A biomimetic micro-collector based on an ionic polymer metal composite

In this paper, we propose a micro-collector that is based on ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) and is to be used in blood vessels. The basic structure and principle of the micro-collector are similar to the motion of an umbrella. The surface of the IPMC is coated with a photosensitive and biocompatible polymer. During operation, the thin polymer layer prevents the generation of undesirable bubbles on the surface of the IPMC. A prototype of the biomimetic micro-collector is successfully fabricated by the use of conventional machining processes and micromachining techniques. The basic proper-ties of the micro-collector are evaluated in various liquids. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.