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Programmable Photocontrolled Nanomotor Swarming and Patterning for Targeted Microplastic Capture
Qianfan Chen1,2, Peiji Deng3,2, Jueyi Xue3,2
1School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 6, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed light-responsive nanomotors that can swarm and deswarm on command. These nanomachines efficiently capture and aggregate microplastics (PS and PP) in water, offering a novel environmental nanotechnology solution.
Area of Science:
- Environmental nanotechnology
- Materials science
- Chemical engineering
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a significant environmental issue in aquatic ecosystems.
- Conventional removal methods are often inefficient due to the small size and dispersibility of microplastics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel nanomotor for efficient microplastic capture.
- To engineer light-responsive and programmable nanomotors for controlled microplastic aggregation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of cobalt-doped ZIF-90 nanomotors functionalized with 9-(methylaminomethyl)anthracene (9-MMA).
- Utilized autonomous propulsion in hydrogen peroxide.
- Demonstrated reversible light-controlled swarming/deswarming using alternating UV irradiation (365 nm and 265 nm).
- Employed UV laser-guided photopatterning for spatial control of nanomotor aggregation.
Main Results:
- Nanomotors showed autonomous propulsion and light-induced reversible swarming/deswarming.
- UV laser-guided photopatterning allowed precise control over aggregation zones and pattern formation.
- Swarming nanomotors effectively bound and aggregated dispersed polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics into visible flocs, enhancing collection.
Conclusions:
- This study introduces a new microplastic enrichment strategy using programmable, light-responsive nanomotors.
- The developed nanomotors offer enhanced microplastic collection through controlled aggregation.
- This research provides insights into advanced environmental nanotechnology for pollution remediation.
