Labs-on-a-chip meet self-propelled micromotors

Abstract

This frontier review covers recent advances in the field of nanomaterial-based micromotors for the development of novel labs-on-a-chip (LOCs). In this review, we will discuss how carbon nanomaterials “on-board” of micromotors offer particular promise for diverse LOC applications. New trends in the field, directed towards the use of quantum dots and nanoparticles as functional materials for sophisticated micromotors, will be reviewed. Micromotor strategies using functionalized catalytic microengines to capture and transport (bio)molecules between the different reservoirs of LOC devices will also be covered. These recent advances are bringing closer our hopes for personalized medicine and food safety assurance, among others.