A lobster-sniffing-inspired method for micro-objects manipulation using electrostatic micro-actuators

Abstract

We learn from nature to mimic, from the viewpoint of controlling Reynolds number variations, the odor-molecule capturing function of lobsters' tiny hairs on their antennules for finding food, a suitable mate or to avoid predators to capture molecules from the surrounding fluid. The engineering implementation of this lobster-hair-like capturing device, which is actuated by the electrostatic force, is reported in this paper. The device actuates and drives the biological objects via disturbing the fluid field and manipulating the Reynolds number of the surrounding fluid to achieve the function of micro-object manipulation. The operation principle of this micro-object manipulation is very different from those of other researchers' early work such as MEMS ciliary actuators. In this paper, both theoretical analyses and simplified numerical simulations are presented to obtain the design criteria as well as the microfabrication processes. Preliminary experimental results are also shown to demonstrate the feasibility and functionality via the micro-object manipulation in liquid environment. These biomimetic electrostatic bimorph actuators could avoid some of the drawbacks of conventional tools and are potential tools for the non-contact and non-invasive manipulation of micro/nano bio-objects.