Would MagnetoSperm allow for better targeting of direct Blood Patches?
A motion-controlled microrobot could be used for the transportation of drugs to a diseased region within the human body. In order to accomplish this operation, energy has to be supplied to the microrobot. Supplying the microrobot with energy is a challenge due to its miniature size, often a few microns to tens of microns. In this study a new mechanism is investigated. This mechanism is based on the natural morphology of the sperm. The sperm oscillates its tail to swim. A new microrobot, which we refer to as Magnetosperm, is designed and manufactured. It consists of a magnetic head attached to a flexible tail. A weak alternating magnetic field is applied to MagnetoSperm which causes a mechanical wave in its tail. This wave provides a thrust force to move MagnetoSperm. We show that increasing the frequency of the current increases the speed of MagnetoSperm. Above frequency of 70 Hz the speed of MagnetoSperm decreases due to the decrease in magnitude of the magnetic field. Furthermore, we demonstrate wireless control of the MagnetoSperm using weak alternating magnetic fields. — MagnetoSperm: A Microrobot That Navigates Using Weak Magnetic Fields by H.C. (Herman) Dijkslag
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