GALVANOTACTIC CONTROL OF SELF-POWERED MICROSTRUCTURES

We are examining microactuation techniques by employing the electrokinetic and galvanotactic behavior of certain bacteria. We Cultured selected strains of swarming Serratia marcescens which were attached to microstructures using a blotting technique that creates a bacterial monolayer carpet. These bacterial carpets naturally self-coordinate to propel the microstructures. The microstructures were placed in an open channel and a voltage was applied and polarity was switched. We have demonstrated directional control of the motion of the microstructures patterned with bacteria. This mobility is due to the patterning of bacteria on the microstructure surface and arises from a combination of electrokinetic effects and galvanotaxis.