Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhihua Lin, Changyong Gao, Daolin Wang, Qiang He
Summary: This study presents a bubble-propelled Janus gallium/zinc (Ga/Zn) micromotor with good biocompatibility and biodegradability, which can actively target bacteria for treatment. The micromotors exhibit self-propulsion in simulated gastroenteric acid and enhanced antibacterial efficiency against H. pylori compared to passive Ga microparticles. The Ga/Zn micromotors combine self-propulsion, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and Ga-based antibacterial properties, showing promise for active treatment of bacterial infections.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mario Urso, Martina Ussia, Martin Pumera
Summary: A novel method utilizing self-propelled light-powered magnetic field-navigable microbots for actively moving, capturing, and degrading polymers is proposed in a recent study. These microbots exhibit fuel-free motion capability, and the motion can be controlled by light and directionality by a magnetic field. The efficient degradation of polymers is demonstrated, showing promising potential for degrading polymers and plastics effectively using light.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinhua Li, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Claus-Dieter Ohl, Martin Pumera
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of ultrasound in driving micro- and nanorobots, including theory, design, fabrication methods, propulsion mechanisms, and hybrid motion with other driving methods. It highlights the potential applications of ultrasound-powered micro/nanorobots in various fields and offers a future outlook on the development of ultrasound-driven micro/nanorobots.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiujuan Li, Yanming Zhao, Yi Luan, Dong Wang, Xin Du
Summary: In this study, we developed near-infrared light-propelled Janus MPPs@Au micromotors by depositing Au nanoparticles onto metal-phenolic particles. These micromotors exhibited directional movement under NIR-light irradiation due to the asymmetrical distribution of Au half nanoshells. Furthermore, the JMPPs@Au micromotors showed an enhanced removal efficiency of 10.2% for methylene blue dye under NIR light irradiation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mario Urso, Christian Iffelsberger, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: This study introduces a new concept of self-propelled microscale energy storage elements and demonstrates their pseudocapacitive nature through scanning electrochemical microscopy. The technology shows great potential for autonomously delivering energy storage units to electronic circuits.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sepideh Khoee, Samaneh Moayeri, Mohammad A. Charsooghi
Summary: This paper synthesized functionalized nanoparticles and investigated their diffusion coefficients and velocities in different solutions, as well as the effects of an external magnetic field and NaCl concentration on their movement direction.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiao Yu, Baihai Su, Weifeng Zhao, Changsheng Zhao
Summary: A self-propelled chitosan-based hydrogel with CaCO3 was developed for efficient hemostasis, using the release of Ca2+ to accelerate clot formation and achieve excellent hemostatic efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xia Peng, Mario Urso, Martin Pumera
Summary: Self-powered micromachines, specifically light-powered Janus microrobots, are of great interest for environmental remediation due to their ability to move and degrade pollutants in water using light. In this study, Janus microrobots made of hematite and Pt were investigated, with thicker Pt layers resulting in higher propulsion speeds. However, higher consumption of H2O2 for propulsion led to lower efficiency in degrading pollutants using the photo-Fenton mechanism, emphasizing that speed is not the only factor to consider in water purification applications.
Article
Mechanics
Evgeny S. Asmolov, Tatiana Nizkaya, Olga Vinogradova
Summary: Catalytic Janus swimmers exhibit diffusiophoretic motion by generating gradients of concentrations and electric potential spontaneously. This study considers the experimentally relevant scenario of particles releasing both types of ions and derives a simple expression for particle velocity in the limit of a thin electrostatic diffuse layer. The approximate expression remains highly accurate even in the presence of large ion fluxes and surface potentials, and it offers explanations for several intriguing phenomena, such as the reversal of particle motion in response to variations in the salt concentration or the self-diffusiophoresis of uncharged particles.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tieyan Si, Zhenwei Wu, Wenping He, Qiang He
Summary: We studied the predatory-prey dynamics of self-propelled clusters of Janus micromotors, which generates an oxygen bubbles cloud by decomposing H2O2 and enhances its mobility to wander around and devour other clusters. The fast decomposition of H2O2 also induces a tubular low-concentration zone that bridges two far separated clusters, resulting in a diffusio-osmotic pressure that drives the clusters to meet. This predatory-prey phenomena mimic white blood cells chasing bacteria and swarming flocks in nature, shedding light on emergent collective intelligence in biology.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yiwen Feng, Xiaocong Chang, Hao Liu, Ying Hu, Tianlong Li, Longqiu Li
Summary: This study discusses the formation of the acid-base environment in the biological digestive system and the potential impact of ionic environments on the medical application of bubble-propelled micromotors. The Janus Mg-based micromotor serves as an ultrasonic contrast agent with the ability to be powered by a magnetic field and rapidly generate bubbles, providing new possibilities for medical imaging.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ke Wang, Enhui Ma, Haohao Cui, Zhenqi Hu, Hong Wang
Summary: Self-propelled micromotors based on natural fibers are developed, which facilitate the migration of remediation reagents and achieve efficient degradation of organic pollutants in soil. The micromotors display enhanced horizontal and vertical migration in the subsurface environment and exhibit excellent catalytic performances toward the degradation of a wide spectrum of antibiotics and hydrocarbons.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Migle Ziemyte, Andrea Escudero, Paula Diez, Maria D. Ferrer, Jose R. Murguia, Vicente Marti-Centelles, Alex Mira, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: Development of bioinspired nanomotors with effective propulsion and cargo delivery capabilities has gained significant attention for potential biomedical applications. This study presents the design and application of a multifunctional gated Janus platinum-mesoporous silica nanomotor for disrupting bacterial biofilms. The nanomotor achieves high efficacy in EPS biomass disruption and reduction in cell viability, showcasing its potential as a promising strategy for biofilm elimination.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Benjamin Loewe, Tyler N. Shendruk
Summary: This research proposes a method of suspending colloidal particles with Janus anchoring conditions in active liquid crystal/colloidal composites. Once immersed into the active nematic medium, these colloidal particles exhibit self-propulsion. This work demonstrates the potential of using engineered colloids in active liquid crystals to extract activity for driving functionality.
