Motion control of biohybrid microbots under low Reynolds number environment: Magnetotaxis

Biohybrid microbots with small body size, have been integrated successfully into miniaturized system/process with confined geometry and/or closed environments. One such specific case is the construction of microbot, composed of microswimmer with other functional nanomaterials that allow non-conventional taxis-based strategy to guide the motion of this micron-sized entity. This unique strategy has been receiving substantial considerations in tackling the challenges of miniaturization of on-board actuators and power sources for the microrobotic systems as the microbot can swim effectively across huge distances and is capable of interacting with its local environment. To achieve such goals, the migration pathways of these microbots are controlled by regulating the actuation force of the microswimmers precisely in order to accomplish the microscale tasks. As a result, various mechanical tasks and/or chemical processes can be initiated or carried out within a miniaturized system. Here, we review the design, construction and control of biohybrid microbots that have been reported for different applications. From the process intensification perspective, we discuss the possible applications and associated challenges encountered in the development of the biohybrid microsystems for different types of taxis based control strategies.