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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/123489
Motion control of urea powered biocompatible hollow microcapsules
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The quest for biocompatible micro-swimmers powered by compatible fuel and with full motion control over their self-propulsion is a long-standing challenge in the field of active matter and microrobotics. Here, we present an active hybrid microcapsule motor based on Janus hollow mesoporous silica micro particles (JHP) powered by the bio-catalytic decomposition of urea at physiological concentrations. The directional self-propelled motion lasts longer than 10 minutes with an average velocity of up to 5 body lengths per second. Additionally, we control the velocity of the micro-motor by chemically inhibiting and reactivating the enzymatic activity of urease. The incorporation of magnetic material within the Janus structure provides remote magnetic control on the movement direction. Furthermore, the mesoporous/hollow structure can load both small molecules and larger particles up to hundreds of nano-meters, making the hybrid micro-motor an active and controllable drug delivery micro-system.
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MA, Xing, et al. Motion control of urea powered biocompatible hollow microcapsules. ACS Nano. 2016. Vol. 10, num. 3, pags. 3597-3605. [consulted: 18 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/123489