UC3M | Where engineering meets biology: smart materials for biomedicine and soft robotics

---

When we make decisions, run, heal a wound, or feel our heart beat, millions of cells work collectively to enable us to perform our functions. We think of these biological processes as complicated physicochemical systems that are difficult to understand. However, these cells can be understood as “little people” that perform their functions on a microscopic scale (remember that animated series Once Upon a Time... Life). Just as we run more easily on a track than on sand at the beach, cells also perform their tasks better if their environment is more favorable. During this visit to our laboratory, we will propose future solutions for controlling the environment of our cells and guiding them. During the visit, we will conduct tests with smart (magneto-active) materials on different experimental equipment, 3D print these materials, and finally, use them to stimulate cells!