V-01

Motion Control of Protozoa for Bio-MEMS

Authors: Akitoshi Itoh
Affiliation: Tokyo Denki University

Abstract
This study investigates the possibility whether protozoa can be treated as a living micro manipulator/actuator or not. Motion control of protozoa is made by using the negative galvano-taxis. First, basic property test for DC electric field showed that Paramecium could be controlled its motion by the electrical potential gradient. By using the 8 direction carbon electrode pool (electrode distance: 4mm, thickness: 0.2mm), operator can control the Paramecium to the aiming direction. Automatic motion control of protozoa was also achieved by using the image processing technology and fuzzy control method. The control method for rapid turning is also developed. To adopt this method to the automatic motion control program, paramecium can be controlled along any shaped guide route. The actuation to rotate the micro impeller (diameter: 0.5mm) is achieved by paramecium. These facts show that protozoa are able to use as a micro manipulator/actuator.

Akitoshi Itoh
aitoh@cck.dendai.ac.jp