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Bioinspired Chemical Communication between Synthetic Nanomotors
Author(s) -
Chen Chuanrui,
Chang Xiaocong,
Teymourian Hazhir,
RamírezHerrera Doris E.,
EstebanFernández de Ávila Berta,
Lu Xiaolong,
Li Jinxing,
He Sha,
Fang Chengcheng,
Liang Yuyan,
Mou Fangzhi,
Guan Jianguo,
Wang Joseph
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201710376
Subject(s) - janus , chemical communication , activator (genetics) , propulsion , nanotechnology , materials science , polystyrene , chemical modification , chemistry , engineering , biology , aerospace engineering , biochemistry , genetics , sex pheromone , gene , polymer chemistry , composite material , polymer
While chemical communication plays a key role in diverse natural processes, the intelligent chemical communication between synthetic nanomotors remains unexplored. The design and operation of bioinspired synthetic nanomotors is presented. Chemical communication between nanomotors is possible and has an influence on propulsion behavior. A chemical “message” is sent from a moving activator motor to a nearby activated (receiver) motor by release of Ag + ions from a Janus polystyrene/Ni/Au/Ag activator motor to the activated Janus SiO 2 /Pt nanomotor. The transmitted silver signal is translated rapidly into a dramatic speed change associated with the enhanced catalytic activity of activated motors. Selective and successive activation of multiple nanomotors is achieved by sequential localized chemical communications. The concept of establishing chemical communication between different synthetic nanomotors paves the way to intelligent nanoscale robotic systems that are capable of cooperating with each other.