Biomimetic Chemotactic Motion of Self‐Assembling Doublet Microrobots

Bio‐hybrid robotics at the microscale promises to advance intelligent systems in biomedical devices, environmental monitoring, and soft robotics by emulating complex behaviors found in living entities, such as chemotaxis. Here, the shape‐dependent chemotaxis of doublet microswimmers, with various morphologies that exhibit autonomous movement in hydrogen peroxide ( ) gradients without the need for complex material preparation, are reported. These microswimmers consist of a double‐sphere structure composed of one colloid with a catalytic silver (Ag) surface and a second one with a passive silica surface. Catalytic decomposition of on the Ag surface enables propulsion with the Ag side forward. In the presence of an gradient, differential reaction rates across the Ag particle induce a torque that continuously reorients the microswimmers toward higher concentrations, resulting in positive chemotaxis. The findings highlight the crucial role of particle morphology in chemotactic behavior and provide insights for designing artificial microswimmers with enhanced navigation capabilities in chemical gradients.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Intelligent Systems
Published
2025-03-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/aisy.202400839
Citations
4
Primary Topic
Micro and Nano Robotics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
5.03

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article

Biomimetic Chemotactic Motion of Self‐Assembling Doublet Microrobots

Zuyao Xiao, Maximilian Voigtmann, Juliane Simmchen
4 citations
Advanced Intelligent Systems
Micro and Nano Robotics
5.03
article

Biomimetic Chemotactic Motion of Self‐Assembling Doublet Microrobots

Zuyao Xiao, Maximilian Voigtmann, Juliane Simmchen
article en
4 citations

Abstract

Bio‐hybrid robotics at the microscale promises to advance intelligent systems in biomedical devices, environmental monitoring, and soft robotics by emulating complex behaviors found in living entities, such as chemotaxis. Here, the shape‐dependent chemotaxis of doublet microswimmers, with various morphologies that exhibit autonomous movement in hydrogen peroxide ( ) gradients without the need for complex material preparation, are reported. These microswimmers consist of a double‐sphere structure composed of one colloid with a catalytic silver (Ag) surface and a second one with a passive silica surface. Catalytic decomposition of on the Ag surface enables propulsion with the Ag side forward. In the presence of an gradient, differential reaction rates across the Ag particle induce a torque that continuously reorients the microswimmers toward higher concentrations, resulting in positive chemotaxis. The findings highlight the crucial role of particle morphology in chemotactic behavior and provide insights for designing artificial microswimmers with enhanced navigation capabilities in chemical gradients.

Advanced Intelligent SystemsVol. 7(10)
University of Strathclyde (GB), Technische Universität Dresden (DE)
Volkswagen Foundation, China Sponsorship Council
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Micro and Nano Robotics
5.03
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