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Keywords = biomedical micro-actuator

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36 pages, 4867 KiB  
Review
Fundamentals and Advances in Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels and Their Applications: A Review
by Iryna S. Protsak and Yevhenii M. Morozov
Viewed by 945
Abstract
This review summarizes the fundamental concepts, recent advancements, and emerging trends in the field of stimuli-responsive hydrogels. While numerous reviews exist on this topic, the field continues to evolve dynamically, and certain research directions are often overlooked. To address this, we classify stimuli-responsive [...] Read more.
This review summarizes the fundamental concepts, recent advancements, and emerging trends in the field of stimuli-responsive hydrogels. While numerous reviews exist on this topic, the field continues to evolve dynamically, and certain research directions are often overlooked. To address this, we classify stimuli-responsive hydrogels based on their response mechanisms and provide an in-depth discussion of key properties and mechanisms, including swelling kinetics, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility/biodegradability. We then explore hydrogel design, synthesis, and structural engineering, followed by an overview of applications that are relatively well established from a scientific perspective, including biomedical uses (biosensing, drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering), environmental applications (heavy metal and phosphate removal from the environment and polluted water), and soft robotics and actuation. Additionally, we highlight emerging and unconventional applications such as local micro-thermometers and cell mechanotransduction. This review concludes with a discussion of current challenges and future prospects in the field, aiming to inspire further innovations and advancements in stimuli-responsive hydrogel research and applications to bring them closer to the societal needs. Full article
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40 pages, 16237 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Motors: Classifications, Characterization, Fabrication, Applications, and Future Challenges
by Sidra Naz and Tian-Bing Xu
Micromachines 2024, 15(9), 1170; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15091170 - 21 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2997
Abstract
Piezoelectric ultrasonic motors (USMs) are actuators that use ultrasonic frequency piezoelectric vibration-generated waves to transform electrical energy into rotary or translating motion. USMs receive more attention because they offer distinct qualities over traditional magnet-coil-based motors, such as miniaturization, great accuracy, speed, non-magnetic nature, [...] Read more.
Piezoelectric ultrasonic motors (USMs) are actuators that use ultrasonic frequency piezoelectric vibration-generated waves to transform electrical energy into rotary or translating motion. USMs receive more attention because they offer distinct qualities over traditional magnet-coil-based motors, such as miniaturization, great accuracy, speed, non-magnetic nature, silent operation, straightforward construction, broad temperature operations, and adaptability. This review study focuses on the principle of USMs and their classifications, characterization, fabrication methods, applications, and future challenges. Firstly, the classifications of USMs, especially, standing-wave, traveling-wave, hybrid-mode, and multi-degree-of-freedom USMs, are summarized, and their respective functioning principles are explained. Secondly, finite element modeling analysis for design and performance predictions, conventional and nano/micro-fabrication methods, and various characterization methods are presented. Thirdly, their advantages, such as high accuracy, small size, and silent operation, and their benefits over conventional motors for the different specific applications are examined. Fourthly, the advantages and disadvantages of USMs are highlighted. In addition, their substantial contributions to a variety of technical fields like surgical robots and industrial, aerospace, and biomedical applications are introduced. Finally, their future prospects and challenges, as well as research directions in USM development, are outlined, with an emphasis on downsizing, increasing efficiency, and new materials. Full article
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9 pages, 2982 KiB  
Article
A Light-Driven Carbon Nanocoil Microrobot
by Yuli Liu, Rui Sun, Yanming Sun, Jian Shen, Xizhuo Wu, Xin Xi and Lujun Pan
Coatings 2024, 14(8), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14080926 - 24 Jul 2024
Viewed by 2899
Abstract
Mobile microrobots are of great scientific significance. However, external actuation and control methods are still challenging to conduct. We present a single carbon nanocoil (CNC) microrobot induced by an NIR laser beam, capable of light-driven locomotion and photothermal actuation. This research demonstrates that [...] Read more.
