1
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Muraveva V, Lomadze N, Gordievskaya YD, Ortner P, Beta C, Santer S. Manipulation of artificial and living small objects by light driven diffusioosmotic flow. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18342. [PMID: 39112635 PMCID: PMC11306628 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69001-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Here we report on light-triggered generation of local flow utilizing a bio-compatible non-ionic photo-active surfactant. The mechanism is based on diffusioosmotic phenomenon, where the gradient of relative concentration with respect to different chemical species near a surface leads to an osmotic pressure gradient driving liquid flow along the surface. The application of a photo-responsive surfactant allows for easy and reversible changes in concentration gradient by positioning a light source at the desired place. Along with the so-inscribed concentration gradient one can change reversible the direction and strength of the flow even in a closed system. The phenomenology of light-driven diffusioosmotic flow (LDDO) can be used in a rather flexible way: colloids can be gathered or dispersed and bio-compatibility extends the range of colloid types also to living microorganisms such as soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida. We show that DO flow can be considered a versatile method to set hydrodynamic conditions along the sample for investigating the motility of living cells. Further advantages of employing LDDO are the flexibility of flow generation in a reversible way and with spatiotemporal control, without the need to either change the channel geometry by loading a different device, or the periphery of pumps and connectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriia Muraveva
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Nino Lomadze
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Yulia D Gordievskaya
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Philipp Ortner
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Carsten Beta
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Svetlana Santer
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
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2
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He T, Yang Y, Chen XB. Propulsion mechanisms of micro/nanorobots: a review. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:12696-12734. [PMID: 38940742 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01776e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) are intelligent, efficient and promising micro/nanorobots (MNR) that can respond to external stimuli (e.g., chemical energy, temperature, light, pH, ultrasound, magnetic, biosignals, ions) and perform specific tasks. The MNR can adapt to different external stimuli and transform into various functional forms to match different application scenarios. So far, MNR have found extensive application in targeted therapy, drug delivery, tissue engineering, environmental remediation, and other fields. Despite the promise of MNR, there are few reviews that focus on them. To shed new light on the further development of the field, it is necessary to provide an overview of the current state of development of these MNR. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress of MNR in terms of propulsion mechanisms, and points out the pros and cons of different stimulus types. Finally, this paper highlights the current challenges faced by MNR and proposes possible solutions to facilitate the practical application of MNR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao He
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China.
| | - Yonghui Yang
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China.
| | - Xue-Bo Chen
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China.
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3
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Ferrer Campos R, Bakenecker AC, Chen Y, Spadaro MC, Fraire J, Arbiol J, Sánchez S, Villa K. Boosting the Efficiency of Photoactive Rod-Shaped Nanomotors via Magnetic Field-Induced Charge Separation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:30077-30087. [PMID: 38819932 PMCID: PMC11181276 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Photocatalytic nanomotors have attracted a lot of attention because of their unique capacity to simultaneously convert light and chemical energy into mechanical motion with a fast photoresponse. Recent discoveries demonstrate that the integration of optical and magnetic components within a single nanomotor platform offers novel advantages for precise motion control and enhanced photocatalytic performance. Despite these advancements, the impact of magnetic fields on energy transfer dynamics in photocatalytic nanomotors remains unexplored. Here, we introduce dual-responsive rod-like nanomotors, made of a TiO2/NiFe heterojunction, able to (i) self-propel upon irradiation, (ii) align with the direction of an external magnetic field, and (iii) exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance. Consequently, when combining light irradiation with a homogeneous magnetic field, these nanomotors exhibit increased velocities attributed to their improved photoactivity. As a proof-of-concept, we investigated the ability of these nanomotors to generate phenol, a valuable chemical feedstock, from benzene under combined optical and magnetic fields. Remarkably, the application of an external magnetic field led to a 100% increase in the photocatalytic phenol generation in comparison with light activation alone. By using various state-of-the-art techniques such as photoelectrochemistry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance, we characterized the charge transfer between the semiconductor and the alloy component, revealing that the magnetic field significantly improved charge pair separation and enhanced hydroxyl radical generation. Consequently, our work provides valuable insights into the role of magnetic fields in the mechanisms of light-driven photocatalytic nanomotors for designing more effective light-driven nanodevices for selective oxidations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Ferrer Campos
- Institute
