Publisher: College of Chemistry and Materials Science

Date: July 4, 2024

In a significant stride towards revolutionary microrobotics, the collaborative efforts of Professor Wang Jizhuang and Professor Li Dan's team from the School of Chemistry and Materials Science have culminated in a groundbreaking method for constructing light-driven functional microrobots using spin coating technology of bulk heterojunction organic semiconductor solar cells (OSCs). This pioneering approach enables the efficient design and fabrication of light-driven functional microrobots spanning various dimensional structures, encompassing 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D configurations. Their remarkable research endeavor has been documented in the renowned international journal, Advanced Materials, under the title Arbitrary Construction of Versatile NIR-Driven Microrobots.

(Screenshot of the paper)

As the field of micro-nano robotics witnesses a paradigm shift towards intricately integrated functionalities, the evolution of microrobots has transitioned from simple chemical propulsion to complex functional amalgamation. The advent of light-driven microrobots (LMNRs) has emerged as a focal point within this domain, owing to their programmability and efficient propulsion. The inherent modulability of light as a signal source enables precise control over a myriad of parameters, such as incident direction, intensity, wavelength, and polarization, facilitating the precise manipulation of micro/nano robots to execute intricate tasks with unrivaled precision. Leveraging optical propulsion imbues micro/nano robots with enhanced flexibility and controllability, positioning them as versatile tools for diverse applications in biomedical, environmental monitoring, and industrial sectors.

While light-driven microrobots exhibit exceptional performance in multifaceted scenarios, the attainment of a streamlined and universal design approach remains a formidable challenge. The pursuit of flexible micro/nano robot construction based on specific functional requisites and the formulation of simplified, versatile design strategies constitute pivotal avenues of contemporary research endeavors.

The illustrious paper boasts Dr. Li Wanyuan from Jinan University as the first author, with Associate Professor Wang Jizhuang and Professor Li Dan serving as corresponding authors. Noteworthy contributions from Professor Tang Jinyao's team at the University of Hong Kong further enrich the scientific discourse surrounding microrobotic advancements. This seminal research initiative has garnered substantial backing from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, as well as pivotal projects under the aegis of the Guangdong Provincial Major Basic and Applied Basic Plan and Jinan University.

For comprehensive insights into this pivotal research breakthrough, interested readers are encouraged to access the original publication via the following link: [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adma.202402482].