In situ generation of silver nanoparticles for selective coupling between localized plasmonic resonances and whispering-gallery modes is demonstrated by spatially resolved laser dewetting on microtube surfaces. Our work provides a convenient way to manipulate photon-plasmon coupling in three-dimensional micro-cavities, which is of interest for optical tuning abilities and control of enhanced light-matter interaction.
A sperm-driven micromotor acts as a targeted drug delivery system to potentially treat diseases in the female reproductive tract. More precisely, the sperm cell of the micromotor system is first loaded with an anticancer drug (DOX-HC). Then the system is guided by a synthetic magnetic harness to an in-vitro cultured tumor spheroid. Finally, the drug is delivered locally into the tumour once the sperm cell is freed by an integrated mechanical release mechanism.
H. Xu et al., ACS Nano 12, 327 (2018) URLPDF
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Scientists are designing microscopic devices — microbots and micromotors — to eventually move through the body to perform medical tasks. So far, most microbot experiments have been done in vitro under conditions very different from those in the human body. In our extended comment we call on microrobotics researchers, materials scientists and bioimaging and medical specialists to work together to tackle the challenges on the way to in-vivo applications. And regulatory agencies need to put in place directives for testing therapeutics that are based on microbots.
M. Medina-Sánchez, O.G. Schmidt, Nature 545, 406 (2017)URLPDF
Although silicon has been widely used in modern electronic devices, its implementation in thermoelectric applications is still hindered due to its high intrinsic thermal conductivity, which leads to an extremely low energy conversion efficiency. Here, we report substantial reduction in planar thermal conductivities for both radial and planar Si/SiOx hybrid nanomembrane superlattices. By increasing the winding number of radial superlattices the in-plane thermal conductivity decreases continuously. Our results validate the thermal coupling effect among hybrid superlattice structures and shed light on a novel efficient way of managing phonon transport in Si-based devices.
Spermatozoa are promising components for microbots serving as biocompatible propulsion source, but also offering other interesting features such as their ability to fertilize, to respond to stimuli, or their ability to take up drugs which reveals fascinating new applications. Our recent article describes how spermatozoa can be useful parts of microdevices. It summarizes the recent progress on developing tubular and helical spermbots. The article provides also insight about the influencing factors on the performance of the spermbots and current challenges as well as future perspectives.
V. Magdanz et al., Adv. Mater. 29, 24 (2017) URL
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Optical microtube resonators are monolithically integrated on photonic chips to demonstrate optofluidic functionality based on light-liquid interactions. The optofluidic structure is well-suited for potential biological/chemical sensing and analysis in a lab-in-a-tube system. Our experimental demonstration of monolithically integrated vertical ring resonators paves the way for optofluidics in three-dimensionally integrated photonic chips.
