Multi-Stimuli Responsive Hydrogel Cilia

Large arrays of high aspect ratio, artificial hydrogel based cilia that can respond to multiple stimuli are produced by means of micro‐fabrication techniques. The cilia operate in aqueous solutions and are sensitive to pH, electric and/or magnetic fields. The biomimetic system combines both sensing and motility. Detection of changes in environment, such as a decrease in pH, triggers a collective response, to an external time‐dependent magnetic field. High‐aspect‐ratio responsive cilia arrays that combine, in one system, sensing and motility functions are fabricated. Based on different approaches the system can be electrically, environmentally, or magnetically activated. Detection of changes in environment, such as a decrease in pH, triggers a collective cilia response, to an external time‐dependent magnetic field.