Bacteria-Powered Microbots

Mar-20-16 Researchers have created bacteria-powered micro-robots that can be steered with electric fields.

The robots, developed by a team from Drexel University, are powered by the S. marcescens bacteria, which are usually negatively charged. The bacteria were applied to a small chip of the photosensitive material SU-8, and then placed in a fluid. As the bacteria whip their tails to propel forward, they are also guided by two perpendicular electric fields that allow the team to steer them by adjusting the current.

The team hopes that eventually the technology could have far-ranging applications, including controlling stem cells and directing their growth.

More Info about this Invention:

[MEDGADGET.COM]
[DREXEL.EDU]

---