Magnetic Nanostructured Propellers for Low Reynolds Number Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling and propelling artificial swimmers at the micro- and nano-scale in liquids and soft matter face challenges due to dominant viscous drag forces and limitations in applying electric fields, optical forces, and chemical reactions, especially in aqueous environments and complex fluids, which restrict their biomedical and rheological applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of Magnetically Actuated Propellers (MAPs) using ferromagnetic structures that can be rotated by magnetic fields, allowing for propulsion through solutions, suspensions, and tissues, fabricated via shadow growth vapor deposition and controlled using magnetic field gradients or homogeneous fields, enabling precise actuation and large-scale production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electric fields are used to propel artificial micro- and nano-scale objects, then propulsion control is achieved, but application in aqueous environments becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric field-based propulsion with magnetic field-based propulsion. Magnetic fields can penetrate aqueous environments effectively, unlike electric fields which are difficult to apply in such environments. The magnetic actuation system uses external magnetic fields to rotate the propeller structures, enabling propulsion in biologically relevant aqueous media while maintaining precise control capability.
2Ease of operation
If optical forces are used for propulsion, then control in transparent media is achieved, but application in opaque and scattering media is excluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical force-based propulsion with magnetic field-based propulsion. Magnetic fields are not affected by the optical properties of the medium, allowing them to penetrate opaque and scattering media effectively. This enables the propellers to operate in turbid biological fluids, tissues, and other scattering environments where optical methods fail.
3Ease of operation
If chemical reactions are used for propulsion, then autonomous movement is achieved, but corrosive environments or special chemicals are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemically-driven propulsion with magnetically-driven propulsion. Instead of relying on catalytic reactions that require corrosive chemicals or special reaction conditions, the system uses external magnetic fields to rotate the propellers. This eliminates the need for harmful chemicals while maintaining autonomous movement capability through remote magnetic actuation.
4Measurement precision
If optical tweezers are used to trap and move particles, then precise positioning is achieved, but in-vivo applications are excluded due to proximity requirements and strong laser beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical tweezer-based manipulation with magnetic field-based actuation. Magnetic fields can be applied at a distance without requiring proximity to the sample, and do not involve intense laser beams that could damage biological tissues. This enables in-vivo and in-situ applications where optical tweezers cannot be used, while maintaining the ability to precisely control and position the propellers.
5Ease of operation
If larger scale objects are manipulated in liquids, then control is achieved, but control at smaller micro- and nano-scale devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field gradients to independently control multiple propellers of different sizes. The magnetic actuation system can be configured to exert forces on individual propellers or groups of propellers, enabling precise control at the micro- and nano-scale while maintaining the ability to manipulate larger assemblies. The segmented control approach allows scaling from single-propeller manipulation to multi-propeller coordination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
MAPs achieve controlled propulsion and actuation in low Reynolds number hydrodynamics, enabling applications such as targeted drug delivery and diagnostics, with the ability to navigate complex fluids and biological tissues, overcoming limitations of existing technologies by utilizing magnetic fields for efficient and versatile operation.
Implementation Method 1
The development of Magnetically Actuated Propellers (MAPs) using ferromagnetic structures that can be rotated by magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
The development of Magnetically Actuated Propellers (MAPs) using ferromagnetic structures
Implementation Method 3
fabricated via shadow growth vapor deposition
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for the fabrication and application of Magnetically Actuated Propellers (MAPs) are described. MAPs are structures with typical feature sizes in the range of 20 nanometers up to 100 microns in one spatial dimension. MAPs are propellers that can be obtained from nano-structured surfaces and that can be produced in large numbers. MAPs are propelled and controlled by magnetic fields. The MAPs are optimized for low Reynolds number propulsion and can be moved in fluids and biological tissues. MAPs are useful for measurements, quantification, imaging and sensing purposes e.g. detecting biomolecules and for the controlled transportation of (drug- and bio-) molecules and the delivery of microscopic and nanoscale objects and/or materials or systems of therapeutic value. The MAPs are formed on a substrate and the released from the substrate using sonication, vibration, agitation, dissolution or etching which allows the MAPs to be produced in large numbers.