Microorganisms driven micro actuation mechanisms for the kinetic energy harvesting

Abstract

Three types of micro actuation mechanisms for the kinetic energy harvesting by microorganisms were fabricated by optical lithography and 3D printing. A phytoplankton and a zooplankton have been selected for the driving source because of its nature of phototaxis, which unites the swimming direction to a specific orientation of the mechanism. First, a reciprocating micro-float was driven by Artemia, which is a salt water zooplankotn, with a driving speed of 0.3mm/s. Next, a rotary micro-ratchet was also driven by Artemia larva, with a rotation speed of 0.35 rpm. Lastly, a micro-ratchet is driven by Volvox — a phytoplankton, and achieved a rotation speed of 3.5rpm. Those may provide a new micro-actuators driven by microorganisms, which may develop an alternative kinetic energy harvesting and environment monitoring technology.