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Reconfigurable multi-component micromachines driven by optoelectronic tweezers

Author

Listed:
  • Shuailong Zhang

    (University of Toronto
    University of Toronto
    University of Toronto
    Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology)

  • Mohamed Elsayed

    (University of Toronto
    University of Toronto)

  • Ran Peng

    (University of Toronto)

  • Yujie Chen

    (Sun Yat-Sen University)

  • Yanfeng Zhang

    (Sun Yat-Sen University)

  • Jiaxi Peng

    (University of Toronto
    University of Toronto
    University of Toronto)

  • Weizhen Li

    (University of Glasgow)

  • M. Dean Chamberlain

    (University of Toronto
    University of Toronto
    University of Toronto)

  • Adele Nikitina

    (University of Toronto)

  • Siyuan Yu

    (Sun Yat-Sen University
    University of Bristol)

  • Xinyu Liu

    (University of Toronto)

  • Steven L. Neale

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Aaron R. Wheeler

    (University of Toronto
    University of Toronto
    University of Toronto)

Abstract

There is great interest in the development of micromotors which can convert energy to motion in sub-millimeter dimensions. Micromachines take the micromotor concept a step further, comprising complex systems in which multiple components work in concert to effectively realize complex mechanical tasks. Here we introduce light-driven micromotors and micromachines that rely on optoelectronic tweezers (OET). Using a circular micro-gear as a unit component, we demonstrate a range of new functionalities, including a touchless micro-feed-roller that allows the programming of precise three-dimensional particle trajectories, multi-component micro-gear trains that serve as torque- or velocity-amplifiers, and micro-rack-and-pinion systems that serve as microfluidic valves. These sophisticated systems suggest great potential for complex micromachines in the future, for application in microrobotics, micromanipulation, microfluidics, and beyond.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuailong Zhang & Mohamed Elsayed & Ran Peng & Yujie Chen & Yanfeng Zhang & Jiaxi Peng & Weizhen Li & M. Dean Chamberlain & Adele Nikitina & Siyuan Yu & Xinyu Liu & Steven L. Neale & Aaron R. Wheeler, 2021. "Reconfigurable multi-component micromachines driven by optoelectronic tweezers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-25582-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25582-8
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