These mini algae-powered machines could potentially be used for micro-level environmental engineering and research.
With four algae in the traps, the rotator moved at an average speed of between about 20-40 micrometers per second.Similar to horse-drawn carriages or plows pulled by oxen, researchers have created microscopic machines propelled by tiny, energetic single-celled green algae., a very common algae found all over the world, after being impressed by its swift and unrestricted swimming capabilities,” said Naoto Shimizu, a University of Tokyo student who initiated the project.
These traps were attached to two different micromachines. The first, named the scooter, has two traps holding one alga each. The second, called the rotator, has four traps holding a total of four algae and is akin to a Ferris wheel. The design of the baskets allowed the algae’s two flagella to keep moving, propelling the machines forward.
Next, the team aims to enhance the rotator to spin faster and develop new, more intricate machine designs.
Japanese researchers have long been fascinated with creating miniature hybrid devices that integrate biological elements, such as motor proteins, with inorganic materials. One notable endeavor was sparked by a presentation from Makoto Miyata of Osaka City University, where he showcased a film ofSrishti studied English literature at the University of Delhi and has since then realized it's not her cup of tea. She has been an editor in every space and content type imaginable, from children's books to journal articles. She enjoys popular culture, reading contemporary fiction and nonfiction, crafts, and spending time with her cats.
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