Journal Article

FZJ-2021-04841

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Bioinspired acousto-magnetic microswarm robots with upstream motility

Ahmed, D. (Corresponding author) ; Sukhov, A.FZJ* ; Hauri, D. ; Rodrigue, D. ; Maranta, G. ; Harting, J.FZJ* ; Nelson, B. J.

2021
Springer Nature Publishing [London]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/29289  doi:10.1038/s42256-020-00275-x

Abstract: The ability to propel against flows, that is, to perform positive rheotaxis, can provide exciting opportunities for applications in targeted therapeutics and non-invasive surgery. So far no biocompatible technologies exist for navigating microparticles upstream when they are in a background fluid flow. Inspired by many naturally occurring microswimmers—such as bacteria, spermatozoa and plankton—that utilize the no-slip boundary conditions of the wall to exhibit upstream propulsion, here we report on the design and characterization of self-assembled microswarms that can execute upstream motility in a combina-tion of external acoustic and magnetic fields. Both acoustic and magnetic fields are safe to humans, non-invasive, can pen-etrate deeply into the human body and are well-developed in clinical settings. The combination of both fields can overcome the limitations encountered by single actuation methods. The design criteria of the acoustically induced reaction force of the microswarms, which is needed to perform rolling-type motion, are discussed. We show quantitative agreement between experi-mental data and our model that captures the rolling behaviour. The upstream capability provides a design strategy for deliv-ering small drug molecules to hard-to-reach sites and represents a fundamental step towards the realization of micro- and nanosystem navigation against the blood flow.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg Erneuerbare Energien (IEK-11)

Research Program(s):

1. 1215 - Simulations, Theory, Optics, and Analytics (STOA) (POF4-121) (POF4-121)
2. DFG project 366087427 - Magnetokapillare Mikroroboter zum Einfangen und zum Transport von Objekten an Flüssiggrenzflächen (366087427) (366087427)

Appears in the scientific report 2021

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Engineering, Computing and Technology ; DEAL Nature ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 20 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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