2D Active Nanobots Based on Soft Nanoarchitectonics Powered by an Ultralow Fuel Concentration

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2022 Feb 7;61(7):e202113801. doi: 10.1002/anie.202113801. Epub 2022 Jan 11.

Abstract

Enzyme catalysis to power micro/nanomotors has received tremendous attention because of the vast potential in applications ranging from biomedicine to environmental remediation. However, the current design is mainly based on a complex three-dimensional (3D) architecture, with limited accessible surface areas for the catalytic sites, and thus requires a higher fuel concentration to achieve active motion. Herein we report for the first time an enzyme-powered 2D nanobot, which was designed by a facile strategy based on soft nanoarchitectonics for active motion at an ultralow fuel concentration (0.003 % H2 O2 ). The 2D nanobots exhibited efficient positive chemotactic behavior and the ability to swim against gravity by virtue of solutal buoyancy. As a proof-of-concept, the 2D nanobots showed an excellent capability for "on-the-fly" removal of methylene blue (MB) dye with an efficiency of 85 %.

Keywords: 2D nanobots; Chemotaxis; Environmental remediation; Graphene oxide; Nanomotors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't