A self-swimming microbial-robot using microfabricated biopolymer

K. Higashi, T. Kano, N. Miki

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a microbial-robot that migrates in low Reynolds number fluidic environments powered by motile flagellated bacteria. To immobilize the flagellated bacteria strongly, we utilized bacterial cellulose (BC), which was produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus. We evaluated the adhesion between the BC and the flagellated bacteria, Aliivibrio fischeri using a microfluidic shear device and confirmed that the superiority of BC over conventional MEMS materials. Conical-shaped BC was produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus in conical microholes with a help of oxygen concentration gradient. A. fischeri were successfully immobilized onto the BC structure to form a microbial-robot, which could swim in culture media at an average speed of 4.8 μm/s.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIEEE 26th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2013
Pages13-16
Number of pages4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013 Apr 2
EventIEEE 26th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2013 - Taipei, Taiwan, Province of China
Duration: 2013 Jan 20 → 2013 Jan 24

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
ISSN (Print)1084-6999

Other

OtherIEEE 26th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2013
CountryTaiwan, Province of China
CityTaipei
Period13/1/20 → 13/1/24

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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