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Characterization and control of artificial magnetotactic tetrahymena pyriformis
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://hdl.handle.net/1860/3875
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| Title: | Characterization and control of artificial magnetotactic tetrahymena pyriformis |
| Authors: | Brigandi, Sean Eugene |
| Keywords: | Mechanical engineering
Microrobots
Bioengineering |
| Issue Date: | Dec-2011 |
| Abstract: | Micro-scale robotic systems have drawn a great deal of interest from researchers for their potential applications. Emerging areas, such as micromanufacturing and biosensing, look to integrate micro-scale robotics with biofactory-on-a-chip systems to solve engineering problems. To accomplish this goal, robots must be developed to work in a variety of micro-scale environments. This has led to the creation of artificial and biological microrobots. Artificial microrobots are expensive and challenging to produce as well as power. Alternatively, biological microrobots employ microorganisms that are easily and inexpensively cultured. Microorganisms also draw chemical energy from their surround environment eliminating the need for a power source. This makes microorganisms, such as Tetrahymena pyriformis (T. pyriformis), an appealing choice to use as microrobots.
In this thesis, the utilization of T. pyriformis as a microrobot or cellular robot is demonstrated. The technique for culturing and fabricating magnetotactic cells is described. The experimental setup allowing for observation and control of T. pyriformis using magnetotaxis is presented. T. pyriformis swimming parameters are then characterized and applied to control the cells for engineering tasks. This work shows that T. pyriformis is a great candidate to be used as a cellular robot. |
| Description: | Thesis (M.S., Mechanical engineering)--Drexel University, 2011. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/1860/3875 |
| Appears in Collections: | Drexel Theses and Dissertations
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