Mobile microrobots hold promise for revolutionizing therapeutic delivery in medical treatments, particularly in cell-based therapies. Despite advancements in cellular manipulation, further innovation in microrobot design and fabrication is needed. This study introduces a simple bench-top method for producing three-lobed microrobots, which are biofriendly due to their actuation by a harmless magnetic field. Composed of organosilica, these microrobots demonstrated effective control in both open-loop and closed-loop settings. During open-loop control, the microrobots exhibited two modes of motion, which were successfully used for single-cell transportation. The findings suggest that three-lobed microrobots are highly promising for cell transportation in fluid environments.

Design Approach

We are all familiar with the fairy tale of the rats, children, and the Pied Piper, who could lead a swarm of rats (or children) with his magical tunes. Similarly, this three-lobed magnetic "Pied Piper" can guide living cells, one at a time.