of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Av. Països Catalans, 16, Tarragona E-43007, Spain
- Departament
de Química Física i Inorgànica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Marcel. lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Anna C. Bakenecker
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 4-10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yufen Chen
- Institute
of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Av. Països Catalans, 16, Tarragona E-43007, Spain
| | - Maria Chiara Spadaro
- Catalan
Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), UAB Campus, Bellaterra, Barcelona E-08193, Spain
| | - Juan Fraire
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 4-10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Arbiol
- Catalan
Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), UAB Campus, Bellaterra, Barcelona E-08193, Spain
- Catalan
Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, E-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 4-10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan
Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, E-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Katherine Villa
- Institute
of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Av. Països Catalans, 16, Tarragona E-43007, Spain
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4
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Del Campo Fonseca A, Ahmed D. Ultrasound robotics for precision therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 205:115164. [PMID: 38145721 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the application of microrobots in precision therapy has gained significant attention. The small size and maneuverability of these micromachines enable them to potentially access regions that are difficult to reach using traditional methods; thus, reducing off-target toxicities and maximizing treatment effectiveness. Specifically, acoustic actuation has emerged as a promising method to exert control. By harnessing the power of acoustic energy, these small machines potentially navigate the body, assemble at the desired sites, and deliver therapies with enhanced precision and effectiveness. Amidst the enthusiasm surrounding these miniature agents, their translation to clinical environments has proven difficult. The primary objectives of this review are threefold: firstly, to offer an overview of the fundamental acoustic principles employed in the field of microrobots; secondly, to assess their current applications in medical therapies, encompassing tissue targeting, drug delivery or even cell infiltration; and lastly, to delve into the continuous efforts aimed at integrating acoustic microrobots into in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Del Campo Fonseca
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab, ETH Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel Ahmed
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab, ETH Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland.
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5
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Ullattil SG, Pumera M. Light-Powered Self-Adaptive Mesostructured Microrobots for Simultaneous Microplastics Trapping and Fragmentation via in situ Surface Morphing. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2301467. [PMID: 37309271 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, which comprise one of the omnipresent threats to human health, are diverse in shape and composition. Their negative impacts on human and ecosystem health provide ample incentive to design and execute strategies to trap and degrade diversely structured microplastics, especially from water. This work demonstrates the fabrication of single-component TiO2 superstructured microrobots to photo-trap and photo-fragment microplastics. In a single reaction, rod-like microrobots diverse in shape and with multiple trapping sites, are fabricated to exploit the asymmetry of the microrobotic system advantageous for propulsion. The microrobots work synergistically to photo-catalytically trap and fragment microplastics in water in a coordinated fashion. Hence, a microrobotic model of "unity in diversity" is demonstrated here for the phototrapping and photofragmentation of microplastics. During light irradiation and subsequent photocatalysis, the surface morphology of microrobots transformed into porous flower-like networks that trap microplastics for subsequent degradation. This reconfigurable microrobotic technology represents a significant step forward in the efforts to degrade microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Gopal Ullattil
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 656/123, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 656/123, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, 70800, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 404333, Taiwan
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6
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Zhou Y, Ye M, Hu C, Qian H, Nelson BJ, Wang X. Stimuli-Responsive Functional Micro-/Nanorobots: A Review. ACS NANO 2023; 17:15254-15276. [PMID: 37534824 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive functional micro-/nanorobots (srFM/Ns) are a class of intelligent, efficient, and promising microrobots that can react to external stimuli (such as temperature, light, ultrasound, pH, ion, and magnetic field) and perform designated tasks. Through adaptive transformation into the corresponding functional forms, they can perfectly match the demands depending on different applications, which manifest extremely important roles in targeted therapy, biological detection, tissue engineering, and other fields. Promising as srFM/Ns can be, few reviews have focused on them. It is therefore necessary to provide an overview of the current development of these intelligent srFM/Ns to provide clear inspiration for further development of this field. Hence, this review summarizes the current advances of stimuli-responsive functional microrobots regarding their response mechanism, the achieved functions, and their applications to highlight the pros and cons of different stimuli. Finally, we emphasize the existing challenges of srFM/Ns and propose possible strategies to help accelerate the study of this field and promote srFM/Ns toward actual applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
