Orthogonal navigation of multiple visible-light-driven artificial microswimmers

Jing Zheng, Baohu Dai, Jizhuang Wang, Ze Xiong, Ya Yang, Jun Liu, Xiaojun Zhan, Zhihan Wan and Jinyao Tang ()
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Jing Zheng: The University of Hong Kong
Baohu Dai: The University of Hong Kong
Jizhuang Wang: The University of Hong Kong
Ze Xiong: The University of Hong Kong
Ya Yang: The University of Hong Kong
Jun Liu: The University of Hong Kong
Xiaojun Zhan: The University of Hong Kong
Zhihan Wan: The University of Hong Kong
Jinyao Tang: The University of Hong Kong

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Nano/microswimmers represent the persistent endeavors of generations of scientists towards the ultimate tiny machinery for device manufacturing, targeted drug delivery, and noninvasive surgery. In many of these envisioned applications, multiple microswimmers need to be controlled independently and work cooperatively to perform a complex task. However, this multiple channel actuation remains a challenge as the controlling signal, usually a magnetic or electric field, is applied globally over all microswimmers, which makes it difficult to decouple the responses of multiple microswimmers. Here, we demonstrate that a photoelectrochemically driven nanotree microswimmer can be easily coded with a distinct spectral response by loading it with dyes. By using different dyes, an individual microswimmer can be controlled and navigated independently of other microswimmers in a group. This development demonstrates the excellent flexibility of the light navigation method and paves the way for the development of more functional nanobots for applications that require high-level controllability.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01778-9

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