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Biomimetic submicromotor with NIR light triggered motion and cargo release inspired by cuttlefish
Jiameng Feng1, Junjie Zou2, Xiaoyu Li3
1Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Department of Chemistry & Biological Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China. duxin@ustb.edu.cn.
Nanoscale
|October 11, 2023
Summary
Inspired by cuttlefish, this study presents a biomimetic submicromotor. It achieves simultaneous fast movement and explosive cargo release using near-infrared light and phase change materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomimetic Engineering
Background:
- Biomimetic design is crucial for developing intelligent micro/nanomotors.
- Cuttlefish exhibit rapid movement and ink ejection for predator evasion, serving as inspiration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a biomimetic submicromotor mimicking cuttlefish escape behavior.
- To achieve simultaneous rapid movement and temperature-threshold-triggered explosive cargo release using near-infrared (NIR) light.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a yolk@shell structured polydopamine@mesoporous silica (PDA@MS60) platform with asymmetric yolk distribution.
- Encapsulated phase change materials (PCM) and cargo molecules within the submicromotor.
- Employed NIR light irradiation for propulsion and cargo release.
Main Results:
- The submicromotor demonstrated NIR-light-driven direct motion.
- Explosive cargo release was achieved when the temperature exceeded the PCM melting point.
- The system effectively mimics cuttlefish predator evasion.
Conclusions:
- Successfully developed a novel biomimetic submicromotor with dual functionality: propulsion and triggered cargo release.
- Demonstrated the potential of PDA@MS60 platform for advanced micro/nanomotor applications.
- Highlighted the significance of biomimicry in creating intelligent autonomous systems.
