Two years ago, the scientific community discussed an unusual experiment: engineers used the body of a dead spider as a pneumatic gripper for a robot. This approach, called “necrobotics,” sparked intense debate about the boundaries of engineering. Now, the idea of using biological structures in technology has taken a new turn—this time in the field of 3D printing.
A team of researchers from Canada and the USA decided to replace the standard bioprinter nozzle with something far more exotic—a female mosquito’s proboscis. They carefully detached the proboscis from the insect’s head, removed its outer sheath, and mounted it onto a syringe needle. The resulting biohybrid tip was installed in a 3D printer, enabling the creation of lines as thin as 20 micrometers. For comparison, modern commercial microdispensers cannot achieve such a fine material flow.
Technologies of the future
Using the mosquito’s proboscis proved not only effective, but also surprisingly practical. The biological structure withstood operating pressure without breaking and enabled high precision printing. This discovery could become a breakthrough for medicine, microelectronics, and other fields that require working with minimal volumes of substances.
In Spain, such experiments are drawing keen interest from bioengineering specialists. Some scientists are already discussing the possibility of using similar methods to develop new medical tools and laboratory research devices. Universities in Madrid and Barcelona are actively exploring the potential of necrobotics, noting that the combination of organic and artificial components opens up unexpected prospects.
The Spanish perspective
Debates continue within the country’s scientific community about the ethics of using insect and animal remains for engineering purposes. Some see it as a logical technological advancement, while others view it as excessive eccentricity. Nevertheless, interest in the field is growing: Spanish startups are already experimenting with biohybrid materials to create microscopic sensors and medical implants.
At the same time, the safety of such developments is under discussion. Some experts warn about potential risks related to the use of biological structures, which can be subject to decomposition or infection. However, advocates of necrobotics are confident that proper processing and sterilization can minimize these threats and broaden the horizons of what is possible.
Not just mosquitoes
Interestingly, the idea of using biological components in engineering isn’t limited to insects. In recent years, projects in Spain have utilized parts of plants, fish, and even mollusks to create new materials and devices. For example, in Valencia, researchers are developing biosensors based on algae, while in Seville, microscopic filters are being made from the chitin of crustaceans.
All this shows that the boundaries between the living and the artificial are becoming increasingly blurred. Spanish scientists are convinced: the future of engineering lies in integrating biological and technological solutions. And although such experiments still surprise and even provoke skepticism, their potential is hard to overestimate.
On the edge of science fiction
While the general public is just getting used to the idea of necrobots and biohybrid devices, experts continue to push science forward. In the coming years, we can expect new and unusual solutions that will change the way we view technology. Spanish researchers are already preparing their own projects, inspired by the successes of foreign colleagues.
Very soon, it’s possible that microscopic devices based on biological structures will become part of everyday life—from medicine to consumer electronics. For now, all we can do is follow these developments and marvel at the boldness of today’s engineers.
