Magnetic microkayaks: propulsion of microrods precessing near a surface by kilohertz frequency, rotating magnetic fields.

Surface-swimming nano- and micromotors hold significant potential for on-chip mixing, flow generation, sample manipulation, and microrobotics. Here we describe rotating microrods magnetized nearly orthogonally to their long axes. When actuated near a solid surface, these microrods demonstrate precessing motion, with rods describing a double cone similar to the motion of a kayaker's paddle.

Analysis of Driven Nanorod Transport Through a Biopolymer Matrix.

Applying magnetic fields to guide and retain drug-loaded magnetic particles has been proposed as a way of treating illnesses. Largely, these efforts have been targeted at tumors. One significant barrier to long range transport within tumors is the extracellular matrix (ECM).