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Assembly of BactoMotor

Introduction

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

Prodecures

1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. As the Bacteria swims, they will push the motor into rotation. (clockwise as demonstrated in Fig. 4a, 4b)
   

   Fig.4a: The Directional Rotation of the Micro-Motor achieved by the Directional Controller Module
   

   Fig.4b: An animation showing the BactoMotor in action.
5. 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. 5a, 5b)
   

   Fig.5a: On additional of 0.5 effective dose of inducer
   

   Fig.5b: On additional of 1.0 effective dose of inducer