Robotics: Science and Systems VI

Remotely Powered Propulsion of Helical Nanobelts

G. Hwang, S. Haliyo and S. Régnier

Abstract:

Self-propulsion capable nanorobots in low Reynolds number fluids would have a big technological impact in many fields. Few known mechanisms are able to make propel such devices. Here we demonstrate that helical nanobelts can swim in liquid actuated by an electro-osmotic force generated by electric field. The helical nanobelts were designed and fabricated with a head and tail to mimic the nature’s micro-organisms such as bacteria and their flagella. The electro-osmotic propulsion of helical nanobelts can be used as biomedical carriers, wireless manipulators, and as local probes for rheological measurements.

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Bibtex:

@INPROCEEDINGS{ Hwang-RSS-10,
    AUTHOR    = {G. Hwang AND S. Haliyo AND S. R\'egnier},
    TITLE     = {Remotely Powered Propulsion of Helical Nanobelts},
    BOOKTITLE = {Proceedings of Robotics: Science and Systems},
    YEAR      = {2010},
    ADDRESS   = {Zaragoza, Spain},
    MONTH     = {June},
    DOI       = {10.15607/RSS.2010.VI.039} 
}