Motion-based pH sensing using spindle-like micromotors
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In this study, we report a spindle-like micromotor. This device, which is fabricated using a one-step electrospinning method, consists of biodegradable polycaprolactone and an anionic surfactant. Intriguingly, not only can the resulting micromotor move autonomously on the surface of water for a long period of time (~40 min) due to the Marangoni effect, but it also exhibits a pH sensing behavior due to variations in the surface tension caused by the release of surfactant under different pH conditions. More interestingly, we reveal that the motion-based pH sensing property is size-dependent, with smaller structures exhibiting a higher sensitivity. In addition, since polycaprolactone is a biodegradable material, the micromotor described in this study can be easily degraded in solution. Hence, features such as one-step fabrication, motion readout, and biodegradability render this micromotor an attractive candidate for sensing applications.
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Motion-based pH sensing using spindle-like micromotors
)
Abstract
In this study, we report a spindle-like micromotor. This device, which is fabricated using a one-step electrospinning method, consists of biodegradable polycaprolactone and an anionic surfactant. Intriguingly, not only can the resulting micromotor move autonomously on the surface of water for a long period of time (~40 min) due to the Marangoni effect, but it also exhibits a pH sensing behavior due to variations in the surface tension caused by the release of surfactant under different pH conditions. More interestingly, we reveal that the motion-based pH sensing property is size-dependent, with smaller structures exhibiting a higher sensitivity. In addition, since polycaprolactone is a biodegradable material, the micromotor described in this study can be easily degraded in solution. Hence, features such as one-step fabrication, motion readout, and biodegradability render this micromotor an attractive candidate for sensing applications.
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Acknowledgements
This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 21574094 and 21304064), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (Nos. BK20130292 and BK20150314), a Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD), the Fund for Excellent Creative Research Teams of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions and the project-sponsored by the Scientific Research Foundation for the returned overseas Chinese scholars, State Education Ministry.
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