Engineering active micro and nanomotors

Abstract

Micro-and nanomotors (MNMs) are micro/nanoparticles that can perform autonomous motion in complex fluids driven by different power sources. They have been attracting increasing attention due to their great potential in a variety of applications ranging from environmental science to biomedical engineering. Over the past decades, this field has evolved rapidly, with many significant innovations contributed by global researchers. In this review, we first briefly overview the methods used to propel motors and then present the main strategies used to design proper MNMs. Next, we highlight recent fascinating applications of MNMs in two examplary fields, water remediation and biomedical microrobots, and conclude this review with a brief discussion of challenges in the field.