Manipulation Study of Bubble-Propelled Hydrogel Microbots

Abstract

Microbots have shown considerable potential in the biomedical field. Their capability to target specific areas for diagnosis, treatment, and other applications with minimal invasiveness is particularly advantageous. However, complex application environments and harsh driving conditions greatly limit the locomotion behaviors of microbots, and therefore the locomotion mode of microbots deserves more exploration and research. This study focuses on a near-infrared light-driven bubble-propelled microbot. The photothermally responsive materials used in the design are modified to enhance bubble generation properties. Additionally, the controlled 3D printing preparation process can indirectly influence the bubble aggregation pathway by altering the microbot's micro-nanostructured porous structure. Ultimately, by adjusting the laser parameters, the microbot can be controlled to achieve a variety of locomotion modes. Furthermore, the experimental observations and theoretical analysis of the microbot's locomotion modes are summarized. A preliminary digital description is provided, which verifies the feasibility of controlling these locomotion modes. This lays the foundation for the precise control of microbots in future applications.