Mobile microrobots are of great scientific significance. However, external actuation and control methods are still challenging to conduct. We present a single carbon nanocoil (CNC) microrobot induced by an NIR laser beam, capable of light-driven locomotion and photothermal actuation. This research demonstrates that CNC-based microrobots roll away from the focal spot when the laser beam is focused near the CNC. The maximum translational distance of a CNC microrobot increases with an increase in laser power, and the direction of motion is guided by controlling the focusing position of NIR. CNC-based microrobots can load and transport multiple cells under NIR light irradiation, resulting from the temperature gradient generated by photothermal conversion, which causes thermophoresis. The hydrophobic surface and unique helical structure of CNCs are beneficial to the underwater drag reduction in CNC microrobots’ motion and the adhesion of cells on CNC microrobots. Therefore, CNC microrobots, as cell vectors driven by a laser beam, may find applications in a wide range of biomedical applications. In addition, the rotation of a CNC powered by a laser beam provides promising prospects for the future of nanomechanical devices using a carbon nanocoil as a micro/nanomotor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhanced Thin-Film Application on Sensors)
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27 pages, 3951 KiB  
Review
A Survey of Recent Developments in Magnetic Microrobots for Micro-/Nano-Manipulation
by Ruomeng Xu and Qingsong Xu
Micromachines 2024, 15(4), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15040468 - 29 Mar 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3896
Abstract
Magnetically actuated microrobots have become a research hotspot in recent years due to their tiny size, untethered control, and rapid response capability. Moreover, an increasing number of researchers are applying them for micro-/nano-manipulation in the biomedical field. This survey provides a comprehensive overview [...] Read more.
Magnetically actuated microrobots have become a research hotspot in recent years due to their tiny size, untethered control, and rapid response capability. Moreover, an increasing number of researchers are applying them for micro-/nano-manipulation in the biomedical field. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in magnetic microrobots, focusing on materials, propulsion mechanisms, design strategies, fabrication techniques, and diverse micro-/nano-manipulation applications. The exploration of magnetic materials, biosafety considerations, and propulsion methods serves as a foundation for the diverse designs discussed in this review. The paper delves into the design categories, encompassing helical, surface, ciliary, scaffold, and biohybrid microrobots, with each demonstrating unique capabilities. Furthermore, various fabrication techniques, including direct laser writing, glancing angle deposition, biotemplating synthesis, template-assisted electrochemical deposition, and magnetic self-assembly, are examined owing to their contributions to the realization of magnetic microrobots. The potential impact of magnetic microrobots across multidisciplinary domains is presented through various application areas, such as drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, cell manipulation, and environmental remediation. This review highlights a comprehensive summary of the current challenges, hurdles to overcome, and future directions in magnetic microrobot research across different fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Micro-/Nano-Manipulation and Positioning Techniques)
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22 pages, 44037 KiB  
Review
Acoustic Actuators for the Manipulation of Micro/Nanorobots: State-of-the-Art and Future Outlooks
by Hiep Xuan Cao, Van Du Nguyen, Jong-Oh Park, Eunpyo Choi and Byungjeon Kang
Micromachines 2024, 15(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15020186 - 26 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2792
Abstract
Compared to other actuating methods, acoustic actuators offer the distinctive capability of the contactless manipulation of small objects, such as microscale and nanoscale robots. Furthermore, they have the ability to penetrate the skin, allowing for the trapping and manipulation of micro/nanorobots that carry [...] Read more.
