Search

Biohybrid microbots integrate biological actuators and sensors into synthetic chassis with the aim of providing the building blocks of next‐generation micro‐robotics. One of the main challenges is the development of self‐assembled systems with consistent behavior and such that they can be controlled independently to perform complex tasks. Herein, it is shown that, using light‐driven bacteria as propellers, 3D printed microbots can be steered by unbalancing light intensity over different microbot parts. An optimal feedback loop is designed in which a central computer projects onto each microbot a tailor‐made light pattern, calculated from its position and orientation. In this way, multiple microbots can be independently guided through a series of spatially distributed checkpoints. By exploiting a natural light‐driven proton pump, these bio‐hybrid microbots are able to extract mechanical energy from light with such high efficiency that, in principle, hundreds of these systems can be controlled simultaneously with a total optical power of just a few milliwatts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-propelled bacteria can be integrated into synthetic micromachines and act as biological propellers. So far, proposed designs suffer from low reproducibility, large noise levels or lack of tunability. Here we demonstrate that fast, reliable and tunable bio-hybrid micromotors can be obtained by the self-assembly of synthetic structures with genetically engineered biological propellers. The synthetic components consist of 3D interconnected structures having a rotating unit that can capture individual bacteria into an array of microchambers so that cells contribute maximally to the applied torque. Bacterial cells are smooth swimmers expressing a light-driven proton pump that allows to optically control their swimming speed. Using a spatial light modulator, we can address individual motors with tunable light intensities allowing the dynamic control of their rotational speeds. Applying a real-time feedback control loop, we can also command a set of micromotors to rotate in unison with a prescribed angular speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]