Reconfigurable multi-component micromachines driven by optoelectronic tweezers

Shuailong Zhang, Mohamed Elsayed, Ran Peng, Yujie Chen, Yanfeng Zhang, Jiaxi Peng, Weizhen Li, M. Dean Chamberlain, Adele Nikitina, Siyuan Yu, Xinyu Liu, Steven L. Neale and Aaron R. Wheeler ()
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Shuailong Zhang: University of Toronto
Mohamed Elsayed: University of Toronto
Ran Peng: University of Toronto
Yujie Chen: Sun Yat-Sen University
Yanfeng Zhang: Sun Yat-Sen University
Jiaxi Peng: University of Toronto
Weizhen Li: University of Glasgow
M. Dean Chamberlain: University of Toronto
Adele Nikitina: University of Toronto
Siyuan Yu: Sun Yat-Sen University
Xinyu Liu: University of Toronto
Steven L. Neale: University of Glasgow
Aaron R. Wheeler: University of Toronto

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract There is great interest in the development of micromotors which can convert energy to motion in sub-millimeter dimensions. Micromachines take the micromotor concept a step further, comprising complex systems in which multiple components work in concert to effectively realize complex mechanical tasks. Here we introduce light-driven micromotors and micromachines that rely on optoelectronic tweezers (OET). Using a circular micro-gear as a unit component, we demonstrate a range of new functionalities, including a touchless micro-feed-roller that allows the programming of precise three-dimensional particle trajectories, multi-component micro-gear trains that serve as torque- or velocity-amplifiers, and micro-rack-and-pinion systems that serve as microfluidic valves. These sophisticated systems suggest great potential for complex micromachines in the future, for application in microrobotics, micromanipulation, microfluidics, and beyond.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25582-8

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