal therapeutic agents. Full article

Skeletal muscle, which comprises a significant portion of the body, is responsible for vital functions such as movement, metabolism, and overall health. However, severe injuries often result in volumetric muscle loss (VML) and compromise the regenerative capacity of the muscle. Tissue-engineered muscles offer a potential solution to address lost or damaged muscle tissue, thereby restoring muscle function and improving patients’ quality of life. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a valuable cell source for muscle tissue engineering due to their pluripotency and self-renewal capacity, enabling the construction of tissue-engineered artificial skeletal muscles with applications in transplantation, disease modelling, and bio-hybrid robots. Next-generation iPSC-based models have the potential to revolutionize drug discovery by offering personalized muscle cells for testing, reducing reliance on animal models. This review provides a comprehensive overview of iPSCs in tissue-engineered artificial skeletal muscles, highlighting the advancements, applications, advantages, and challenges for clinical translation. We also discussed overcoming limitations and considerations in differentiation protocols, characterization methods, large-scale production, and translational regulations. By tackling these challenges, iPSCs can unlock transformative advancements in muscle tissue engineering and therapeutic interventions for the future. Full article

The biofabrication of three-dimensional scaffolds using 3D printers and cell-containing bioinks is very promising. A wide range of materials and bioink compositions are being created and tested for cell viability and printability in order to satisfy the requirements of a bioink. This methodology has not still achieved technological maturity, and the actual costs mean that they are often inaccessible for researchers, consequently lowering the development and extending the required times. This research aims to apply this methodology on a laboratory scale by re-adapting a commercial 3D printer, consequently lowering the costs and energy impacts, and, at the same time, ensuring a level of accuracy extremely close to the currently adopted devices and, more in general, suitable for the scopes of the research. To accomplish this, we assembled a biomimetic scaffold made of human Umbilical Cord Matrix Stem Cells (hUCMS), cellulose, and alginate. Various molds were used to produce 3D scaffolds of different sizes. After bioprinting, cell viability was analyzed using ethidium bromide and fluorescein diacetate, and a histological stain was used to evaluate cell and bioink morphology. All of the examined bioinks had a uniform final 3D structure and were stable, easily printable, and procedure-adapted. Up until 21 days of culture, the bioinks remained unaltered and were simple to manipulate. After 7 and 21 days of cell culture, the hUCMS in the cellulose/alginate-based bioinks exhibited cell viabilities of 95% and 85%, respectively. The cells did not present with a fibroblast-like shape but appeared to be round-shaped and homogeneously distributed in the 3D structure. Biomimetic bioink, which is based on cellulose and alginate, is an appropriate hydrogel for 3D bioprinting. This preliminary work illustrated the potential use of these two biomaterials for the 3D bioprinting of mesenchymal stem cells. Full article

Bio-hybrid hydrogels consist of a water-swollen hydrophilic polymer network encapsulating or conjugating single biomolecules, or larger and more complex biological constructs like whole cells. By modulating at least one dimension of the hydrogel system at the micro- or nanoscale, the activity of the biological component can be extremely upgraded with clear advantages for the development of therapeutic or diagnostic micro- and nano-devices. Gamma or e-beam irradiation of polymers allow a good control of the chemistry at the micro-/nanoscale with minimal recourse to toxic reactants and solvents. Another potential advantage is to obtain simultaneous sterilization when the absorbed doses are within the sterilization dose range. This short review will highlight opportunities and challenges of the radiation technologies to produce bio-hybrid nanogels as delivery devices of therapeutic biomolecules to the target cells, tissues, and organs, and to create hydrogel patterns at the nano-length and micro-length scales on surfaces. Full article

The novel synthesis of metal-containing biohybrids using self-assembly methods at physiological temperatures (37 °C) was compared for copper and silver using the amino acid dimer cystine. Once assembled, the copper containing biohybrid is a stable, high-aspect ratio structure, which we call CuHARS. Using the same synthesis conditions, but replacing copper with silver, we have synthesized cystine-capped silver nanoparticles (AgCysNPs), which are shown here to form stable colloid solutions in contrast to the CuHARS, which settle out from a 1 mg/mL solution in 90 min. Both the copper and silver biohybrids, as synthesized, demonstrate very low agglomeration which we have applied for the purpose of applications with cell culture methods, namely, for testing as anti-cancer compounds. AgCysNPs (1000 ng/mL) demonstrated significant toxicity (only 6.8% viability) to glioma and neuroblastoma cells in vitro, with concentrations as low as 20 ng/mL causing some toxicity. In contrast, CuHARS required at least 5 μg/mL. For comparative purposes, silver sulfate at 100 ng/mL decreased viability by 52% and copper sulfate at 100 ng/mL only by 19.5% on glioma cells. Using these methods, the novel materials were tested here as metal–organic biohybrids (MOBs), and it is anticipated that the functionalization and dynamics of MOBs may result in building a foundation of new materials for cellular applications, including cell engineering of both normal and diseased cells and tissue constructs. Full article

Tissue engineering is a promising approach to repair tendon and muscle when natural healing fails. Biohybrid constructs obtained after cells’ seeding and culture in dedicated scaffolds have indeed been considered as relevant tools for mimicking native tissue, leading to a better integration in vivo. They can also be employed to perform advanced in vitro studies to model the cell differentiation or regeneration processes. In this review, we report and analyze the different solutions proposed in literature, for the reconstruction of tendon, muscle, and the myotendinous junction. They classically rely on the three pillars of tissue engineering, i.e., cells, biomaterials and environment (both chemical and physical stimuli). We have chosen to present biomimetic or bioinspired strategies based on understanding of the native tissue structure/functions/properties of the tissue of interest. For each tissue, we sorted the relevant publications according to an increasing degree of complexity in the materials’ shape or manufacture. We present their biological and mechanical performances, observed in vitro and in vivo when available. Although there is no consensus for a gold standard technique to reconstruct these musculo-skeletal tissues, the reader can find different ways to progress in the field and to understand the recent history in the choice of materials, from collagen to polymer-based matrices. Full article

Photosynthesis converts solar energy to electricity in a highly efficient manner. Since only water is needed as fuel for energy conversion, this highly efficient energy conversion process has been rigorously investigated. In particular, photosynthetic apparatus, such as photosystem II (PSII), photosystem I (PSI), or thylakoids, have been isolated from various plants to construct bio-hybrid anodes. Although PSII or PSI decorated anodes have shown potentials, there still remain challenges, such as poor stability of PSII-based systems or need for electron donors other than water molecules of PSI-based systems. Thylakoid membranes are relatively stable after isolation and they contain all the necessary photosynthetic apparatus including the PSII and PSI. To increase electrical connections between thylakoids and anodes, nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, nanowires, nanoparticles, or graphene have been employed. However, since they rely on the secondary electrical connections between thylakoids and anodes; it is desired to achieve larger direct contacts between them. Here, we aimed to develop micro-pillar (MP) array anodes to maximize direct contact with thylakoids. The thylakoid morphology was analyzed and the MP array was designed to maximize direct contact with thylakoids. The performance of MP anodes and a photosynthetic fuel cell based on MP electrodes was demonstrated and analyzed. Full article