Scientists have developed microscopic, hydrogel-based muscles that can mechanically stimulate biological tissue. These biocompatible robots could be used for targeted therapy and to help diagnose and prevent disease.
"Our soft actuators contract rapidly and efficiently when activated by near-infrared light. When the entire nanoscale actuator network contracts, it tugs on the surrounding device components and powers the machinery," says Berna Ozkale, the study's lead author.
Image Credits: Nebahat Yenihayat