A self-swimming microbial-robot using microfabricated biopolymer

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a microbial-robot that migrates in low Reynolds number fluidic environments powered by motile flagellated bacteria. To immobilize the flagellated bacteria strongly, we utilized bacterial cellulose (BC), which was produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus. We evaluated the adhesion between the BC and the flagellated bacteria, Aliivibrio fischeri using a microfluidic shear device and confirmed that the superiority of BC over conventional MEMS materials. Conical-shaped BC was produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus in conical microholes with a help of oxygen concentration gradient. A. fischeri were successfully immobilized onto the BC structure to form a microbial-robot, which could swim in culture media at an average speed of 4.8 μm/s.