Autonomous Movement of Controllable Assembled Janus Capsule Motors

• DOI: 10.1021/nn304335x
• Publication Date: 2012-11-15T20:45:52Z
• Authors: Yingjie Wu; Zhiguang Wu; Xiankun Lin; Qiang He; Junbai Li
• Keywords: Capsule; Janus Particles; Microcontact Printing

We demonstrate the first example of a self-propelled Janus polyelectrolyte multilayer hollow capsule that can serve as both autonomous motor and smart cargo. This new composed partially coated dendritic platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) was fabricated by using template-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly combined with microcontact printing method. The resulting motors still retain outstanding delivery capacities respond to external stimuli for controllable encapsulation triggered release model drugs. Pt NPs on one side catalytically decompose hydrogen peroxide fuel, generating oxygen bubbles which then recoil movement in solution or at an interface. They could autonomously move maximum speed above 1 mm/s (over 125 body lengths/s), while exerting large forces exceeding 75 pN. Also, these asymmetric capsules be controlled magnetic field achieve directed movement. LbL-assembled system has potential making self-propelling systems.