Compared to other actuating methods, acoustic actuators offer the distinctive capability of the contactless manipulation of small objects, such as microscale and nanoscale robots. Furthermore, they have the ability to penetrate the skin, allowing for the trapping and manipulation of micro/nanorobots that carry therapeutic agents in diverse media. In this review, we summarize the current progress in using acoustic actuators for the manipulation of micro/nanorobots used in various biomedical applications. First, we introduce the actuating method of using acoustic waves to manipulate objects, including the principle of operation and different types of acoustic actuators that are usually employed. Then, applications involving manipulating different types of devices are reviewed, including bubble-based microrobots, bubble-free robots, biohybrid microrobots, and nanorobots. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives for the development of the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acoustical Tweezers: From Fundamental Research to Applications)
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25 pages, 11434 KiB  
Article
Exceptionally Fast Temperature-Responsive, Mechanically Strong and Extensible Monolithic Non-Porous Hydrogels: Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Intercalated with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
by Beata Strachota, Adam Strachota, Leana Vratović, Ewa Pavlova, Miroslav Šlouf, Samir Kamel and Věra Cimrová
Gels 2023, 9(12), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9120926 - 24 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2334
Abstract
Exceptionally fast temperature-responsive, mechanically strong, tough and extensible monolithic non-porous hydrogels were synthesized. They are based on divinyl-crosslinked poly(N-isopropyl-acrylamide) (PNIPAm) intercalated by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). HPMC was largely extracted after polymerization, thus yielding a ‘template-modified’ PNIPAm network intercalated with a modest residue of [...] Read more.
Exceptionally fast temperature-responsive, mechanically strong, tough and extensible monolithic non-porous hydrogels were synthesized. They are based on divinyl-crosslinked poly(N-isopropyl-acrylamide) (PNIPAm) intercalated by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). HPMC was largely extracted after polymerization, thus yielding a ‘template-modified’ PNIPAm network intercalated with a modest residue of HPMC. High contents of divinyl crosslinker and of HPMC caused a varying degree of micro-phase-separation in some products, but without detriment to mechanical or tensile properties. After extraction of non-fixed HPMC, the micro-phase-separated products combine superior mechanical properties with ultra-fast T-response (in 30 s). Their PNIPAm network was highly regular and extensible (intercalation effect), toughened by hydrogen bonds to HPMC, and interpenetrated by a network of nano-channels (left behind by extracted HPMC), which ensured the water transport rates needed for ultra-fast deswelling. Moreover, the T-response rate could be widely tuned by the degree of heterogeneity during synthesis. The fastest-responsive among our hydrogels could be of practical interest as soft actuators with very good mechanical properties (soft robotics), while the slower ones offer applications in drug delivery systems (as tested on the example of Theophylline), or in related biomedical engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cellulose-Based Hydrogels (2nd Edition))
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18 pages, 8356 KiB  
Review
4D Printing Shape-Morphing Hybrid Biomaterials for Advanced Bioengineering Applications
by Irene Chiesa, Maria Rachele Ceccarini, Silvia Bittolo Bon, Michela Codini, Tommaso Beccari, Luca Valentini and Carmelo De Maria
Materials 2023, 16(20), 6661; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16206661 - 12 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1732
Abstract
Four-dimensional (4D) printing is an innovative additive manufacturing technology used to fabricate structures that can evolve over time when exposed to a predefined environmental stimulus. 4D printed objects are no longer static objects but programmable active structures that accomplish their functions thanks to [...] Read more.
