A 3D culture method based on interpenetrating hydrogels induced by cells into skeletal muscle tissue in vitro

Abstract

The combination of muscle cells and soft robotics technology has led to the rapid development of biohybrid robots in recent years. Muscle-driven systems had advantages such as joint flexibility, self-repair, and multi-signal perception, demonstrating unique advantages as an effective technological solution for robot drive systems. Current research has many shortcomings in material properties and muscle stability in 3D muscle tissue cultured in vitro, making it difficult to successfully apply the technology. In this study, we developed a new type of interpenetrating hydrogel network that, combined with 3D cell culture and tissue-induced culture, enabled 3D muscle tissue culture in a hydrogel environment and induced differentiation in muscle tissue. The results of this research provided a foundation for future studies on in vitro muscle tissue culture and the implementation of robots in this field.