Light-driven micro/nanomotors
represent the next generation of
automotive devices that can be easily actuated and controlled by using
an external light source. As the field evolves, there is a need for
developing more sophisticated micromachines that can fulfill diverse
tasks in complex environments. Herein, we introduce single-component
BiVO4 micromotors with well-defined micro/nanostructures
that can swim both individually and as collectively assembled entities
under visible-light irradiation. These devices can perform cargo loading
and transport of passive particles as well as living microorganisms
without any surface functionalization. Interestingly, after photoactivation,
the BiVO4 micromotors exhibited an ability to seek and
adhere to yeast cell walls, with the possibility to control their
attachment/release by switching the light on/off, respectively. Taking
advantage of the selective motor/fungal cells attachment, the fungicidal
activity of BiVO4 micromotors under visible illumination
was also demonstrated. The presented star-shaped BiVO4 micromotors,
obtained by a hydrothermal synthesis, contribute to the potential
large-scale fabrication of light-powered micromotors. Moreover, these
multifunctional single-component micromachines with controlled self-propulsion,
collective behavior, cargo transportation, and photocatalytic activity
capabilities hold promising applications in sensing, biohybrids assembly,
cargo delivery, and microbiological water pollution remediation.