Bioinspired microrobotic systems for targeted and on-demand cargo delivery
File(s)
Author(s)
Song, Xin
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Microrobots have been recognised as transformative solutions for cargo delivery because they can navigate through the body to specific locations and enable targeted cargo release. However, their realisation is substantially limited by insufficient payload capacity, unavoidable cargo leakage/deactivation, and strict modification/stability criteria for cargoes. Natural puffballs possess fascinating features highly desirable for designing cargo delivery systems, including a large fruitbody for storing spores, a flexible protective cap, and environmentally triggered release mechanisms. Here, puffball-inspired microrobotic systems were first proposed which incorporated internal chambers for loading large cargo quantities and spatial cargo separation and stimuli-responsive sealing layers offering strong cargo protection and on-demand release. Two loading strategies including centrifugation-based loading and microfluidics-loading were presented to achieve batch loading and precise loading. The bioinspired microrobots displayed tuneable loading capacities up to high concentrations and enhanced cargo protection with minimal cargo leakage. On-demand cargo delivery with rapid release efficiency was achieved upon specific stimuli like heat or near-infrared laser irradiation. The microrobots also demonstrated translational motion velocities, switchable motion modes, and precise locomotion under a rotating magnetic field. The proposed microrobotic system provides strong proof-of-concept for a cargo delivery system that combines the superior locomotion capability of microrobots with the unique characteristics of puffballs, thereby illustrating a versatile avenue for developing a new generation of microrobots for targeted cargo delivery.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2023-07-17
Date Awarded
01/10/2023
License URL
Advisor
Stevens, Molly
Publisher Department
Materials
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)