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Remote control of self-assembled microswimmers.

G Grosjean¹, G Lagubeau^1,2, A Darras¹

¹GRASP, Institute of Physics B5a, University of Liège, B4000 Liège, Belgium.

Scientific Reports

|November 6, 2015

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A new magnetocapillary system of three ferromagnetic beads can swim on liquid surfaces. This self-assembled microswimmer offers controllable trajectories for low Reynolds number locomotion and potential applications in micro-transport.

Area of Science:

Soft Matter Physics
Microfluidics
Biophysics

Background:

Locomotion of microorganisms and microsystems is primarily governed by viscous damping at low Reynolds numbers.
Effective microswimming strategies often rely on non-reciprocal and periodic body deformations.
Controlling microscale movement is crucial for various applications, including targeted delivery and fluid manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate magnetocapillary-driven self-assembly of microstructures for locomotion.
To investigate the swimming capabilities of a three-bead ferromagnetic system powered by magnetic fields.
To explore the controllability of trajectories for low Reynolds number swimming applications.

Main Methods:

Utilized magnetocapillary forces to drive the self-assembly of three soft ferromagnetic beads.

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Employed an external magnetic field to power and control the motion of the assembled microswimmer.

Observed and analyzed the swimming behavior along a liquid-air interface.

Main Results:

Successfully demonstrated swimming of the magnetocapillary-driven self-assembly on a liquid-air interface.
Showcased full control over the trajectories of the microswimmer.
The system spontaneously forms through self-assembly, enabling miniaturization.

Conclusions:

Magnetocapillary-driven self-assembly provides an effective strategy for microswimmer locomotion.
Controllable trajectories open new avenues for exploring low Reynolds number swimming.
Potential applications include micro-cargo transport and controlled solvent flows.