Flagellated bacteria have been employed as microactuators in low Reynolds number fluidic environments. SU-8 microstructures have been fabricated and released on the surface of swarming Serratia marcescens, and the flagella propel the structures along the swarm surface. Phototactic control of these structures is demonstrated by exposing the localized regions of the swarm to ultraviolet light. The authors additionally discuss the control of microstructures in an open channel powered by bacteria which have been docked through a blotting technique. A tracking algorithm has been developed to analyze swarming patterns of the bacteria as well as the kinematics of the microstructures.

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We have studied self-coordinated bacterial transportation systems using SU-8 microbarges in low Reynolds number fluidic environments. Flagellated Serratia marcescens bacteria were attached to microbarges using a blotting technique that creates a bacterial monolayer carpet. These bacterial carpets naturally self-coordinate to propel the microbarges in a manner that have been controlled by phototactic means. We additionally demonstrate phototactic control of these barges. Tracking algorithms were designed to study the motion of the microbarges.

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