Using self-driven microswimmers for particle separation

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of self-driven microswimmers to separate binary colloid mixtures, revealing different separation regimes including velocity inversion, with potential applications in biology and medicine.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of particle separation using artificial microswimmers and identifies distinct separation regimes, including velocity inversion.

Findings

Different separation regimes identified

Velocity inversion observed in separation process

Potential applications in biological and medical fields

Abstract

Microscopic self-propelled swimmers capable of autonomous navigation through complex environments provide appealing opportunities for localization, pick-up and delivery of micro-and nanoscopic objects. Inspired by motile cells and bacteria, man-made microswimmers have been fabricated, and their motion in patterned surroundings has been experimentally studied. We propose to use self-driven artificial microswimmers for separation of binary mixtures of colloids. We revealed different regimes of separation including one with a velocity inversion. Our finding could be of use for various biological and medical applications.