A brand-new engineering approach to generate 'designer' biological robots using human lung cells is underway in Carnegie Mellon University's Ren lab.
College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon UniversitySep 26 2025 A brand-new engineering approach to generate "designer" biological robots using human lung cells is underway in Carnegie Mellon University's Ren lab.
Referred to as AggreBots, these microscale living robots may one day be able to traverse through the body's complex environments to deliver desired therapeutic or mechanical interventions, once greater control is achieved over their motility patterns. In new research published in Science Advances, the group provides a novel tissue engineering platform capable of achieving customizable motility in AggreBots by actively controlling their structural parameters. Biobots are microscopic, man-made biological machines capable of autonomous movement and programmability to perform specific tasks or behaviors. Previously, enabling biobots' motility has been centered around using muscle fibers, which allow them to move by contracting and relaxing like real muscles. A novel, alternative mechanism of actuation can be found by using cilia, the nanoscopic, hair-like, organic propellers that continuously move fluids in the body and help some aquatic creatures, like Paramecium or comb jellies, swim. However, a reliable way to control the exact shape and structure of a cilia-powered biobot , and thereby its motility outcome, has proven difficult to come by. The Ren lab pioneered a novel modular assembly strategy for CiliaBots, using spatially controlled aggregation of tissue spheroids, which their lab engineers out of lung stem cells. Using the strategy, these aggregated CiliaBots can incorporate stem cell spheroids bearing a genetic mutation that renders cilia in specific regions nonfunctional and immotile. Dhruv Bhattaram, first author of the paper and biomedical engineering Ph.D. student, likened the process to taking away the oars at chosen locations on a rowboat while paddling. We're pushing forward an alternative method of powering biobot tissues with our AggreBots. Through the process of fusing together different spheroids into different shapes, together with the inclusion of nonfunctional spheroids, we can precisely control the location and abundance of cilia propellers the on the tissue's surface to direct CiliaBot behavior for the first time. This is a seminal step forward that we and others can invest time into for productive outcomes." "The Aggrebots approach adds a new design dimension to these types of biobots and biohybrid robots," added Victoria Webster-Wood, associate professor of mechanical engineering. "Being able to combine different ciliated and non-ciliated elements modularly will allow future researchers to create biobots with specific engineered mobility patterns. Because the Aggrebots are made entirely from biological materials, they are naturally biodegradable and biocompatible, which may enable their direct application in medical settings in the future." As the Ren lab continues to build on the platform, they acknowledge the technology could benefit a wide range of audiences, including those in the biorobotics community, clinicians, and medical researchers who study how cilia work in diseases like primary ciliary dyskinesia or in the thick, high-viscosity mucus of cystic fibrosis. Notably, CiliaBots can be made from a patient's own cells, which could be used to generate personalized therapeutic delivery vehicles without running the risk of an immune rejection. Motility matters, because the body is a complex environment. Cellular delivery of therapeutics has great potential, but without a proper propulsion mechanism, cells can easily get stuck. We've laid down a path that people can use to control CiliaBot motility. From helping us understand the health impact of environmental hazards to facilitating in vivo therapeutic delivery, CiliaBots have a swath of potential uses, and it's exciting to be part of their evolution." Source:College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University Journal reference:Bhattaram, D., et al. . AggreBots: Configuring CiliaBots through guided, modular tissue aggregation. Science Advances. doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adx4176
Muscle Research Technology Tissue Engineering
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Edinburgh University Cancels Queer Geography Course Due to Low EnrollmentEdinburgh University, a prestigious Russell Group institution, has cancelled its 'Queer Geographies' course due to insufficient student enrollment, prompting discussions on academic freedom, financial constraints, and representation of marginalized groups. The course cancellation has also sparked debate around the interplay of sexuality, gender, and space. LGBT+ advocates claim the course had been axed for money reasons, as the university looks to save £140 million.
Read more »
university isn't always worth itUnsure whether pursuing a degree is the best course of action? Here's some advice from someone who's spent years teaching students
Read more »
Shocking Survey Reveals Widespread Sexual Harassment and Assault on University CampusesA recent survey unveils disturbing levels of sexual harassment and assault within English universities, highlighting the disproportionate impact on female and LGBTQ+ students. The study underscores the need for urgent action and improved support systems.
Read more »
Queen's University Belfast and PSNI Launch 'Drink Check' Initiative to Combat Drink SpikingQueen's University Belfast and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have partnered to launch the 'Drink Check' initiative during Freshers' Week to prevent drink spiking in Belfast bars and clubs. The initiative, launched in response to student concerns, provides test kits across 33 venues, acting as a deterrent and allowing for prompt action if spiking is suspected.
Read more »
Ukrainian soldiers take leadership course at Warwick UniversityMaria Chekh is one of 16 soldiers who swapped the front line for classes at Warwick Business School.
Read more »
Palestinian students flourishing in ‘life-changing’ Queen’s University opportunityQueen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said the pair join a growing cohort of students who have benefited from the Copty Scholarship
Read more »