Berlin 2018 – scientific programme

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MA: Fachverband Magnetismus

MA 8: Focus Session: Magnetic structurally and compositionally modulated nanowires and nanotubes

MA 8.7: Invited Talk

Monday, March 12, 2018, 17:45–18:15, H 1012

Hybrid Magnetoelectric Nanowires for Nanorobotic Applications — •Salvador Pané — Multi-Scale Robotics Lab, ETH Zürich, Switzerland

Over the past two decades researchers have been working to create synthetic small-scale machines ranging from molecular entities or miniaturized structures, to more complex assemblies of micro- and nanomaterials. These machines are able to navigate in complex environments by harvesting fuel from the surrounding media or from external powersources. One of the most sought-after applications for these miniaturized machines is to perform minimally invasive interventions, in which these devices will ultimately reduce risk, cost, and discomfort compared to conventional interventions. While recent research has demonstrated the potential of these devices, a number of obstacles remain in moving small-scale robots into the operating theatre. One of the major challenges is the development of miniaturized mobile platforms capable of integrating multiple functionalities. In this talk, we will present magnetoelectric-composite nanowire-based machines that, under the same source of energy, are able to perform two different functionalities depending on how magnetic fields are applied. The magnetostrictive component enables this machine to propel, while the magnetoelectric composite can be used to wirelessly generate a piezoelectric field. We will focus on the potential biomedical applications of these magnetoelectric small-scale robots. As an example, we will show core-shell magnetoelectric nanowires, which are able to release in vitro anti-cancer drugs on-demand using the magnetoelectric approach.