Publication detail

Small-Scale Robotics with Tailored Wettability

Wang, B. Handschuh-Wang, S. Shen, J. Zhou, XC. Guo, ZG. Liu, WM. Pumera, M. Zhang, L.

Original Title

Small-Scale Robotics with Tailored Wettability

Type

journal article in Web of Science

Language

English

Original Abstract

Small-scale robots (SSRs) have emerged as promising and versatile tools in various biomedical, sensing, decontamination, and manipulation applications, as they are uniquely capable of performing tasks at small length scales. With the miniaturization of robots from the macroscale to millimeter-, micrometer-, and nanometer-scales, the viscous and surface forces, namely adhesive forces and surface tension have become dominant. These forces significantly impact motion efficiency. Surface engineering of robots with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functionalization presents a brand-new pathway to overcome motion resistance and enhance the ability to target and regulate robots for various tasks. This review focuses on the current progress and future perspectives of SSRs with hydrophilic and hydrophobic modifications (including both tethered and untethered robots). The study emphasizes the distinct advantages of SSRs, such as improved maneuverability and reduced drag forces, and outlines their potential applications. With continued innovation, rational surface engineering is expected to endow SSRs with exceptional mobility and functionality, which can broaden their applications, enhance their penetration depth, reduce surface fouling, and inhibit bacterial adhesion.

Keywords

biocompatibility; drag resistances; environmental remediation; small-scale robots; wettability

Authors

Wang, B.; Handschuh-Wang, S.; Shen, J.; Zhou, XC.; Guo, ZG.; Liu, WM.; Pumera, M.; Zhang, L.

Released

1. 5. 2023

Publisher

WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH

Location

WEINHEIM

ISBN

1521-4095

Periodical

ADVANCED MATERIALS

Year of study

35

Number

18

State

Federal Republic of Germany

Pages count

28

URL

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202205732

BibTex

@article{BUT186964,
  author="Wang, B. and Handschuh-Wang, S. and Shen, J. and Zhou, XC. and Guo, ZG. and Liu, WM. and Pumera, M. and Zhang, L.",
  title="Small-Scale Robotics with Tailored Wettability",
  journal="ADVANCED MATERIALS",
  year="2023",
  volume="35",
  number="18",
  pages="28",
  doi="10.1002/adma.202205732",
  issn="1521-4095",
  url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202205732"
}