Method and system for controlling micro-objects or micro-particles
First Claim
1. A method for controlling at least one micro-object comprising:
- providing at least one magnetotactic bacterium (MTB);
said at least one magnetotactic bacterium being self-propulsive;
coupling the at least one micro-object with said at least one magnetotactic bacterium, causing the at least one micro-object to move in unison with said at least one magnetotactic bacterium; and
generating a magnetic field for orienting said at least one magnetotactic bacterium along a displacement path;
whereby, in operation, modifying the orientation of said magnetic field allows modifying said displacement path of said at least one magnetotactic bacterium, thereby allowing controlling the path of the at least one micro-object during displacement thereof by said at least one magnetotactic bacterium.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Moving components with dimensions much smaller than what micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology can accomplish in terms of force generated and power efficiency, are integrated onto micro-systems. These moving components referred to herein as “bio-components” are special bacteria (magnetotactic bacteria) where the motion of these bio-components can be controlled by generating an “artificial pole” by a magnetic field generated by a constant electrical current that can be varied to change the location of the “artificial pole” from an electrical system such as an embedded electronic micro-circuit. According to the present invention, it is possible through a software program or codes, to control the direction of motion of these magnetotactic bacteria, for example, by downloading such program onto the embedded electronics (controller or the like), and to generate the required magnetic field to control such bacteria to accomplish a particular task. Moreover, though integrated sensory means and new algorithms, the magnetotactic bacteria-based system could adapt or change the direction of motion from new occurring conditions.
17 Citations
37 Claims
-
1. A method for controlling at least one micro-object comprising:
-
providing at least one magnetotactic bacterium (MTB);
said at least one magnetotactic bacterium being self-propulsive;
coupling the at least one micro-object with said at least one magnetotactic bacterium, causing the at least one micro-object to move in unison with said at least one magnetotactic bacterium; and
generating a magnetic field for orienting said at least one magnetotactic bacterium along a displacement path;
whereby, in operation, modifying the orientation of said magnetic field allows modifying said displacement path of said at least one magnetotactic bacterium, thereby allowing controlling the path of the at least one micro-object during displacement thereof by said at least one magnetotactic bacterium. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A system for controlling at least one micro-object comprising:
-
at least one magnetotactic bacterium (MTB) for coupling with the at least one micro-object for movement in unison;
said at least one magnetotactic bacterium being self-propulsive; and
a magnetic field generator for orienting said at least one magnetotactic bacterium along a displacement path;
whereby, in operation, modifying the orientation of said magnetic field allows modifying said displacement path of said at least one magnetotactic bacterium, thereby allowing controlling the path of the at least one micro-object during displacement thereof by said at least one magnetotactic bacterium. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
-
-
32. A method for controlling at least one magnetotactic bacterium (MTB), said at least one MTB being self-propulsive along a displacement path, the method comprising:
-
generating a magnetic field so as to effect the at least one MTB;
said magnetic field being characterized by a pole;
said magnetic field affecting said at least one MTB by biasing the displacement path towards said pole; and
selectively modifying the displacement path of the at least one MTB by modifying said pole of said magnetic field. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
-
Specification