Colloidal Micromotors: Controlled Directed Motion

Here we demonstrate a synthetic micro-engine, based on long-range controlled movement of colloidal particles, which is induced by a local catalytic reaction. The directed motion at long timescales was achieved by placing specially designed magnetic capped colloids in a hydrogen peroxide solution at weak magnetic fields. The control of the motion of the particles was provided by changes of the concentration of the solution and by varying the strength of the applied magnetic field. Such synthetic objects can then be used not only to understand the fundamental driving processes but also be employed as small motors in biological environments, for example, for the transportation of molecules in a controllable way.