Field-Controlled Microrobots Fabricated by Photopolymerization

Abstract

Field-controlled microrobots have attracted extensive research in the biological and medical fields due to the prominent characteristics including high flexibility, small size, strong controllability, remote manipulation, and minimal damage to living organisms. However, the fabrication of these field-controlled microrobots with complex and high-precision 2- or 3-dimensional structures remains challenging. The photopolymerization technology is often chosen to fabricate field-controlled microrobots due to its fast-printing velocity, high accuracy, and high surface quality. This review categorizes the photopolymerization technologies utilized in the fabrication of field-controlled microrobots into stereolithography, digital light processing, and 2-photon polymerization. Furthermore, the photopolymerized microrobots actuated by different field forces and their functions are introduced. Finally, we conclude the future development and potential applications of photopolymerization for the fabrication of field-controlled microrobots.