Four-dimensional (4D) printing is an innovative additive manufacturing technology used to fabricate structures that can evolve over time when exposed to a predefined environmental stimulus. 4D printed objects are no longer static objects but programmable active structures that accomplish their functions thanks to a change over time in their physical/chemical properties that usually displays macroscopically as a shapeshifting in response to an external stimulus. 4D printing is characterized by several entangled features (e.g., involved material(s), structure geometry, and applied stimulus entities) that need to be carefully coupled to obtain a favorable fabrication and a functioning structure. Overall, the integration of micro-/nanofabrication methods of biomaterials with nanomaterials represents a promising approach for the development of advanced materials. The ability to construct complex and multifunctional triggerable structures capable of being activated allows for the control of biomedical device activity, reducing the need for invasive interventions. Such advancements provide new tools to biomedical engineers and clinicians to design dynamically actuated implantable devices. In this context, the aim of this review is to demonstrate the potential of 4D printing as an enabling manufacturing technology to code the environmentally triggered physical evolution of structures and devices of biomedical interest. Full article
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17 pages, 11042 KiB  
Communication
A New Hybrid Stepper Motor, Compliant Piezoelectric Micro-Tweezer for Extended Stroke
by Ioan Alexandru Ivan, Dan Cristian Noveanu, Valentin Ion Gurgu, Veronica Despa and Simona Noveanu
Micromachines 2023, 14(6), 1112; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14061112 - 25 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1545
Abstract
The revolutionary economic potential of micro and nanotechnology is already recognized. Micro and nano-scale technologies that use electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, and thermal phenomena separately or in combination are either already in the industrial phase or approaching it. The products of micro and [...] Read more.
The revolutionary economic potential of micro and nanotechnology is already recognized. Micro and nano-scale technologies that use electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, and thermal phenomena separately or in combination are either already in the industrial phase or approaching it. The products of micro and nanotechnology are made of small quantities of material but have high functionality and added value. This paper presents such a product: a system with micro-tweezers for biomedical applications—a micromanipulator with optimized constructive characteristics, including optimal centering, consumption, and minimum size, for handling micro-particles and constructive micro components. The advantage of the proposed structure consists mainly in obtaining a large working area combined with a good working resolution due to the double actuation principle: electromagnetic and piezoelectric. Full article
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35 pages, 11056 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Magnetic Polymer Composites for BioMEMS: A Review
by Zhengwei Liao, Oualid Zoumhani and Clementine M. Boutry
Materials 2023, 16(10), 3802; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16103802 - 17 May 2023
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5385
Abstract
The objective of this review is to investigate the potential of functionalized magnetic polymer composites for use in electromagnetic micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) for biomedical applications. The properties that make magnetic polymer composites particularly interesting for application in the biomedical field are their biocompatibility, [...] Read more.
The objective of this review is to investigate the potential of functionalized magnetic polymer composites for use in electromagnetic micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) for biomedical applications. The properties that make magnetic polymer composites particularly interesting for application in the biomedical field are their biocompatibility, their adjustable mechanical, chemical, and magnetic properties, as well as their manufacturing versatility, e.g., by 3D printing or by integration in cleanroom microfabrication processes, which makes them accessible for large-scale production to reach the general public. The review first examines recent advancements in magnetic polymer composites that possess unique features such as self-healing capabilities, shape-memory, and biodegradability. This analysis includes an exploration of the materials and fabrication processes involved in the production of these composites, as well as their potential applications. Subsequently, the review focuses on electromagnetic MEMS for biomedical applications (bioMEMS), including microactuators, micropumps, miniaturized drug delivery systems, microvalves, micromixers, and sensors. The analysis encompasses an examination of the materials and manufacturing processes involved and the specific fields of application for each of these biomedical MEMS devices. Finally, the review discusses missed opportunities and possible synergies in the development of next-generation composite materials and bioMEMS sensors and actuators based on magnetic polymer composites. Full article
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10 pages, 1826 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Multi-Material Pneumatic Actuators and Microactuators Using Stereolithography
by Qingchuan Song, Yunong Chen, Peilong Hou, Pang Zhu, Dorothea Helmer, Frederik Kotz-Helmer and Bastian E. Rapp
Micromachines 2023, 14(2), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14020244 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3616
Abstract
Pneumatic actuators are of great interest for device miniaturization, microactuators, soft robots, biomedical engineering, and complex control systems. Recently, multi-material actuators have become of high interest to researchers due to their comprehensive range of suitable applications. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of multi-material pneumatic actuators [...] Read more.
