About this Research Topic
The goal of this Research Topic is to collect recent advancements in bioinspired and biohybrid machines at small scale (sub centimetre and below) fabricated using high-resolution micromanufacturing techniques. We aim to find answers to cutting-edge questions regarding the prototyping of small-scale machines including the following:
- Which additive micromanufacturing methods can be used to create 3D biomimetic structures at small scales (from centimetre/millimetre to micrometre/nanometre scales)?
- What are the current limitations of these methods, and how could we modify/improve them to create biomimetic multifunctional structures?
- Which are the highest impact proof-of-concept applications of microfabricated technologies?
Specifically, we encourage authors to submit original articles on the following topics including but not limited to:
• novel bioinspired microfabricated materials and miniature soft robots
• novel microfabrication techniques (including 3D and 4D printing)
• bioinspired machines fabricated using high resolution micromanufacturing techniques (e. g. via two-photon lithography)
• biohybrid machines (consisting of living tissues and artificial materials)
• biodegradable and/or sustainable robots at small-scale
• design and modelling of small-scale robots
• proof of concept of applications
We accept the following types of manuscripts: Original Research, Report, Review, Perspective, Opinion.
Isabella Fiorello is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Bioinspired Soft Robotics Laboratory of the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Genoa (Italy). Her scientific research is focused on bioinspired materials and soft robots at small scale for applications ranging from robotics to environmental monitoring. She was recently awarded with the prestigious ENI Award 2022 - Young Researcher of the Year and with a National Geographic Grant thanks to her research on climbing plant-inspired adhesive micropatterned machines fabricated via two-photon lithography.
Keywords: Bioinspired Robotics, Soft Robotics, Biomimetics, Bio-Hybrid Materials, Two-Photo Lithography, Bioprinting, Micro-Fabrication, Sustainability
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.