Two-Photon Polymerization 3D-Templated Thermal-Responsive Helical Adaptive Microswimmers

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of thermal-responsive helical adaptive microswimmers. Utilizing a two-photon polymerization (TPP) technique, these microswimmers were fabricated with a NIPAM-based hydrogel and iron oxide nanoparticles, allowing for controlled deformation in response to temperature variations. The microrobot’s helical tail is designed to adjust its shape dynamically under different thermal conditions, providing adaptive locomotion suitable for biomedical applications. The fabrication process involves mold creation, hydrogel curing, magnetization, and final release, ensuring structural integrity. The thermal response of the microswimmers was evaluated, demonstrating reversible shrinkage at different temperatures. Furthermore, the microswimmers’ performance was tested at various rotational frequencies, showing optimal translational velocities at specific rates. The microrobot proposed in this paper broadens the application of using such fabrication methods to realize structures that are responsive to various sources of stimulation.