Pneumatic actuators are of great interest for device miniaturization, microactuators, soft robots, biomedical engineering, and complex control systems. Recently, multi-material actuators have become of high interest to researchers due to their comprehensive range of suitable applications. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of multi-material pneumatic actuators would be the ideal way to fabricate customized actuators, but so far, this is mostly limited to deposition-based methodologies, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM) or Polyjetting. Vat-based stereolithography is one of the most relevant high-resolution 3D printing methods but is only rarely utilized in the multi-material 3D printing of materials. This study demonstrated multi-material stereolithography using combinations of materials with different Young’s moduli, i.e., 0.5 MPa and 1.1 GPa, for manufacturing pneumatic actuators and microactuators with a resolution as small as 200 μm. These multi-material actuators have advantages over single-material actuators in terms of their deformation controllability and ease of assembly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Micromachines in "Materials and Processing" 2022)
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23 pages, 2093 KiB  
Review
Flexible and Stretchable Carbon-Based Sensors and Actuators for Soft Robots
by Xinyi Zhou and Wenhan Cao
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(2), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13020316 - 12 Jan 2023
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5564
Abstract
In recent years, the emergence of low-dimensional carbon-based materials, such as carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, and graphene, together with the advances in materials science, have greatly enriched the variety of flexible and stretchable electronic devices. Compared with conventional rigid devices, these soft robotic [...] Read more.
In recent years, the emergence of low-dimensional carbon-based materials, such as carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, and graphene, together with the advances in materials science, have greatly enriched the variety of flexible and stretchable electronic devices. Compared with conventional rigid devices, these soft robotic sensors and actuators exhibit remarkable advantages in terms of their biocompatibility, portability, power efficiency, and wearability, thus creating myriad possibilities of novel wearable and implantable tactile sensors, as well as micro-/nano-soft actuation systems. Interestingly, not only are carbon-based materials ideal constituents for photodetectors, gas, thermal, triboelectric sensors due to their geometry and extraordinary sensitivity to various external stimuli, but they also provide significantly more precise manipulation of the actuators than conventional centimeter-scale pneumatic and hydraulic robotic actuators, at a molecular level. In this review, we summarize recent progress on state-of-the-art flexible and stretchable carbon-based sensors and actuators that have creatively added to the development of biomedicine, nanoscience, materials science, as well as soft robotics. In the end, we propose the future potential of carbon-based materials for biomedical and soft robotic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanocomposite and Applications)
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14 pages, 1024 KiB  
Article
Electromagnetic Actuation for a Micro/Nano Robot in a Three-Dimensional Environment
by Mostafa Abdelaziz and Maki Habib
Micromachines 2022, 13(11), 2028; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13112028 - 19 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2347
Abstract
Micro/nanorobots have several potential biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, minimal invasiveness, and moving within narrow and complex areas. To achieve these desirable applications, precise path tracking and controlling magnetic micro/nanorobots within blood vessels is a crucial but challenging point. In this paper, [...] Read more.
Micro/nanorobots have several potential biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, minimal invasiveness, and moving within narrow and complex areas. To achieve these desirable applications, precise path tracking and controlling magnetic micro/nanorobots within blood vessels is a crucial but challenging point. In this paper, a three-dimensional electromagnetic actuation system composed of three pairs of Helmholtz coils and three pairs of Maxwell coils is proposed. A closed-loop control algorithm is proposed to enhance trajectory tracking of a micro/nanorobot. Different simulation experiments were carried out using Simulink to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm. Different trajectories were tested in tracking two-dimensional and three-dimensional reference trajectories. The results showed that by using the developed algorithm and electromagnetic actuation system, a micro/nanorobot can follow the desired trajectory within a maximum error of 13 μm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Microrobotics)
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32 pages, 20660 KiB  
Review
Light-Controlled Microbots in Biomedical Application: A Review
by Md Faiyaz Jamil, Mishal Pokharel and Kihan Park
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 11013; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122111013 - 31 Oct 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4329
Abstract
The advancement of micro-robotics in recent years has permitted a vast field of active research and application in the biomedical sector. Latest developments in microrobotics point to some ground-breaking work using light for manufacturing as well as actuation. Optical manipulation in three-dimensional space [...] Read more.
