Catalytic Janus motors on microfluidic chip: deterministic motion for targeted cargo delivery

ACS Nano. 2012 Apr 24;6(4):3383-9. doi: 10.1021/nn300413p. Epub 2012 Mar 22.

Abstract

We fabricated self-powered colloidal Janus motors combining catalytic and magnetic cap structures, and demonstrated their performance for manipulation (uploading, transportation, delivery) and sorting of microobjects on microfluidic chips. The specific magnetic properties of the Janus motors are provided by ultrathin multilayer films that are designed to align the magnetic moment along the main symmetry axis of the cap. This unique property allows a deterministic motion of the Janus particles at a large scale when guided in an external magnetic field. The observed directional control of the motion combined with extensive functionality of the colloidal Janus motors conceptually opens a straightforward route for targeted delivery of species, which are relevant in the field of chemistry, biology, and medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / chemistry
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods*
  • Motion*

Substances

  • Hydrogen Peroxide