Synthetic Muscle

A protein-based biomaterial that mimics the structure and function of titin in natural muscle tissue has been developed at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.  The researchers linked together many protein strands to form a hydrogel that flexes, though it does not have electroactive properties that would control normal muscle activity. That, however, is the next step.  One possible application is as a scaffold for growing natural tissue.  MORE

Image Credit: Nature and Technology Review