The advancement of micro-robotics in recent years has permitted a vast field of active research and application in the biomedical sector. Latest developments in microrobotics point to some ground-breaking work using light for manufacturing as well as actuation. Optical manipulation in three-dimensional space for living biological cells in a minimally invasive manner is crucial for different biomedical applications. This article attempts to provide an overview of the accomplishments and future possibilities of light-powered microbots. An overview of the feasibility of different fabrication techniques and control modalities is compared, along with prospective applications and design considerations of light-powered microbots. A variety of challenges that still prohibit polymeric light-powered microbots from attaining their full potential are pointed out, and viable ways to overcome such challenges are proposed. This study will help future researchers to study and develop the next generation of light-actuated microbots by overcoming the current limitations and challenges in fabrication, control, and design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Application of Robots in Medical Diagnosis and Treatment)
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14 pages, 38912 KiB  
Article
Design and Fabrication of Untethered Light-Actuated Microbots in Fluid for Biomedical Applications
by Md Faiyaz Jamil, Mishal Pokharel and Kihan Park
Appl. Mech. 2022, 3(4), 1240-1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech3040071 - 17 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2486
Abstract
Untethered mobile robots at the micro-scale have the ability to improve biomedical research by performing specialized tasks inside complex physiological environments. Light-controlled wireless microbots are becoming the center of interest thanks to their accuracy in navigation and potential to carry out operations in [...] Read more.
Untethered mobile robots at the micro-scale have the ability to improve biomedical research by performing specialized tasks inside complex physiological environments. Light-controlled wireless microbots are becoming the center of interest thanks to their accuracy in navigation and potential to carry out operations in a non-invasive manner inside living environments. The pioneering light-engineered microbots are currently in the early stage of animal trials. There is a long way ahead before they can be employed in humans for therapeutic applications such as targeted drug delivery, cancer cell diagnosis, tissue engineering, etc. The design of light-actuated microbots is one of the challenging parts along with the biocompatibility and precision control for in vivo applications. Recent progress in light-activated microbots has revealed a few innovative design concepts. In this study, we presented a framework on the different aspects with a comparative analysis of potential designs for the next generation of light-controlled microbots. Utilizing numerical simulations of fluid-structure interactions, limiting design elements of the microbots are addressed. We envision that this study will eventually facilitate the integration of robotic applications into the real world owing to the described design considerations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Applied Mechanics)
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23 pages, 5974 KiB  
Review
Principle, Fabrication and Emerging Applications of Nanobottle Motor
by Qingyuan Liu, Lin Wang, Kaiying Wang, Tianhu Wang and Guohua Liu
Energies 2022, 15(20), 7636; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15207636 - 16 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1731
Abstract
Micro/nano-motors play an important role in energy, environment, and biomedicines. As a new type of nano-motors, nanobottles attract great attention due to their distinct advantages of a large cavity, high specific surface area, bionic streamline structure, and chemotactic motion. Here, we systematically review [...] Read more.
Micro/nano-motors play an important role in energy, environment, and biomedicines. As a new type of nano-motors, nanobottles attract great attention due to their distinct advantages of a large cavity, high specific surface area, bionic streamline structure, and chemotactic motion. Here, we systematically review the development of nanobottle motors from aspects of propulsion mechanisms, fabrication methods and potential applications. Firstly, three types of propulsive modes are summarized, with focus on chemical propulsion, light driving and magnetic actuation. We then discuss the fabrication methods of nanobottles, including the soft-template-based hydrothermal method and the swelling-inducement and wet-chemistry methods. The potential applications of nanobottle motors are additionally highlighted in energy, environmental, and biomedical fields. Finally, the future challenges and outlooks of nanobottle motors are discussed for the further development of this technology. Full article
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