Magnetic manipulation of self-assembled colloidal asters

Alexey Snezhko, Igor S. Aranson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

315 Scopus citations

Abstract

Self-assembled materials must actively consume energy and remain out of equilibrium to support structural complexity and functional diversity. Here we show that a magnetic colloidal suspension confined at the interface between two immiscible liquids and energized by an alternating magnetic field dynamically self-assembles into localized asters and arrays of asters, which exhibit locomotion and shape change. By controlling a small external magnetic field applied parallel to the interface, we show that asters can capture, transport, and position target microparticles. The ability to manipulate colloidal structures is crucial for the further development of self-assembled microrobots.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)698-703
Number of pages6
JournalNature Materials
Volume10
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Materials Science(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Magnetic manipulation of self-assembled colloidal asters'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this