Geometry Design, Principles and Assembly of Micromotors

Abstract

Discovery of bio-inspired, self-propelled and externally-powered nano-/micro-motors, rotors and engines (micromachines) is considered a potentially revolutionary paradigm in nanoscience. Nature knows how to combine different elements together in a fluidic state for intelligent design of nano-/micro-machines, which operate by pumping, stirring, and diffusion of their internal components. Taking inspirations from nature, scientists endeavor to develop the best materials, geometries, and conditions for self-propelled motion, and to better understand their mechanisms of motion and interactions. Today, microfluidic technology offers considerable advantages for the next generation of biomimetic particles, droplets and capsules. This review summarizes recent achievements in the field of nano-/micromotors, and methods of their external control and collective behaviors, which may stimulate new ideas for a broad range of applications.

A Review on Artificial Micro/Nanomotors for Cancer-Targeted Delivery, Diagnosis, and Therapy

“…Self-propelled micro/ nanomotors, an emerging and powerful agent that is capable for effectively converting diverse energy sources into driving forces and autonomous movement [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20], have gained considerable attention in the field of tumor diagnostics and treatment. Self-propelled micro/nanomotors not only inherit the excellent properties of micro/nanomaterials, such as high surface area and activity, but also demonstrate the distinct feature of autonomous motion capacity, which both results in highly efficient bioseparation and in precise delivery of imaging agents or drugs to the subcellular target in tumors [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. The active propulsion of these motors plays a key role for their biomedical applications.…”

Dynamic Coupling at Low Reynolds Number

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] Suspensions of spermatozoa, [7][8][9] algae, [10][11][12][13] and bacteria [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] have been investigated extensively not only to recognize novel effects of non-equilibrium physics under conditions of low Reynolds number but also to attain possible controls over various biological processes involving ab road variety of molecular motors and proteins.T he pursuit has further been augmented by the development of model systems comprised of chemically active motors and molecules. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31] These systems offer unprecedented opportunities to understand local energy transduction in colloidal systems and explore possibilities to harness non-equilibrium phenomena for useful applications.I nr ecent years,r esearch in this direction has resulted in many interesting designs and propulsion strategies for artificial micro-and nanomachines-with demonstrations on their futuristic applications as sensors, [32][33][34][35] assemblers, [36][37][38][39] and fluid pumps. [40][41][42]…”

Rolled‐up Nanotechnology: Materials Issue and Geometry Capability

“…This approach can be applied to engineer a wide range of organic and inorganic materials and their combinations, including metals, insulators, traditional semiconductor families, and recently emerged 2D materials. Given its compatibility to standard CMOS fabrication process and ability to manufacture large periodic arrays with precise geometric control, rolled‐up nanotechnology further expands the applications of 3D nanostructures to a number of areas, including optical resonators, photodetectors, micromotors, energy storage, drug delivery, gas detection, and environmental decontamination . The versatility in the materials design and geometric tuning in rolled‐up nanotechnology presents tremendous opportunities for further developing sophisticated 3D fine structures.…”