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Acoustically Powered Nano- and Microswimmers: From Individual to Collective Behavior
Jeffrey M McNeill1, Thomas E Mallouk1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.
ACS Nanoscience Au
|December 25, 2023
Summary
Acoustic fields offer a new way to power microswimmers and control their self-assembly for complex tasks. This review explores using ultrasound for microswimmer propulsion and collective behavior.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Engineering
Background:
- Micro- and nanoscopic particles can autonomously swim and self-assemble, mimicking biological systems.
- Achieving useful collective functions is challenging due to limitations in weak force control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on using acoustic fields to drive microswimmer propulsion and self-organization.
- To discuss the theory, methods, and applications of acoustically powered microswimmers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on acoustic fields for microswimmer propulsion.
- Discussion of theoretical frameworks for ultrasound-driven particle motion.
- Analysis of combined propulsion methods and collective behavior generation.
Main Results:
- Acoustic fields provide capabilities complementary to chemical fuels for microswimmer propulsion.
- Understanding individual swimmer mechanisms and inter-particle forces is crucial for collective phenomena.
- Ultrasound can be used to generate collective behavior and achieve macroscopic functionality.
Conclusions:
- Acoustic propulsion offers a promising avenue for advanced microswimmer systems.
- Further research is needed to fully harness the potential of microswimmers and acoustic fields.
- This review serves as a guide for new researchers in the field.
