This image shows examples of MAGENTA prototypes fabricated with a “shape memory alloy” spring and an elastomer, and how their sizes compare to that of a one cent coin. Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University

Programmable mechanically active adhesive makes muscles stretch and contract, preventing and enabling recovery from atrophy

Wasting muscles built back better

The development of the Janus Tough Adhesive originally was inspired by the tough mucus produced by the Dusky Arion (Arion subfucus) slug. Shown here, it is applied to a tendon within a joint, where its two sides, respectively, enable tight adhesion to tendon tissue and gliding of the protected tendon within its normal joint environment. Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University

A Janus-faced biomaterial that firmly adheres to injured tendons and helps them glide, also slowly releases drugs to tendon cells, which could improve repair in patients across multiple injuries

Towards more effective tendon repair with a multi-functional biomaterial

In rotary jet spinning technology, a rotating nozzle extrudes a solution of extracellular matrix (ECM) into nanofibers that wrap themselves around heart valve-shaped mandrels. By using a series of mandrels with different sizes, the manufacturing process becomes fully scalable and is able to provide JetValves for all age groups and heart sizes. (Photo courtesy of Wyss Institute at Harvard University)

Harvard and the University of Zurich partner to create a next-generation heart valve that accurately functions upon implantation and regenerates into long-lasting heart-like tissue

Engineering heart valves for the many

The exosuit’s soft textiles strategically position the actuating cables that assist with the ankle motion at the back of the lower legs, and, through additional straps, transfers energy produced at the ankle to the front of the hip to also assist with the gait’s hip motion. 

A Harvard team quantifies significant metabolic energy savings gained from its wearable gait-improving robot

Soft exosuit economies: understanding the costs of lightening the load

Rear view of the ankle-assisting exosuits with its soft robotic elements and the cable that transfers mechanical power from actuators operated from the hip to the ankle join. (Image courtesy of the Rolex Awards/Fred Merz)

Benjamin Boettner

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Latest Posts

Wasting muscles built back better

Towards more effective tendon repair with a multi-functional biomaterial

Engineering heart valves for the many

Soft exosuit economies: understanding the costs of lightening the load

Post-stroke patients reach terra firma with exosuit technology