Scanning electron microscope images of the two micromachines. © 2024 The Shoji Takeuchi Research Group at the University of Tokyo
Tiny Micromachines steered by microorganisms, propelled by swimming green algae could assist biological and environmental research.
Scientists have developed tiny micromachines that can be steered by microorganisms. Specifically, these microscopic vehicles are powered by swimming green algae, which could be useful in biological and environmental research.
These micromachines are designed to look like small vehicles, with algae trapped in baskets attached to them. The design allows the algae enough space to swim and propel the micromachines.
The basket trap. These algae are only 10 micrometers in size. They use two flagella at the front to move. © 2024 The Shoji Takeuchi Research Group at the University of Tokyo
Two types of vehicles were made: one called the “rotator,” which spins like a wheel, and another called the “scooter,” which was meant to move forward but showed unexpected movement patterns during testing. The researchers plan to explore more complex designs in future versions. These algae-powered teams could one day be used in micro-level environmental engineering and research.
Microscopic scooter micromachine moving around. © 2024 The Shoji Takeuchi Research Group at the University of Tokyo
The concept is similar to using horses to pull a cart, but instead, it’s “algae power.” Researchers used a 3D printing method called two-photon stereolithography to create these micromachines. This technique uses light to form tiny plastic structures at a scale of 1 micrometer (0.001 millimeter). The most challenging aspect was designing the basket to effectively capture and hold the algae while allowing them to swim and move the micromachines.
Microscopic rotator spins under the power of four algae can whizz along at over 100 micrometers per second. © 2024 The Shoji Takeuchi Research Group at the University of Tokyo
source University of Tokyo
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