Biohybrid pumping systems represent a cutting-edge research area that integrates biological components with synthetic structures to create devices capable of controlling fluid flow in a variety of biomedical, prosthetic, and tissue-engineering applications. Inspired by biological mechanisms such as the heart, blood vessels, digestive systems, and lymphatic systems, these hybrid systems are crucial for biomedical applications in organ-on-a-chip models, bioartificial organs, and prosthetic circulatory devices. Recent innovations, such as the biohybrid valveless pump-bot powered by engineered skeletal muscle, have demonstrated the potential of such systems to autonomously regulate fluid flow. These biohybrid pumps are designed without traditional valves and instead rely on the contractile force of living muscle to drive fluid transport, providing inspiration for creating adaptable pumps for healthcare and biomedical innovation.

In this collection, we explore the development of biohybrid systems that integrate living cells with synthetic components to mimic the dynamic functions of biological pumps like the heart. These systems are designed to address grand challenges in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, fluidic regulation, and prosthetics, providing precise control over fluid transport in microfluidic devices, artificial organs, and circulatory assist devices. The advancement of biohybrid pumping systems represents a transformative shift in biomedical engineering, combining the adaptability of biological tissues with the accuracy of synthetic materials. These systems offer groundbreaking solutions for challenges in organ failure, prosthetics, and tissue engineering, with the potential to revolutionize future healthcare technologies.

This Research Topic aims to showcase cutting-edge trends in biohybrid pumping systems and their applications in biomedicine and healthcare innovation. The areas covered may include:

• Cardiac Tissue Engineering and Heart-on-a-Chip Models: Biohybrid pumps aiding cardiac tissue engineering, heart patches, and heart-on-a-chip platforms for drug testing and disease modeling.
• Bioartificial Organs: Integration of biohybrid pumps in bioartificial hearts, kidneys, and organs to replicate natural fluid dynamics.
• Tissue-Engineered Blood Vessels (TEBVs): Utilizing biohybrid pumps for regulating fluid flow in artificial vascular grafts and microfluidic systems.
• Microfluidic Devices: Adaptive biohybrid pumps enhancing fluid regulation in organ-on-a-chip devices and lab-on-a-chip platforms.
• Biomimetic Actuators and Pumps: Designing pumps inspired by natural organs like the heart and lungs, powered by engineered muscle.
• Biohybrid Prosthetic Circulatory Systems: Biohybrid VADs and heart valves that integrate muscle cells to assist or replace circulatory functions.
• Organ-on-a-Chip Systems: Incorporating biohybrid pumps to simulate natural organ functions, such as lung or kidney models.
• Biomachines for Fluidic Control: Soft robotics with muscle-powered pumps for fluid transport in medical devices.
• Biohybrid living Implants: Implantable biohybrid devices for heart failure patients and blood flow regulation.

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Emergent Biohybrid Pumping Systems for Biomedical Innovation