| | - Min Ye
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
| | - Chengzhi Hu
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huihuan Qian
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Bradley J Nelson
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xiaopu Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
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7
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Yuan X, Ferrer-Campos R, Garcés-Pineda FA, Villa K. Molecular Imprinted BiVO 4 Microswimmers for Selective Target Recognition and Removal. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207303. [PMID: 36703511 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Analogous to photosynthetic systems, photoactive semiconductor-based micro/nanoswimmers display biomimetic features that enable unique light harvesting and energy conversion functions and interactions with their surroundings. However, these artificial swimmers are usually non-selective and provide ineffective target recognition, resulting in poor surface analyte binding that affects the overall reactivity and motion efficiency. Here, the surface engineering of light-driven BiVO4 microswimmers by molecular imprinting polymerization is presented. After embedding surface recognition sites, the modified microswimmers can self-propel in a solution of a target molecule, without requiring toxic fuels, and degrade the target selectively in a pollutant mixture. These findings show that optimizing the design of semiconductor-based microswimmers with specific target recognition cavities on their surface is a promising strategy to achieve selective capture and degradation of organic pollutants, which is otherwise impossible because of the non-selective behavior of photogenerated reactive radicals. Moreover, this study provides a unique strategy to enhance the motion capabilities of single-component photocatalytic microswimmers in a specific chemical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiao Yuan
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Av. Països Catalans, 16, Tarragona, E-43007, Spain
| | - Rebeca Ferrer-Campos
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Av. Països Catalans, 16, Tarragona, E-43007, Spain
| | - Felipe A Garcés-Pineda
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Av. Països Catalans, 16, Tarragona, E-43007, Spain
| | - Katherine Villa
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Av. Països Catalans, 16, Tarragona, E-43007, Spain
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8
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Wang L, Simmchen J. Determination of the swimming mechanism of Au@TiO 2 active matter and implications on active-passive interactions. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:540-549. [PMID: 36541522 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01097f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Non-equilibrium dynamic assembly attracts considerable attention due to the possibility of forming diverse structures that can potentially lead to functional materials. Despite significant progress in understanding and modelling, the complexity of the system implies that different phases of the assembly formation are governed by different interactions. It is clear that both, hydrodynamic and chemical interactions stem from the activity of the particle, but correlation to specific chemical species remains not yet understood. Here, we investigate the origin of the main driving forces for light-driven Au@TiO2 micromotors and look at the implication this causes for the interactions between active and passive particles. We develop precision experimental measurements of the photochemical reaction rate, which are correlated with the observed speed of Au@TiO2 micromotors. The comparison with two distinct models allows the conclusion that the dominant propulsion mechanism of the active particles is self-electrophoresis based on the self-generated H+ gradient. We verify this assumption by adding salt and confirm the dependence of the expected swimming behaviour on salt concentration and investigate the consequences for raft formation in COMSOL simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Wang
- Department of Physical Chemistry, TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Juliane Simmchen
- Department of Physical Chemistry, TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
- Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
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9
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Zhang J, Laskar A, Song J, Shklyaev OE, Mou F, Guan J, Balazs AC, Sen A. Light-Powered, Fuel-Free Oscillation, Migration, and Reversible Manipulation of Multiple Cargo Types by Micromotor Swarms. ACS NANO 2023; 17:251-262. [PMID: 36321936 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Through experiments and simulations, we show that fuel-free photoactive TiO2 microparticles can form mobile, coherent swarms in the presence of UV light, which track the subsequent movement of an irradiated spot in a fluid-filled microchamber. Multiple concurrent propulsion mechanisms (electrolyte diffusioosmotic swarming, photocatalytic expansion, and photothermal migration) control the rich collective behavior of the swarms, which provide a strategy to reversely manipulate cargo. The active swarms can autonomously pick up groups of inert particles, sort them by size, and sequentially release the sorted particles at particular locations in the microchamber. Hence, these swarms overcome three obstacles, limiting the utility of self-propelled particles. Namely, they can (1) undergo directed, long-range migration without the addition of a chemical fuel, (2) perform diverse collective behavior not possible with a single active particle, and (3) repeatedly and controllably isolate and deliver specific components of a multiparticle "cargo". Since light sources are easily fabricated, transported, and controlled, the results can facilitate the development of portable devices, providing broader access to the diagnostic and manufacturing advances enabled by microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass Fibers and Eco-dyeing & Finishing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Abhrajit Laskar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Jiaqi Song
