Bacteria Harnessed As Micro-Robot Motors

ElectricBrian writes "Researchers have found a way to propel micro-capsules by attaching bacteria (S. marcescens, the type that makes your shower curtain moldy). Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University fixed the bacteria to the micro-capsules and then used chemicals to turn on and off their motion-producing flagella. Quoting: 'In the future, such hybrid swimming micro-robots could even be used to deliver drugs inside the liquid environments of the human body, such as the urinary tract, eyeball cavity, ear, and cerebrospinal fluid...'"

Comments

Re:Speedy little buggers

[Anne Honime]

IANAMD, but in non life threatening conditions (infections in odd places like deep sinus), you generally suffer for months before any cure proves efficient, so what's a couple hours more ?

Re:Speedy little buggers

[Lord_Dweomer]

15 microns is about 0.00059 inches, so to travel one inch, it would take about 1,700 seconds, or a half an hour.

Sometimes there is a need to have a delayed administration of drugs.

Re:They can be harnessed until...

[Cuppa 'Joe' Black]

Let me know when they develop bacteria that can deliver a decent affordable healthcare package.