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Abstract Low-cost 3D printing has become increasingly important in biomedical research, enabling rapid fabrication of custom cell culture devices, fixtures, and biohybrid robotic components. However, little is known about how common sterilization procedures and prolonged cell culture exposure impact the mechanical properties of commercially available resins. In this study, we analyzed five candidate 3D-printable resins-three rigid (Asiga DentaGUIDE, Liqcreate Bio-Med Clear, Phrozen AquaGray 8K) and two elastomeric (Asiga DentaGUM, Formlabs Silicone 40A)-to evaluate the effects of ethanol/UV and autoclave sterilization on material properties in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at physiological conditions. Using stress-strain data from tensile and compressive mechanical tests, elastic moduli, ultimate tensile strength, and strain at break were compared across sterilization techniques. Results showed that sterilization significantly altered the mechanical properties of rigid resins, with Phrozen AquaGray 8K and Liqcreate Bio-Med Clear exhibiting large reductions in tensile stiffness and strength, while Asiga DentaGUIDE retained greater stability. In contrast, elastomeric resins were more robust: Asiga DentaGUM and Formlabs Silicone 40A demonstrated minimal or non-significant changes across sterilization methods, though post-treatment protocols influenced variability. Notably, several rigid resins also exhibited substantially lower moduli in PBS compared to manufacturer-reported values. These findings emphasize the need for experimental validation of 3D printed resin properties under intended use conditions and suggest that Asiga DentaGUIDE and Formlabs Silicone 40A are promising candidates for biohybrid applications. Overall, this work provides critical guidance for selecting sterilization-compatible materials for biomedical devices and biohybrid robotics. 

Abstract To understand how behaviors arise in animals, it is necessary to investigate both the neural circuits and the biomechanics of the periphery. A tractable model system for studying multifunctional control is the feeding apparatus of the marine molluskAplysia californica. Previousin silicoandin robotomodels have investigated how the nervous and muscular systems interact in this system. However, these models are still limited in their ability to matchin vivodata both qualitatively and quantitatively. We introduce a new neuromechanical model ofAplysiafeeding that combines a modified version of a previously developed neural model with a novel biomechanical model that better reflects the anatomy and kinematics ofAplysiafeeding. The model was calibrated using a combination of previously measured biomechanical parameters and hand-tuning to behavioral data. Using this model, simulated feeding experiments were conducted, and the resulting behavioral metrics were compared to animal data. The model successfully produces three key behaviors seen inAplysiaand demonstrates a good quantitative agreement with biting and swallowing behaviors. Additional work is needed to match rejection behavior quantitatively and to reflect qualitative observations related to the relative contributions of two key muscles, the hinge and I3. Future improvements will focus on incorporating the effects of deformable 3D structures in the simulated buccal mass.