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Oleg E Shklyaev
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Anna C Balazs
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Ayusman Sen
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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10
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Song J, Zhang J, Krishna Mani S, Sen A. Droplet Navigation by Photothermal Pumping in an Optofluidic System. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:11486-11491. [PMID: 36067338 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Droplets with guided motion have potential applications as microreactors and delivery vehicles. Directing long-range migration powered solely by light is particularly advantageous since light can be applied remotely, patterned with a photomask, and readily translated to irradiate specified locations. Herein, we describe a universal platform that allows fast directional navigation and collective merging of droplets controlled by either ultraviolet or visible light. The guided motion of water and oil droplets follows density-driven convective flows arising from photothermal conversion at a light-absorbing amphiphobic substrate. Because of the relatively high photothermal efficiency, a low-intensity light beam can be employed. Further, we demonstrate that the moving droplets can function as carriers and on-demand reaction chambers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Song
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Sanjana Krishna Mani
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Ayusman Sen
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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11
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Villa K, Sopha H, Zelenka J, Motola M, Dekanovsky L, Beketova DC, Macak JM, Ruml T, Pumera M. Enzyme-Photocatalyst Tandem Microrobot Powered by Urea for Escherichia coli Biofilm Eradication. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106612. [PMID: 35122470 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Urinary-based infections affect millions of people worldwide. Such bacterial infections are mainly caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) biofilm formation in the bladder and/or urinary catheters. Herein, the authors present a hybrid enzyme/photocatalytic microrobot, based on urease-immobilized TiO2 /CdS nanotube bundles, that can swim in urea as a biocompatible fuel and respond to visible light. Upon illumination for 2 h, these microrobots are able to remove almost 90% of bacterial biofilm, due to the generation of reactive radicals, while bare TiO2 /CdS photocatalysts (non-motile) or urease-coated microrobots in the dark do not show any toxic effect. These results indicate a synergistic effect between the self-propulsion provided by the enzyme and the photocatalytic activity induced under light stimuli. This work provides a photo-biocatalytic approach for the design of efficient light-driven microrobots with promising applications in microbiology and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Villa
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague, 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Hanna Sopha
- Center of Materials and Nanotechnologies, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Náměstí čs, Legií 565, Pardubice, 530 02, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Zelenka
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague, 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Motola
- Center of Materials and Nanotechnologies, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Náměstí čs, Legií 565, Pardubice, 530 02, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Dekanovsky
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague, 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Darya Chylii Beketova
- Center of Materials and Nanotechnologies, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Náměstí čs, Legií 565, Pardubice, 530 02, Czech Republic
| | - Jan M Macak
- Center of Materials and Nanotechnologies, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Náměstí čs, Legií 565, Pardubice, 530 02, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Ruml
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague, 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague, 166 28, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
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12
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Basharat M, Shah ZH, Ikram M, Ghellab SE, Hassan QU, Ilyas T, Lei L, Lin G, Gao Y. Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Copolymeric Colloids as Multicolor Emission, Fuel-Free, UV- and Visible-Light-Actuated Micropumps. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107621. [PMID: 35142080 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Light-actuated micromachines are of enormous interest due to their ability to harvest light for triggering catalytic reactions to acquire free energy for mechanical work. This work presents an inorganic-organic hybrid copolymeric poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-barbituric acid) colloid, which displays multiwavelength excited emission and catalytic activities, exploiting the unique structural, chemical, and optical features of inorganic heterocyclic ring hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and organic co-monomer barbituric acid. Specifically, this work reveals particle-resolved unusual multicolor emission under excitation with the same or different wavelengths of light using fluorescence microscopy. The result is rationalized by density functional theory studies. In this work, the authors find that emission is coincident with fluorometric measurements, and the photocatalytic properties are anticipated from the overall band structure. This work also demonstrates the use of these colloids as micropumps, which can be remotely activated by UV, blue, and green lights under fuel-free conditions, and ascribe the behavior to ionic diffusiophoresis arising from light-triggered generation of H+ and other charged species. This work offers a new class of polymeric colloids with multiple-wavelength excited emission and catalytic activities, which is expected to open new opportunities in the design of fuel-free, photo-actuated micromachines and active systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Basharat
