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Related Concept Videos

Mechanism of Ciliary Motion01:05

Mechanism of Ciliary Motion

The ciliary structures were first seen in 1647 by Antonie Leeuwenhoek while observing the protozoans. In lower organisms, these appendages are responsible for cell movement, while in higher organisms, these appendages help in the movement of the extracellular fluids within the body cavities.
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Mechanism of Ciliary Motion01:05

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Mechanism of Filopodia Formation01:39

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Free-form Light Actuators — Fabrication and Control of Actuation in Microscopic Scale
08:17

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Published on: May 25, 2016

Printed artificial cilia from liquid-crystal network actuators modularly driven by light.

Casper L van Oosten1, Cees W M Bastiaansen, Dirk J Broer

  • 1Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, NL-5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands. c.l.v.oosten@tue.nl

Nature Materials
|June 30, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Researchers developed a new method for creating polymer microactuators using inkjet printing and liquid crystals. These artificial cilia can mimic natural motion, enabling flow and mixing in microdevices for lab-on-a-chip applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Microfluidics
  • Polymer Science

Background:

  • Miniature polymeric actuators are crucial for micromechanical and lab-on-a-chip systems.
  • Current manufacturing methods for polymeric microactuators are complex, often requiring electrodes or lithography.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate a simplified fabrication method for all-polymer microdevices using inkjet printing.
  • To create microactuators with light-driven actuation for remote control and selective addressing.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized inkjet printing technology with self-organizing liquid-crystal networks.
  • Exploited liquid crystal self-assembly for large strain gradients.
  • Employed light-driven actuation with multiple inks for selective wavelength addressing.

Main Results:

  • Fabricated all-polymer microdevices capable of mimicking natural cilia motion.
  • Demonstrated selective actuation of different microactuator subunits by changing light wavelength.
  • Achieved large strain gradients through liquid crystal self-organization.

Conclusions:

  • Inkjet printing combined with liquid-crystal networks offers a scalable and cost-effective method for producing miniaturized active polymer systems.
  • These artificial cilia hold significant potential for applications in lab-on-a-chip systems, enabling flow and mixing in wet environments.
  • The developed process is adaptable for roll-to-roll fabrication, paving the way for large-scale production.