Sam Peerlinck
Flanders Make (Belgium), VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology
Papers
2
Total Citations
87
H-Index
2
About
Sam Peerlinck is a leading researcher in bioinspired soft robotics, with a focus on recreating complex biological fluid transport systems for medical and microfluidic applications. Their work centers on two key areas: metachronal propulsion in artificial cilia and biomimetic gastrointestinal simulation. In their highly cited 2020 study (81 citations), Peerlinck demonstrated how metachronal wave patterns—coordinated, sequential beating—in soft robotic cilia arrays can efficiently propel fluid at low Reynolds numbers, mimicking the natural motion of biological cilia. This foundational work provides design principles for lab-on-a-chip devices and micro-robotic swimmers. More recently, Peerlinck developed a novel biomimetic small intestinal peristalsis simulator using circumferential pneumatic artificial muscles (cirPAMs), which accurately replicates the wave-like contractions of the gut. This 2023 innovation addresses a critical gap in surgical training, offering a realistic, dynamic platform for practicing procedures like endoscopy. By combining soft robotics with biological insight, Peerlinck’s research bridges fundamental fluid dynamics and practical medical device design, with their work already influencing both microfluidics and surgical simulation communities.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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