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Zameer Hussain Shah
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Muhammad Ikram
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Salah Eddine Ghellab
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Qadeer-Ul Hassan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Tayiba Ilyas
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Lijie Lei
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Guanhua Lin
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Yongxiang Gao
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
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13
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Peng Y, Xu P, Duan S, Liu J, Moran JL, Wang W. Generic Rules for Distinguishing Autophoretic Colloidal Motors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202116041. [PMID: 34994039 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202116041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Distinguishing the operating mechanisms of nano- and micromotors powered by chemical gradients, i.e. "autophoresis", holds the key for fundamental and applied reasons. In this article, we propose and experimentally confirm that the speeds of a self-diffusiophoretic colloidal motor scale inversely to its population density but not for self-electrophoretic motors, because the former is an ion source and thus increases the solution ionic strength over time while the latter does not. They also form clusters in visually distinguishable and quantifiable ways. This pair of rules is simple, powerful, and insensitive to the specific material composition, shape or size of a colloidal motor, and does not require any measurement beyond typical microscopy. These rules are not only useful in clarifying the operating mechanisms of typical autophoretic micromotors, but also in predicting the dynamics of unconventional ones that are yet to be experimentally realized, even those involving enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Peng
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Pengzhao Xu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Shifang Duan
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | | | - Wei Wang
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
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14
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Oral CM, Ussia M, Yavuz DK, Pumera M. Shape Engineering of TiO 2 Microrobots for "On-the-Fly" Optical Brake. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106271. [PMID: 34921590 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid microrobots have recently attracted attention due to their ability to combine different energy sources and/or external stimuli for propulsion and performing desired tasks. Despite progresses in the past, on-demand speed modulation for hybrid microrobots has not been analyzed in detail. Herein, the influence of surface properties and crystallite size on the propulsion mechanism of Pt/TiO2 chemical/light-driven hybrid microrobots is investigated. The morphology of urchin-like Pt/TiO2 microrobots leads to "on-the-fly" optical brake behavior under UV irradiation. In contrast, smooth Pt/TiO2 microrobots demonstrate accelerated motion in the same conditions. The comparison between two types of microrobots also indicates the significance of a high surface area and a high crystallite size to increase their speed. The results demonstrate the profound impact of surface features for next-generation smart micro/nanorobots with on-demand reaction capability in dynamically changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cagatay M Oral
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, Brno, 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Ussia
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, Brno, 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Derya Kapusuz Yavuz
- Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Gaziantep University, Universite Blvd, Sehitkamil, Gaziantep, 27310, Turkey
| | - Martin Pumera
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, Brno, 61200, Czech Republic
- Center for Nanorobotics and Machine Intelligence, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
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15
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16
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Abstract
Living things in nature have evolved with unique morphologies, structures, materials, behaviors, and functions to survive in complex natural environments. Nature has inspired the design ideas, preparation methods, and applications of versatile micro/nanomotors. This review summarizes diverse nature-inspired micro/nanomotors, which can be divided into five groups: (i) natural morphology-inspired micro/nanomotors, whose shapes are designed to imitate the morphologies of plants, animals, and objects in nature. (ii) Natural structure-inspired micro/nanomotors, which use structures from plants, red blood cells, and platelet cells as components of micro/nanomotors, or directly use sperm cells and microorganisms as the engines of micro/nanomotors. (iii) Natural behavior-inspired micro/nanomotors, which are proposed to mimic natural behaviors such as motion behavior, swarm behavior, and communication behavior between individuals. (iv) Micro/nanomotors inspired by both natural morphology and behavior. Nature makes it possible for synthetic micro/nanomotors to possess interesting morphologies, novel preparation methods, new propulsion modes, innovative functions, and broad applications. The nature-inspired micro/nanomotors could provide a promising platform for various practical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Chang
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-Structures Manufacturing (Harbin Institute of Technology), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150001, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, China
| | - Yiwen Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China.
