Magnetically actuated nanorod arrays as biomimetic cilia.

Evans, B A; Shields, A R; Carroll, R Lloyd; Washburn, S; Falvo, M R; Superfine, R · Nano Lett · 2007

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We present a procedure for producing high-aspect-ratio cantilevered micro- and nanorod arrays of a PDMS-ferrofluid composite material. The rods have been produced with diameters ranging from 200 nm to 1 mum and aspect ratios as high as 125. We demonstrate actuation of these superparamagnetic rod arrays with an externally applied magnetic field from a permanent magnet and compare this actuation with a theoretical energy-minimization model. The structures produced by these methods may be useful in microfluidics, photonic, and sensing applications.

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