Targeted cargo delivery using a rotating nickel nanowire

This paper reports an approach to perform basic noncontact and contact manipulation tasks using rotating nickel nanowires driven by a rotating magnetic field. A rotating nanowire is capable of propulsion and steering near a solid surface by a tumbling motion. The FEM simulation shows that fluid flow is induced around the rotating nanowire, which was applied to manipulate micro-objects in a noncontact fashion. Pushing, pulling, and rotation tests of individual polystyrene microbeads are conducted on a solid surface. In addition, targeted delivery tasks of biological samples, e.g., individual flagellated microorganisms and human blood cells, are demonstrated. The results imply that rotating magnetic nanowires are good tools for handling cellular and subcellular objects in an aqueous low-Reynolds-number environment and have potential for single-cell analysis.From the Clinical EditorIn this study, the authors report the ability to push, pull, and rotate individual polystyrene microbeads on a solid surface. Furthermore, they demonstrate targeted delivery of biological samples, implying that rotating magnetic nanowires are good tools for handling cellular and subcellular objects.

Graphical AbstractIn this paper we present targeted delivery of individual microbeads, microorganism and blood cell in fluid using a rotating Ni nanowire. The Ni nanowires were navigated by a weak-strength rotating magnetic field with micrometer positioning precision.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (162 K)Download as PowerPoint slide