Issue 44, 2023

Preparation of acid-driven magnetically imprinted micromotors and selective loading of phycocyanin

Abstract

Phycocyanin, a macromolecular protein known for its robust fluorescence, proves to be highly suitable for verifying the successful deposition of imprinted layers. In this study, an acid-propelled magnetic micromotor was successfully fabricated by utilizing surface imprinting and self-propelled nanomotor technology to achieve selective loading and capture of targets such as phycocyanin for future applications in environmental monitoring and precision drug delivery in vivo. This micromotor features a distinct recognition layer achieved through a template electrodeposition method. The outermost imprint layer of the micromotor was meticulously crafted using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate) in the presence of a template, while the Pt layer serves as the supportive foundation, the Ni layer acts as the magnetic guidance component, and the innermost layer consists of metal Zn. In acidic environments, the Zn reacts to generate bubbles, which propels the micromotor's motion. The micromotor was comprehensively characterized using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy. Findings highlight the exceptional self-propulsion of the Zn-based micromotor, which is a fusion of molecular imprinting and micromotor technologies. This innovative design achieves an impressive maximum velocity of approximately 100 μm s−1, as well as commendable magnetic steering performance. Furthermore, the micromotor demonstrates the ability to imprint target protein through the imprint layer, enabling selective recognition and capture for transport of specific phycocyanin. In vitro cytotoxicity tests have also demonstrated that the micromotors are non-toxic to cells. This breakthrough concept offers a novel avenue for realizing targeted capture and transport of specific nutrients within the human gastric environment.

Graphical abstract: Preparation of acid-driven magnetically imprinted micromotors and selective loading of phycocyanin

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
01 Sept. 2023
Accepted
30 Okt. 2023
First published
31 Okt. 2023

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 10728-10737

Preparation of acid-driven magnetically imprinted micromotors and selective loading of phycocyanin

G. Yang, J. Liu, Z. Zhang, L. Yuan, H. Tian and X. Yang, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023, 11, 10728 DOI: 10.1039/D3TB02021E

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