Translation, sorting and enrichment: acoustic valve micro robotic system for multifunctional micro manipulation.

Abstract

The precise manipulation of micro-scale targets is a foundational technology driving advancements in biomedical engineering, clinical diagnostics, and micro-manufacturing. Here, we present a multifunctional acoustic valve microrobotic system capable of the precise manipulation of cells and microorganisms. The focused surface acoustic wave transducers are utilized to form valve-like potential wells, thereby enabling stable entrapment and transportation of micro targets. Based on this ability, it can further realize direct sorting and enrichment, by sweeping the acoustic field through the targeted regions. Experimental results demonstrate that this platform can achieve high-speed manipulation exceeding 1000 μm s^-1, and can achieve sub-10 μm navigation accuracy. Furthermore, it supports highly efficient sorting and enrichment, delivering a target recovery rate of over 90% and an enrichment ratio of 5 to 10 fold in a single cycle. We verified the system's biocompatibility through thermal stability experiments and cell viability assays, and successfully applied the acoustically enriched microalgae to the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline. Collectively, this versatile and highly adaptable acoustic platform provides a powerful tool for complex micro-manipulation, and has the potential to be used in cutting-edge applications such as cell analysis and biological assembly.