Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biological machine comprising a skeleton comprising at least one hydrogel strip and at least two hydrogel bases, and at least one bioactuator, the at least one bioactuator comprising at least one muscle ring, the muscle ring comprising skeletal muscle cells, wherein the muscle ring is tethered around the at least two pillars. The muscle ring can comprises skeletal muscle, and skeletal muscle innervated with motor neurons, allowing chemical control of muscle contraction. Methods of making the biological machine is also provided.

Abstract: A nanofluidic peristaltic pump includes an elongated tubular member having a first end, an opposed second end, and an elastic wall defining a flow channel extending between the first and second ends; and a series of shape memory alloy actuator wires extending across and at least partially around the outer surface of the elastic wall at spaced positions along the length of the tubular member, wherein the actuator wires are configured to reversibly and directly compress the wall, and thereby constrict regions of the flow channel, upon an electrothermally induced phase transition of the shape memory alloy. With the flow channel at the first end of the tubular member in fluid communication with a fluid source, an electric current is delivered to the actuator wires to sequentially activate and deactivate them and cause fluid to flow through the flow channel from the first end toward the second end.

Abstract: The invention provides locomotive biological machines comprised of hydrogel structures and one or more types of cells. The locomotive biological machines are capable of controlled directional movement and can be used for sensing, information processing, actuation, protein expression, and transportation.