BHMs are a relatively new concept, but one that shows great promise. These machines combine living cell actuators and artificial materials, and as such are more flexible, autonomous, and energy efficient than conventional robots.

The goal of project BioMeld is to design and manufacture a biohybrid catheter that would be small and flexible enough to gain access to hard-to-reach areas and deliver drugs on site. In order to achieve this, we will develop a modelling and simulation framework, test it and optimize it by developing a reconfigurable modular BHM catheter, and group the necessary manufacturing equipment into a biointelligent manufacturing cell (BIMC).

If successful, BioMeld will result in a streamlined manufacturing process that can be scaled up. This will be a pioneering effort, since nothing similar has ever been done in the field of BHM manufacturing.