• Current human engineered automata utilize external mechanisms for actuation and motion that are derived from complex pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical signals.
• The need for tethers, wiring, or batteries in these devices restricts their miniaturization, maneuverability, and cost reduction.
• The novel micrograbber system developed at Johns Hopkins University enables tether-less and remotely-triggered gripping and encapsulation of microscopic structures, including biological ones.
• Laboratory tests have clearly demonstrated the ability of the micrograbber to remotely capture and retrieve cells in-vitro, thus opening up the path to remote-controlled, minimally invasive tools for biopsy and surgery.
• The tools do not need any wiring or tethers, as they can be controlled remotely with magnetic fields, moved to the location of interest, and then triggered to close on-demand to capture and retrieve objects.
• The micrograbbers can be fabricated using relatively simple photolithographic techniques, which allows the micrograbbers to be easily mass-produced in a variety of customized shapes.
The Johns Hopkins University seeks partners to commercialize a novel technique that allows for the fabrication of a variety of self-assembling microdevices useful for several different applications.
• Microsurgical tools for biopsies
• Functional microparticles
• Lithographically structured powders
• Microgrippers
• Controlled microenvironments
• Drug delivery particles
