How to Improve Spermbot Performance

Spermbots are biocompatible hybrid machines that consist of microtubes which are propelled by single spermatozoa and have promising features for powering nano and microdevices. This article presents three approaches on how to improve the performance of such spermbots. First, 20 μm microtubes produce faster spermbots compared to the previously reported 50 μm long microtubes. Furthermore, biofunctionalization by microcontact printing and surface chemistry of biomolecules on the inner tube surface improve the coupling efficiency between sperm cell and microtube, and the addition of caffeine results in a speed boost of the sperm‐driven micromotor. Improved spermbot performance is demonstrated by biofunctionalization of the inner tube surface, shorter tube design, and caffeine addition. Firstly, spermbot velocity is improved by the use of shorter microtubes; secondly, better coupling efficiency is achieved by binding of fibronectin inside the microtube; and finally, caffeine addition gives a temporary speed boost to the spermbot.