Development of biocompatible magnetic microrobot transporter using 3D laser lithography

This paper presents the design and fabrication of a magnetic microrobot transcporter with porous spherical structure produced by 3D laser lithography. The microrobots are coated with nickel (Ni) and titanium (Ti) for magnetic actuation and biocompatibility, respectively. A series of characterization experiments is conducted to show that Ni coating enables the microrobot to possess ideal ferromagnetic properties. Cell viability experiments are also performed to demonstrate that the Ti-coated microrobot exhibit excellent biocompatibility. A micro probe operation platform is further designed to detach the fabricated microrobots from the glass surface. The developed microrobot can be controlled to track complex trajectories automatically, driven by a home-made electromagnetic manipulation system. Experimental results show that the developed magnetic microrobots can be precisely controlled in all directions by changing the induced current loaded to each electromagnetic coil. Such porous spherical microrobot can be used to transport target cells to the desired regions with better tissue fusion and vascularization.