NEW JOURNAL OF PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jin Gyun Lee, Cooper P. Thome, Zoe A. Cruse, Arkava Ganguly, Ankur Gupta, C. Wyatt Shields
Summary: This study presents a method of magnetically assembling locked clusters of Janus particles, which display diverse trajectories when stimulated by AC electric fields. The orientation of particles within each cluster determines the different modes of locomotion. The predicted and experimentally observed cluster trajectories show qualitative agreement. This method provides a scalable way to create micromotors with a range of well-defined motions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mario Palacios-Corella, Daniel Rojas, Martin Pumera
Summary: Semiconductor-based autonomous self-propelled micromachines are at the forefront of research on environmental pollutant degradation, aiming to alleviate the contamination effects caused by the constant production of new products. However, testing these micromotors with real-life products is largely unexplored, limiting the degradation of pollutants to laboratory-scale single-component aqueous solutions or suspensions, hindering the translation of these micromachines into practical systems.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sanjay Gopal Ullattil, Martin Pumera
Summary: This research demonstrates the fabrication of TiO2 superstructured microrobots to trap and degrade microplastics using light. The microrobots transform their surface morphology into porous flower-like networks that trap and degrade microplastics during photocatalysis. This reconfigurable microrobotic technology represents a significant advancement in the degradation of microplastics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kalyan Ghosh, Christian Iffelsberger, Martin Konecny, Jan Vyskocil, Jan Michalicka, Martin Pumera
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for the production of green hydrogen from renewable mechanical energy. A magnetic covalent organic framework composite is used as the positive triboelectric material, while MXene incorporated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film serves as the negative triboelectric material in a contact-separation mode TENG (CS-TENG). Micropatterns are incorporated on the surface of PDMS/MXene film using 3D printing technology. The CS-TENG harvests energy from simple mechanical actions and the harvested electrical energy is used for water electrolysis, producing hydrogen and oxygen. This research is expected to enable the production of green hydrogen from mechanical energy sources such as raindrops, wind, and vehicle movements.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan Perales-Rondon, Daniel Rojas, Wanli Gao, Martin Pumera
Summary: Ammonia plays a critical role in the global economy. However, the current method of ammonia production through the Haber-Bosch process is energy-intensive and results in significant CO2 emissions. Finding alternative methods of ammonia production is essential for achieving a sustainable and zero emissions future economy. Electrochemical nitrate-to-ammonia conversion, using copper electrodes fabricated through 3D printing, offers a decentralized and zero emissions approach for ammonia production. The use of fused fabrication filament printing technique allows for easy, fast, and scalable production of Cu-based electrodes, resulting in high faradaic efficiency and ammonia selectivity.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anna Jancik-Prochazkova, Vojtech Jasek, Silvestr Figalla, Martin Pumera
Summary: Nano/micro-plastics pollution is a global concern. Researchers have developed biodegradable polymers to enhance their degradation and reduce environmental accumulation. This study presents antimony sulfide-based microrobots that can capture, transport, and degrade microplastics using magnetic field and light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of Sb2S3 quantum material enables the degradation of microplastics under UV light in an on-the-fly regime. This proof-of-concept work shows potential for efficient elimination of microplastics, especially in water environments.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Akshay Kumar K. Padinjareveetil, Martin Pumera
Summary: The increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and global warming have raised concerns among scientists, environmentalists, and climate experts worldwide. Efforts are being made to design functional catalysts, devices, and reactors that can convert CO2 into useful products, such as low-carbon fuels and chemicals, thereby reducing its concentration in the atmosphere. Advancements in technologies like 3D printing can aid in fabricating electrodes and devices to address the rising CO2 concerns. This article discusses the fabrication of 3D-printed catalysts, devices, and reactors for the electrochemical reduction of CO2, along with post-printing treatments, catalyst modifications, and other CO2 mitigation strategies.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Akshay Kumar K. Padinjareveetil, Juan V. Perales-Rondon, Martin Pumera
