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Assembly of BactoMotor

In this page, we will show you how our final product - the BactoMotor is assembled from our three modules.

Introduction

Our BactoMotor is comprised of three parts – the Micro-Motor; the Directional Controller and the Speed Controller.

As their names indicate, the Micro-Motor is the core part of the Motor, and it is small (micrometer scale). The Directional Controller ensures directional propulsive force generated by the bacteria, and therefore directional rotation of the motor. The Speed Controller is used to implement a speed control over the motor.

Each module is engineered and tested seperately, and are functional on their own. After testing and fine-tuning, the parts are brought together to form the final BactoMotor. After final assembly, we would have a micrometer-scale BactoMotor which has unidirectional rotation and speed adjustment controls.

Prodecures

Step 1. Installation of Micro-Motor

The Micro-Motor will be installed into a microchip container (Fig.1a, 1b) with separated chambers. Only one side of the arms of the motor is coated with Biotin (for the Directional Controller Module).

Fig.1a: Photos of the microchips for micro-motor installation; A: A photo showing the chambers and the valve systems; B: Valve 3 closed; C: Valves 4, 5, 6 and 7 are closed while water is injected into the channel; L: Valve 1 and 7 closed, enclosing the crystal violet solution in the lower 4 chambers; P: The photo of the chamber system

Fig.1b: A diagram showing the Micro-Motor Module installed into a chamber inside the microchip.

Step 2. Introduction of Bacteria

The Bacteria with both Directional Controller and Speed Controller Modules implemented will be introduced to the Micro-Motor (Fig.2).

Fig.2: Introduction of Bacteria into the Micro-Motor

Step 3. Action of Directional Controller

Under the effect of the Directional Controller, the Bacteria will bind onto the Micro-Motor directionally. (Fig.3a, 3b)

Fig.3a: The bacteria bounded to the Micro-Motor through action of the Directional Controller Module (Plan View)

Fig.3b: A zoomed view of the Directional Controller Module at work.

Step 4. Removing Excessive Bacteria

The extra bacterial cells will be removed by medium flush. (Fig. 4)

Fig.4: Bacteria not binding to the Micro-Motor will be flushed away by medium flush.

Step 5. BactoMotor in Action

As the Bacteria swims, they will push the motor into rotation. (clockwise as demonstrated in Fig. 5a, 5b)

Fig.5a: The Directional Rotation of the Micro-Motor achieved by the Directional Controller Module

Fig.5b: An animation showing the BactoMotor in action.

Step 6. Using the Speed Controller

To utilize the Speed Controller Module, an inducer is added to the Microchip containing the Micro-Motor. Increase in concentration of the inducer will lead to an overall increase in rotational speed of the Bacto-Motor. (Fig. 6a, 6b)

Fig.6a: On additional of 0.5 effective dose of inducer

Fig.6b: On additional of 1.0 effective dose of inducer

Team:HKU-HKBU/Assembly