Open AccessImpact of Segmented Magnetization on the Flagellar Propulsion of Sperm‐Templated Microrobots
Author(s) -
Magdanz Veronika,
Vivaldi Jacopo,
Mohanty Sumit,
Klingner Anke,
Vendittelli Marilena,
Simmchen Juliane,
Misra Sarthak,
Khalil Islam S. M.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202004037
Subject(s) - propulsion , sperm , materials science , aerospace engineering , nanotechnology , biology , engineering , botany
Technical design features for improving the way a passive elastic filament produces propulsive thrust can be understood by analyzing the deformation of sperm‐templated microrobots with segmented magnetization. Magnetic nanoparticles are electrostatically self‐assembled on bovine sperm cells with nonuniform surface charge, producing different categories of sperm‐templated microrobots. Depending on the amount and location of the nanoparticles on each cellular segment, magnetoelastic and viscous forces determine the wave pattern of each category during flagellar motion. Passively propagating waves are induced along the length of these microrobots using external rotating magnetic fields and the resultant wave patterns are measured. The response of the microrobots to the external field reveals distinct flow fields, propulsive thrust, and frequency responses during flagellar propulsion. This work allows predictions for optimizing the design and propulsion of flexible magnetic microrobots with segmented magnetization.