Controllable magnetic systems: Miniaturised controllable magnetic devices

Miniaturised controllable magnetic devices capable of propulsion (swimming) in fluid systems of low Reynolds number.

Devices may be induced through a non-contact magnetic control system to swim through a viscous liquid that may be flowing or if the device is fixed within a channel it may be used as a pump or valve.

Key benefits

The technology has the potential to deliver miniaturised swimmers and micro-fluidic devices controllable by non-contact magnetic systems with a wide range of applications.

The devices are capable of travelling in high viscosity fluids with low Reynolds number in the order of 10¹ to 10³.

The technology is capable of being deployed across a wide size range from macropscopic millimetre scale down to nanoscales of less than 10⁵metres.

Applications

Possible applications for the technology include:

• Miniaturised devices for targeted drug delivery.
• Novel devices to be used in micro-surgery.
• Micro devices for pumps and valves for micro-fluidic systems.
• Construction of autonomous micro-robots capable of, for example, destroying kidney stones.

IP status

A US patent exists for this technology (12/918,808)

Commercial opportunity

This technology is available as an Easy Access licence deal to companies and individuals.

For more information please email Mark Kelly or phone 01392 722364.