Dual-identity microrobots

The protagonist of the classic science fiction movie The Matrix has a dual-identity: a programmer in the ordinary world and a savior in the virtual world. If humans possess dual-identities, they not only gain access to double resources and opportunities but also use different resources and advantages to solve complex problems and challenges. Inspired by this, we first proposed a novel microrobot with dual-identity (PEDOT/Ni/Pt/Fe 3+ -TA). We successfully integrated dual-engines (chemical and physical) and dual-function (detection of ascorbic acid (AA) and capture of lactic acid bacteria (LAB)) into such a microscale device and performed the corresponding tasks in chemical and physical environments, respectively. When the microrobot uses H 2 O 2 as fuel to start the chemical engine, it is called a C-microrobot (chemically-driven microrobot, ID 1). Under the synergistic effect of the self-stirring effect caused by the chemical drive of the microrobot itself and its excellent catalytic properties, the dynamic C-microrobot can realize efficient detection of AA. In addition, through the excellent magnetic navigation performance of the microrobot, the directional detection of AA in the microchannel can be realized. When the microrobot starts its physical engine through a rotating magnetic field, it is called an M−microrobot (magnetically-driven microrobot, ID 2). The M−microrobot can use its excellent motion direction control capabilities and special surface chemical properties to capture and transport beneficial LAB. Compared with previously reported tubular microrobots with dual-engine single-function, such microrobots integrate dual-function film and dual-engine can successfully perform different tasks in two different spaces using different identity characteristics, which not only have a wider operating range but also have more diverse functions. Such a microrobot with dual-identities is proposed for the first time as a new concept and is of great significance for promoting the development of efficient, advanced, and intelligent integrated micro-nanorobots.