Development of Ca²⁺-driven Microvalve Powered by Contractile Fiber of Vorticella

Abstract

Bioactuators, biological motors in living systems are promising for integration and functionalization of microsystems. We have developed a Ca²⁺-driven microvalve powered by a contractile fiber, a stalk of Vorticella. Cells of Vorticella convallaria were trapped in designed microchambers. Stalks were self-grown in the chambers and their reversible linear actuations were controlled by regulating the concentration of Ca²⁺. A cell body, connected to a stalk, opened and closed a microchannel by the contraction and extension of the stalk. A flow field in the chamber was characterized to further optimize the actuation performance.