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arXiv · 2408.08573

Meta-creatures: Developing an omnipotent hydrogel cell to construct bio-inspired systems

Hanqing Dai·Wenqing Dai·Yuanyuan Chen·Wanlu Zhang·Yimeng Wang·Ruiqian Guo·Guoqi Zhang
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Abstract

Due to current technological challenges, including the complexity of precise control, low long-term survival and success rates, difficulty in maintaining function over extended periods, and high energy consumption, the construction of life-like creatures with multilevel structures and varied physiological characteristics is a goal that has yet to be achieved1-3. Here, to create a parallel entity termed a meta-creature with similar functions and characteristics to those of natural organisms, we introduce a process for the transformation of an omnipotent hydrogel cell (OHC), which is inspired by totipotent stem cells and carries bio-inspired bioelectricity, into a meta-creature. We captured the electrical signals transmitted between the meta-nerve fibres and rat sciatic nerves, the physicochemical signals perceived by the meta-mouth, and the information exchanged between the meta-skin and the external environment. Notably, the meta-cardiovascular system, which is capable of exchanging matter and energy with external environments, exhibited similar electrocardiogram signals during testing in rabbits; these results indicated feedback with a biological system and the potential for ex vivo bioelectric remodelling. Finally, a meta-creature was designed and exhibited bio-inspired bioelectricity signals during the simulated outdoor flight. This work reveals new possibilities for constructing bio-inspired systems, thereby improving our understanding of bioelectricity and biomimicry.

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Hanqing Dai, Wenqing Dai, Yuanyuan Chen, Wanlu Zhang, Yimeng Wang, Ruiqian Guo, Guoqi Zhang. 2024-08-16. Meta-creatures: Developing an omnipotent hydrogel cell to construct bio-inspired systems. https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.08573

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