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The Influence of Blood Proteins on the Mobility of Self-Propelled Electrodeposited Microtubes

Wednesday, 1 June 2016
Exhibit Hall H (San Diego Convention Center)
H. Wang, G. Zhao, and M. Pumera (Nanyang Technological University)
Self-propelled micromotors have attracted considerable interests recently due to the potential to address problems in biomedical and environmental problems. One of the most promising types of micromotors is tubular micromotors, which are microtubes with platinum inner surface to catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Propulsion by oxygen bubbles provides microtubes with high velocity, robust performance and large towing power. The microtubes are prepared using a modified membrane template electrodeposition method. The high density of relative homogenous pores in the membrane allows mass electrodeposition of microtubes. The microtubes we used in the study are conical bimetallic microtubes with a copper outer surface and a platinum inner surface. Proteins are common in biomedical environment where the electrodeposited microtubes are envisioned to perform tasks. Therefore, we examined the effect of blood proteins on the mobility of the electrodeposited microtubes. The presence of blood proteins at physiological concentrations has been found to be able to reduce the mobility of the electrodeposited microtubes. These findings may provide important implications for employment of electrodeposited microtubes in biomedical field.