Bio-syncretic tweezers actuated by microorganisms: modeling and analysis

Advancements in micro-/nano-technology have led to the development of micro-manipulators. However, some challenges remain; for instance, the efficiency, precision and flexibility of micro-manipulators restrain their applications. This paper proposes a bio-tweezer system to flexibly manipulate micro-objects with bio-actuation via local light-induced high-concentration microorganisms in two different manipulation modes: light-spot induced mode and geometric shape-induced mode. Depending on the shape of micro-objects, either 2-dimensional translation or 1-dimensional rotation can be achieved. Based on the Langevin equation, a mathematical model considering both hydrodynamics and mimicked Brownian motion is proposed to analyze the bio-manipulation performance of the microorganisms; the model was validated by experiments to translate microparticles in a two-dimensional plane and to rotate a micro-gear structure around its axis. This paper will aid in the development of micro-manipulators and the quantitative understanding of micro-/nano-manipulation actuated by microorganisms.