| | - Bin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-Structures Manufacturing (Harbin Institute of Technology), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Dekai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China.
| | - Longqiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China.
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17
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Zhang J, Mou F, Wu Z, Song J, Kauffman JE, Sen A, Guan J. Cooperative transport by flocking phototactic micromotors. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:6157-6163. [PMID: 36133936 PMCID: PMC9419550 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00641j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Cargo delivery by micro/nanomotors provides enormous opportunities for micromanipulation, environmental cleaning, drug delivery, etc. However, due to the limited driving force, it is usually difficult for single micro/nanomotors to transport cargoes much larger or heavier than themselves. Here, we demonstrate that flocking phototactic TiO2 micromotors can cooperatively transport multiple and different types of large cargoes based on light-responsive diffusiophoresis. Utilizing spontaneous diffusiophoretic attraction, flocking TiO2 micromotors can load large cargoes. Under UV light navigation, flocking TiO2 micromotors cooperatively carry and transport cargoes via collective diffusiophoretic repulsion in open space or complex microenvironments. After reaching the destination, the carried cargoes can also be unloaded from the flock and be deployed at a predetermined destination by disassembling or reversing the flock. This study may pave the way for developing intelligent swarming micro/nanorobots for cooperative targeting micromanipulation and advancing their applications in drug delivery and microengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology 122 Luoshi Road Wuhan 430070 China
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University University Park PA 16802 USA
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology 122 Luoshi Road Wuhan 430070 China
| | - Zhen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology 122 Luoshi Road Wuhan 430070 China
| | - Jiaqi Song
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University University Park PA 16802 USA
| | - Joshua E Kauffman
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University University Park PA 16802 USA
| | - Ayusman Sen
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University University Park PA 16802 USA
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology 122 Luoshi Road Wuhan 430070 China
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18
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Wittmann M, Ali A, Gemming T, Stavale F, Simmchen J. Semiconductor-Based Microswimmers: Attention to Detail Matters. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:9651-9656. [PMID: 34586814 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c02658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal active matter is known for its sensitivity to external conditions; for example, the swimming speeds depend strongly on substrates, fuel concentration, and in the case of light-driven colloids, the illumination. While these points are regularly considered, the nanoscopic material properties of the motor bodies are often barely mentioned, but they are highly influential in the case of photocatalysts. In order to demonstrate the influence of subtle differences in chemical composition and interfacing between the different material compounds, we designed a system based on colloidal titania spheres asymmetrized by different nanoscale cobalt oxide species. We examine how the material properties and combinations lead to highly specific catalytic activity and cross-relate the subtle differences to the typical active behaviors of these complex materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wittmann
- Freigeist Group, Physical Chemistry TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Astrid Ali
- Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Fisicas (CBPF), Rua Dr. Xavier Sigaud, 150 - Urca, Rio de Janeiro 22290-180, Brazil
| | - Thomas Gemming
- Leibniz IFW Dresden, Helmholtzstr. 20, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Fernando Stavale
- Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Fisicas (CBPF), Rua Dr. Xavier Sigaud, 150 - Urca, Rio de Janeiro 22290-180, Brazil
| | - Juliane Simmchen
- Freigeist Group, Physical Chemistry TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, 01062 Dresden, Germany
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