Controlling C2C12 Cytotoxicity on Liquid Metal Embedded Elastomer (LMEE)
Abstract
Liquid metal embedded elastomers (LMEEs) are highly stretchable composites comprising microscopic droplets of eutectic gallium‐indium (EGaIn) liquid metal embedded in a soft rubber matrix. They have a unique combination of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties that make them attractive for potential applications in flexible electronics, thermal management, wearable computing, and soft robotics. However, the use of LMEEs in direct contact with human tissue or organs requires an understanding of their biocompatibility and cell cytotoxicity. In this study, the cytotoxicity of C2C12 cells in contact with LMEE composites composed of EGaIn droplets embedded with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix is investigated. In particular, the influence of EGaIn volume ratio and shear mixing time during synthesis on cell proliferation and viability is examined. The special case of electrically‐conductive LMEE composites in which a percolating network of EGaIn droplets is created through “mechanical sintering” is also examined. This study in C2C12 cytotoxicity represents a first step in determining whether LMEE is safe for use in implantable biomedical devices and biohybrid systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Apr 19, 2023
- Source ID
- 10.1002/adhm.202202430
Entities
People
- Carmel Majidi
- David Quinn
- K Jimmy Hsia
- Philip Leduc
- Phillip Won
- Seung Hwan Ko
- Stephen Coyle
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Division of Computing and Communication Foundations
- Nanyang Technological University
- National Institutes of Health
- National Science Foundation
- National Science Foundation Directorate for Biological Sciences
- Seoul National University