Summary: Broadening the application of 3D printing technology is considered a potential strategy to address the energy crisis and environmental imbalances. This perspective article discusses the potential of engineering 3D printed electrocatalysts for ammonia production and provides experimental demonstrations to substantiate their potential.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sujit Deshmukh, Kalyan Ghosh, Martin Pykal, Michal Otyepka, Martin Pumera
Summary: Microsupercapacitors with mechanical flexibility offer potential applications in portable biomonitoring devices. Researchers have developed high-energy-density micro-SCs integrated with a force sensing device using picosecond pulsed laser technology, and demonstrated their effectiveness in monitoring human body's radial artery pulses.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xia Peng, Mario Urso, Martina Kolackova, Dalibor Huska, Martin Pumera
Summary: This study investigates the use of magnetic biohybrid microrobots for the dynamic removal of micro/nanoplastics from aquatic environments. The microrobots, modified with Fe3O4 nanoparticles, show efficient capture and removal of micro/nanoplastics through magnetic actuation and electrostatic interactions. The microrobots also prove to be reusable and have hormesis stimulation effects on algae growth. This eco-friendly and low-cost strategy offers a promising solution for addressing micro/nanoplastics pollution.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kalyan Ghosh, Siowwoon Ng, Petr Lazar, Akshay Kumar K. Padinjareveetil, Jan Michalicka, Martin Pumera
Summary: This study demonstrates the enhanced electrochemical performance of germanane (GeH) by fabricating a heterostructure with Ti3C2Tx (GeMXene). The GeMXene shows superior capacitive performance and selectively allows cation intercalation. The research opens up possibilities for exploring heterostructures of other 2D materials and their applications in different electrolytes.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jayraj V. Vaghasiya, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Keval K. Sonigara, Petr Lazar, Martin Pumera
Summary: Covalently functionalized germanane is a novel fluorescent probe used in gas sensing, pH sensing, and anti-counterfeiting. The study found that gas molecules absorbed on the surface of germanane can cause luminescence, which can be measured to directly detect gas absorption. Moreover, germanane can be used for monitoring the shelf life of perishable foods and secret communication.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wanli Gao, Juan Perales-Rondon, Jan Michalicka, Martin Pumera
Summary: Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a promising method for addressing nitrate pollution and an alternative to traditional ammonia production. This study explores the electrocatalytic activity of 3D printed carbon frameworks consisting of carbon black and carbon nanotubes for NO3RR. The 1D carbon framework exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity with a Faradaic efficiency of over 50% at -1.21 V vs. RHE, attributed to synergistic electrocatalytic contributions between carbon nanotubes and metallic impurities. An ultrathin deposit of electrocatalytic manganese oxides is further added to ensure well-defined surfaces for effective NO3RR. This integrated approach shows promise for electrode fabrication and electrochemical NO3RR.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cagatay M. Oral, Martin Pumera
Summary: Untethered robots in micro/nano scale have the ability to access hard-to-reach areas of the body. Recent research has focused on the autonomous task completion capabilities of these robots in challenging environments. However, most studies have only been conducted in vitro, and their results may significantly differ in vivo. This article examines studies conducted with animal models to demonstrate the current state of micro/nanorobotic applications in real-world conditions. Categorized by target locations, the main strategies employed in organs and other body parts are highlighted, along with key challenges that need to be addressed for successful translation to clinical use.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Katarina A. Novcic, Christian Iffelsberger, Mario Palacios-Corella, Martin Pumera
Summary: MXenes are a fast-growing family of two-dimensional materials that have excellent catalytic properties and wide-ranging applications. When working with powder-based materials such as Ti3C2Tx MXenes, a common method is to disperse the catalytic materials in various solvents and then drop-cast the suspensions onto desired surfaces. However, the choice of solvent for preparing the powder dispersions can significantly impact the electrochemical performance of the drop-cast samples.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna Jancik-Prochazkova, Martin Pumera
Summary: Microrobots, made from phoretic Sb2S3 material, demonstrated swarming behavior under light illumination without the need for chemical fuel. These environmentally friendly microrobots were prepared by reacting precursors with bio-originated templates in an aqueous solution in a microwave reactor. The photocatalytic abilities of the microrobots were showcased by degrading industrially used dyes, quinoline yellow and tartrazine, in the on-the-fly mode. This proof-of-concept work highlights the suitability of Sb2S3 photoactive material for designing swarming microrobots for environmental remediation applications.
