TY  - JOUR
AU  - Wang, Niyou
AU  - Yang, Yipei
AU  - Rezaei, Zahra
AU  - Hernández, María José Veana
AU  - Govindaraj, Kannan
AU  - Garzon, Carolina Vazquez
AU  - Colin, Marina
AU  - de Jesus Alarcon Rodríguez, Alan 
AU  - Blanco, Alvaro Dario Martinez
AU  - Velasco, Jose Joaquin
AU  - Lee, Jihyun
AU  - Choi, Jeong-Woo
AU  - Shin, Su Ryon
PY  - 2026
TI  - Advanced biofabrication techniques of muscle cell-powered biohybrid robots
JO  - International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing
SN  - 2631-8644
VL  - 8
IS  - 1
AB  - Muscle cell-powered biohybrid robots represent a transformative fusion of biological tissue engineering and robotics, offering unprecedented potential for biomedical applications targeted at drug delivery, regenerative medicine, bioengineered heart patches, lab-on-a-chip devices, biosensors, and soft surgical tools. This review categorizes the currently available examples and further explores advanced biofabrication techniques that drive the development of biohybrid systems, with a focus on 3D bioprinting, electrospinning, micro/nano patterning, self-assembly, and microfluidic devices. These fabrication strategies facilitate precise cell alignment, enhance electrical and mechanical properties, and enable the seamless integration of biological components with engineered structures. By incorporating both cardiomyocytes and skeletal muscle cells, biohybrid robots achieve controlled actuation, autonomous movement, and adaptability to environmental stimuli. Furthermore, we discuss the latest optimization strategies in biofabrication, addressing key challenges such as scalability, biocompatibility, and functional integration. Biohybrid robots, including swimmers, actuators, and pumps, enable targeted drug delivery, assistive devices, and fluid transport in engineered tissues. Their integration with biological systems advances regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug screening, and soft robotics. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on the state-of-the-art advancements and potential optimization in the fabrication techniques, paving the way for the next generation of biohybrid robotic systems.
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1088/2631-7990/ae0bc7
DO  - 10.1088/2631-7990/ae0bc7