An integrated circuit implementation of the Huxley sarcomere model.

Abstract

We have developed an integrated circuit to simulate the mechanical behavior demonstrated by sarcomeres found in skeletal muscle. The circuit is based upon the mathematical description of the attachment and detachment dynamics of crossbridge populations and the force generated by the crossbridges, originally formulated by A. F. Huxley. We describe the process of designing the circuit model from the mathematical model, present the sarcomere circuit implementation, and demonstrate the transient and steady-state behaviors that the fabricated circuit produces. Comparison of our results to published mechanical behavior of skeletal muscle shows qualitative similarities. We conclude that the circuit muscle model exhibits the potential for real-time simulation of muscle contractions and could be used to give engineered systems muscle-like properties.