Ferromagnetic microswimmers

Phys Rev Lett. 2008 May 30;100(21):218102. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.218102. Epub 2008 May 28.

Abstract

We propose a model for a novel artificial low Reynolds number swimmer, based on the magnetic interactions of a pair of ferromagnetic particles: one with hard and the other with soft magnetic properties, connected by a linear spring. Using a computational model, we analyze the behavior of the system and demonstrate that for realistic values of the parameters involved, the swimmer is capable of self-propelling with average speeds of the order of hundreds of micrometers per second.

MeSH terms

  • Anisotropy
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Elasticity
  • Ferric Compounds*
  • Flagella / physiology
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Proteins / chemistry

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Polymers
  • Proteins
  • ferrite
  • DNA