Fig. 1.

Flexible MEH based on thin ribbons of PZT, and tests of biocompatibility using rat smooth muscle cells. (A) Exploded-view schematic illustration with a top view (Inset). (B) Optical microscope image of PZT ribbons printed onto a thin film of PI. (C) Photograph of a flexible PZT MEH with cable for external connection. ACF, anisotropic conductive film. (D) Live/dead viability assay showing live cells (green) with intact nucleus (blue) and one dead cell (red) as indicated by the arrow (Inset). This image corresponds to day 9 of the experiment. (E) Fluorescent image showing Vinculin focal contact points (green), actin filaments (red), and nuclei (blue). (F) SEM image of cells on PZT ribbons encapsulated by a layer of PI. (G) Lactate dehydrogenase assay shows no indications of toxicity for cells on a membrane of PZT at day 9. (*P value ≤0.05 between the two groups.) Error bar is calculated standard error.