<br/>Current technologies that are implanted into a biological medium are met with an innate immune response, resulting in resistances such as biofilm formation, host complications, and degradation of such materials. Protein-based materials offer a unique platform to interface biological systems with non-native elements, enabling their pervasive use for controlling and monitoring physiological signals inside the body. We describe a strategy for functionalizing a protein hydrogel for use as an actuator within micro-electronics normally implanted within the human body. By varying the number of enzyme-catalyzed cross-links, hydrogel thickness, and scaffold mechanical properties, we can controllably actuate a conductive, metal scaffold. These data suggest a method to control both the magnitude and speed of joint actuation in a process that can conceivably be used for future implantable micro-robot applications while simultaneously conserving biocompatibility.

Protein-based hydrogel as a material for actuating a jointed scaffold

256th National Meeting (2018)

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