Anti-biofouling surfaces featured with magnetic artificial cilia

Biological cilia are versatile hair-like organelles that are very efficient in manipulating particles for, e.g., feeding, antifouling and cell transport. Inspired by the versatility of cilia, we experimentally demonstrate the anti-biofouling capabilities of active surfaces that are partially covered with magnetic artificial cilia (MAC) using real biofouling agents - microalgae Scenedesmus sp. Actuated by a rotating magnet in a circular microfluidic chip, the MAC can perform a tilted conical motion, which generates strong local flow and leads to the removal of the algae away from the central unciliated area, creating a clean area.