On-chip microrobot for investigating the response of aquatic microorganisms to mechanical stimulation

Lab Chip. 2013 Mar 21;13(6):1070-8. doi: 10.1039/c2lc41190c.

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel, magnetically driven microrobot equipped with a frame structure to measure the effects of stimulating aquatic microorganisms. The design and fabrication of the force-sensing structure with a displacement magnification mechanism based on beam deformation are described. The microrobot is composed of a Si-Ni hybrid structure constructed using micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technologies. The microrobots with 5 μm-wide force sensors are actuated in a microfluidic chip by permanent magnets so that they can locally stimulate the microorganisms with the desired force within the stable environment of the closed microchip. They afford centimetre-order mobility (untethered drive) and millinewton-order forces (high power) as well as force-sensing. Finally, we apply the developed microrobots for the quantitative evaluation of the stimuation of Pleurosira laevis (P. laevis) and determine the relationship between the applied force and the response of a single cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diatoms / physiology*
  • Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems / instrumentation
  • Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems / methods*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods
  • Nickel / chemistry
  • Robotics
  • Silicon / chemistry

Substances

  • Nickel
  • Silicon