Magnetically actuated nanorod arrays as biomimetic cilia.
We present a procedure for producing high-aspect-ratio cantilevered micro- and nanorod arrays of a PDMS-ferrofluid composite material. The rods have been produced with diameters ranging from 200 nm to 1 mum and aspect ratios as high as 125. We demonstrate actuation of these superparamagnetic rod arrays with an externally applied magnetic field from a permanent magnet and compare this actuation with a theoretical energy-minimization model. The structures produced by these methods may be useful in microfluidics, photonic, and sensing applications.
Evans
B A
BA
The Virtual Lung Project, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
Shields
A R
AR
Carroll
R Lloyd
RL
Washburn
S
S
Falvo
M R
MR
Superfine
R
R
D002923:Cilia; D018716:Molecular Mimicry; D043942:Nanotubes