biostudies-literatureUnknown6(1)Slavikova AMuscle loss can severely affect movement and physiological functions, driving interest in artificial muscle development. Although various soft actuators exist, ensuring biocompatibility-especially in terms of heat transfer and non-cytotoxicity-remains a key challenge. To address these issues, here we develop <b>Bio35</b>, a low-voltage (3.6 V) electrothermal actuator that operates at mild hyperthermic temperatures (38.9 °C). <b>Bio35</b> is synthesized using a one-pot, solvent-free process with Epikote 828, poly(propyleneglycol) bis (2-amino-propyl-ether) (PPG), and 1,4-diamino-diphenyl-sulfone (DDS). It demonstrates high chemical stability, maintaining actuation performance after more than 100 cycles over 200 min. Initial biological tests confirm that these materials are biocompatible and non-cytotoxic. As proof of concept, we demonstrate two systems: a simple gripper capable of holding objects up to 225 mg and a sphincter-like valve, showcasing its potential for use in treating conditions like urinary incontinence, where precise, muscle-like actuation is critical for function.Communications materials174https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12325083biostudies-literatureBiocompatible low-voltage electrothermal actuators with biological operational temperature range.PMC12325083Villeda-Hernandez MArmstrong JPKKwasniewska JSlavikova ACoekin AGood TBaker BCAleemardani MSnethen HFaul CFJfalseBiocompatible low-voltage electrothermal actuators with biological operational temperature range.Muscle loss can severely affect movement and physiological functions, driving interest in artificial muscle development. Although various soft actuators exist, ensuring biocompatibility-especially in terms of heat transfer and non-cytotoxicity-remains a key challenge. To address these issues, here we develop <b>Bio35</b>, a low-voltage (3.6 V) electrothermal actuator that operates at mild hyperthermic temperatures (38.9 °C). <b>Bio35</b> is synthesized using a one-pot, solvent-free process with Epikote 828, poly(propyleneglycol) bis (2-amino-propyl-ether) (PPG), and 1,4-diamino-diphenyl-sulfone (DDS). It demonstrates high chemical stability, maintaining actuation performance after more than 100 cycles over 200 min. Initial biological tests confirm that these materials are biocompatible and non-cytotoxic. As proof of concept, we demonstrate two systems: a simple gripper capable of holding objects up to 225 mg and a sphincter-like valve, showcasing its potential for use in treating conditions like urinary incontinence, where precise, muscle-like actuation is critical for function.2025-01-01T00:00:00Z20252026-05-01T18:34:50.462Z2026-04-07T17:09:22.877ZS-EPMC123250834077823710.1038/s43246-025-00893-1