Magnetic helical micromachines

Chemistry. 2013 Jan 2;19(1):28-38. doi: 10.1002/chem.201203364. Epub 2012 Nov 30.

Abstract

Helical microrobots have the potential to be used in a variety of application areas, such as in medical procedures, cell biology, or lab-on-a-chip. They are powered and steered wirelessly using low-strength rotating magnetic fields. The helical shape of the device allows propulsion through numerous types of materials and fluids, from tissue to different types of bodily fluids. Helical propulsion is suitable for pipe flow conditions or for 3D swimming in open fluidic environments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Phenomena
  • Magnetics*
  • Microfluidics / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidics / methods*
  • Microtechnology / instrumentation*
  • Microtechnology / methods*