A team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) in Stuttgart developed a biohybrid microswimmer using magnetic material-coated microalgae, demonstrating minimal impact on their swimming ability. The ten-micron-sized single-cell algae, propelled by flagella, maintained an average speed of 115 micrometers per second after magnetization.
The study, published in Matter, explored the algae’s navigation through confined spaces and viscous liquids, resembling mucus-like environments. By applying external magnetic fields, researchers successfully steered the biohybrids through miniature 3D-printed channels, showcasing potential for applications such as targeted drug delivery in complex biological environments.
Development of Magnetic Microalgae
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) have developed magnetic microalgae by coating single-cell green algae with a thin layer of chitosan mixed with magnetic nanoparticles. This biohybrid swimmer retains its swimming ability despite the added weight, achieving an average speed of 115 micrometres per second, about 12 body lengths per second—a remarkable feat compared to human swimmers.
The study tested these microalgae in various environments. Initially, they were observed in low-viscosity liquids like water, where external magnetic fields allowed precise control over their direction. The algae navigated through tight spaces created by 3D-printed cylinders, demonstrating the ability to move smoothly with magnetic guidance despite occasional backtracking without it.
Further experiments involved a more viscous fluid mimicking mucus. Here, the algae’s speed decreased, and their swimming patterns altered due to increased resistance. This finding highlights the adaptability of these microrobots in different environments, suggesting potential applications in targeted drug delivery or environmental monitoring.
Optimization Strategies
The optimization of navigation through viscous fluids involved a combination of material engineering, magnetic control, and adaptive movement strategies. Researchers balanced chitosan coatings and magnetic nanoparticles to retain motility while enabling responsiveness to external fields. This design allowed effective navigation through diverse fluid viscosities.
Practical applications require precise control in biological tissues with varying viscosities. Experimental data demonstrated robust performance across different conditions, highlighting potential for reliable biomedical use. These advancements enhance our understanding of microscale locomotion and pave the way for innovative solutions leveraging magnetic microalgae properties.
Future Applications
The ability to navigate viscous fluids is critical for applications like targeted drug delivery, where precise control in biological tissues with varying viscosities is essential. Magnetic microalgae could also be used in environmental monitoring or industrial cleaning processes. Their unique combination of biocompatibility and magnetic responsiveness makes them a promising tool for various fields.
Overall, the development of magnetic microalgae represents a significant step forward in bio-inspired microrobotics. Researchers have created a system capable of navigating complex environments by combining material engineering with adaptive movement strategies. This innovation advances our understanding of microscale locomotion and opens new possibilities for biomedical and industrial applications.
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