Drexel and Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute researchers are developing microscopic, magnetic, robotic beads that will allow physicians to clear blocked arteries intravenously.
MinJun Kim leads the team investigating the chains of iron oxide beads, which are linked together via chemical bonds and magnetic force. The chains are small enough to navigate in the bloodstream, and are put in motion by an external magnetic field that causes each of them to rotate. Linked together, their individual rotations cause the chain to twist like a corkscrew, which propels the microswimmer.
The speed and direction of the micro swimmers are determined by controlling the magnetic field. The magnetism also allows separate strands of micro swimmers to be joined together, enabling them to be propelled with greater force.