Scientists have created another "smart" type of microrobot
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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At the University of California, a team of scientists printed robots in the form of fish of microscopic size, which are able to move in liquids and, according to scientists, will be an excellent method of drug delivery.
The new "microrobots" are able to move independently and are controlled by an external source of magnetic radiation. It is worth noting that such "fish" scientists plan to place in specialized tablets, in addition, such microscopic robots have their own functionality and specialization.
This type of robot is not the first, recently scientists from different universities and countries have successfully created microscopic robots for various purposes. For example, there is a robot-mollusk, called from its image to move, miniature robots created from air bubbles, operating under the influence of laser light, magnetic robots controlled by an external source of magnetic radiation.
A peculiarity of the microfluves created by Californian researchers was that their manufacturing method is quite simple and they are able to perform many actions.
Specialists used the technology of microscale optical three-dimensional printing with high resolution, which allowed the printing of thousands of micro-robots at the same time, only 0.12 mm and thickness 0.02 mm.
Process control is carried out by special software, in addition, microrobots can be given any shape (fish or birds).
The tail part of the robots includes nanoparticles with platinum, in the head - magnetic particles. When placed in a liquid containing hydrogen peroxide, platinum becomes a kind of catalyst and decomposes hydrogen peroxide, with the release of bubbles of gas, which drives the robot.
The external magnetic field acts on the particles in the head and sets the exact direction.
Researchers conducted the test and checked their performance of micro-robots with the help of detoxification. Scientists have applied to the surface of robots neutralizing toxins substance and placed in toxic solution. All micromusers began to radiate bright red light and the researchers were able to control their movement, directing them towards the maximum luminescence. This experiment allowed scientists to assume that microrobots have the ability to perform two tasks at once: to serve as a sensor and to neutralize chemical compounds.
The researchers suggest that such microrobots have great potential and can be used in various fields of medicine and science. For example, they are suitable for the delivery of medicines, to eliminate the consequences of accidents on man-made objects, to control the environment, etc.
Now researchers are constructing a microrobot that can be used in surgery. In theory, several such micro-robots will be able to conduct light surgery directly inside the body without having to make a cut.