Development of magnetic micro-machine system for use in medical applications

Abstract

To develop micro-machines for use in medical application, two kinds of spiral-type magnetic micro-machine, which is driven by an external rotational magnetic field, were fabricated. These machines constructed by permanent magnets and spiral blade. It was demonstrated that changing the direction of the rotation planet of the external rotational field could control swimming direction of the swimming type magnetic micro-machine. The radius of the bend depended on the viscosity of the fluid and on the frequency of the external field. The another magnetic micro-machine could run in a gel and even in bovine meat. Running behavior of the machine depend on a frequency and strength of the external field. In addition, it can be detected where position of the magnetic micro-machine by a magnetic motion capture system.