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Small‐Scale Propellers Deliver Miniature Versions of Themselves
Author(s) -
Karshalev Emil,
Yan Jieming,
Campos Isaac,
Sandraz Elodie,
Li Jinxing,
Wang Joseph
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.202000453
Subject(s) - propulsion , transient (computer programming) , actuator , scale (ratio) , biomimetic materials , materials science , natural polymers , polymer , nanotechnology , layer (electronics) , computer science , mechanical engineering , aerospace engineering , engineering , composite material , physics , artificial intelligence , quantum mechanics , operating system
Small‐scale actuators and propellers have benefited from advances in materials and manufacturing to become more lifelike. Inspired by animal species, multi‐generational chemically powered artificial propellers that carry small versions of themselves and deliver them “on‐the‐fly” are described. The released replicas are capable of autonomous propulsion and propelling immediately after detachment. Release occurs without human involvement and relies solely on sacrificial layers separating the carriers and replicas. These layers are composed of transient natural polymers, which dissolve under the swimming conditions to release the confined replicas. Judicious selection of the responsive transient materials, layer thickness, and solution conditions (e.g., pH), leads to programmable delivery of the replicas. Finally, the ability of the same carrier propellers to carry and transport multiple generations of propellers and deliver them at predetermined times is demonstrated.