Magnetically navigable 3D printed multifunctional microdevices for environmental applications

Abstract

Microrobotic prototypes for water cleaning are produced combining stereolithography 3D printing and wet metallization. Different metallic layers are deposited on 3D printed parts using both electroless and electrolytic deposition to impart required functionalities. In particular, by exploiting the flexibility and versatility of electrolytic codeposition, pollutants photodegradation and bacteria killing are for the first time combined on the same device by coating it with a composite nanocoating containing titania nanoparticles in a silver matrix. The microstructure of the microrobots thus obtained is fully characterized and they are successfully actuated by applying rotating magnetic fields. From the water cleaning point of view, devices show evident photocatalytic activity towards water pollutants and antimicrobial activity for gram negative bacteria.