Electrostimulation
The trend in biomedical research is to provide non-invasive solutions. Microrobots can be used to provide non-invasive treatments for various applications which is what this project focuses on. In this project we aim to develop new microrobots that can deform in shape and generate electrical currents. Such an electric current can be then used to stimulate cells and also increase membrane permeability which is useful for drug delivery applications. Different metals and their alloys are being investigated for the microrobot. In addition different geometries such as helices or nanowires, as shown in the SEM images, are studied.
Another point under investigation is the functionalization of the microrobots for incorporating electrochemiluminescence ability. For the fabrication of nanowires commercial anodized aluminum oxide templates are being used. For more complex structures, Nanoscribe -which is a 3D laser lithography system- is used. The templates are filled with the appropriate material by electrodeposition.