Variations in clinical trial samples and the bulky of conventional cardiovascular simulators have posed significant challenges to the advancement of medical research and bioelectronic devices. To address these limitations, researchers at Kyung Hee University have developed a compact, magnetically controlled valve system capable of precise blood pressure regulation. The study was published in Advanced Materials in April 2025 and was also selected as an Inside Back Cover article.

Inspired by the structure of the human aortic valve, the team designed a bioinspired tri-leaflet soft valve. They fabricated a composite by uniformly embedding highly magnetic neodymium (NdFeB) particles into an elastomer, creating a material that responds sensitively to external magnetic fields. This enabled the development of a Soft Magnetic Valve (SMV) system that can rapidly open and close based on magnetic actuation.

The SMV system developed by Prof. Park team at successfully reproduced average adult blood pressure (120/80 mmHg) with an accuracy of ±1 mmHg and operated stably under high heart rates exceeding 300 BPM. The researchers also demonstrated that the system could flexibly simulate pathological conditions such as arrhythmias and cardiac arrest by tuning the magnetic input.

“This research represents the integration of bioinspired structural design with precise magnetic control,” said Prof. Park. “It presents a new platform for the development of advanced medical simulators and robotic artificial hearts.”

The bio-inspired SMV, modeled after the human aortic valve, can precisely simulate various blood pressure waveforms despite its compact.

[Reference] Yoo J. et al., (2025) “Bio-Inspired, Miniaturized Magnetic Heart Valve System for Superior Performance Cardiovascular Simulator.” Advanced Materials

[Main Author] Jeongmin Yoo (Kyung Hee University), Gooyoon Chung (Kyung Hee University), Yoonseok Park (Kyung Hee University)

* Contact : Prof. Park yoonseok (yoonseok.park@khu.ac.kr), Jeongmin Yoo (dbwjdals7908@khu.ac.kr)