Tubular micromotors: from microjets to spermbots

Veronika Magdanz,Oliver G Schmidt,Maria Guix

doi:10.1186/s40638-014-0011-6

Abstract

In the last decade, it was demonstrated that tubular micromotors are of potential interest for environmental, sensing, and medical applications. Even though catalytic micromotors rely on toxic fuel for their propulsion, many proof-of-concept applications were shown. Currently, the research community of micromotors is searching for biocompatible fuel solutions in order to extend the field of applications to tasks in physiological conditions. This short review gives an overview over the advances in the field of tubular micromotors explaining the different fabrication methods, fuels, and applications. The article points out the utilization of catalytic microjets in sensing, medical, and environmental applications, as well as the journey towards biocompatible tubular motors driven by motile sperm cells.

Highlights

In the last decade, it was demonstrated that tubular micromotors are of potential interest for environmental, sensing, and medical applications
This review focuses on the state of the art in the field of tubular micromotors spanning from catalytically driven microjets to hybrid micromotors propelled by motile sperm cells
Jet propulsion: fuels and motion requirements The motion of tubular microjets is due to the presence of certain fuels which promote catalytic reactions on the inner surface of the microjets, inducing the generation and expulsion of bubbles [2,9]. Such micromotors are moving by the bubble recoil mechanism, and their most extended configuration generally presents an inner platinum surface permitting their movement in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and certain surfactants

Summary

Introduction

It was demonstrated that tubular micromotors are of potential interest for environmental, sensing, and medical applications. There are two distinct ways to fabricate tubular micromotors: roll-up of nanomembranes and electrodeposition into the pores of membranes, being used as template.

Results

Conclusion