Dmitriy D. Karnaushenko

Fuel-Free Locomotion of Janus Motors: Magnetically Induced Thermophoresis

We present fuel-free locomotion of magnetic spherical Janus motors driven by magnetically induced thermophoresis--a self-diffusive propulsion of an object in any liquid media due to a local temperature gradient. Within this approach an ac magnetic field is applied to induce thermophoretic motion of the objects via heating a magnetic cap of the particles, while an additional dc magnetic field is used to orient Janus motors and guide their motion on a long time scale. Full control over the motion is achieved due to specific properties of ultrathin 100-nm-thick Permalloy (Py, Fe₁₉Ni₈₁ alloys) magnetic films resulting in a topologically stable magnetic vortex state in the cap structure of Janus motors. Realized here magnetically induced thermophoretic locomotion does not require catalytic chemical reactions that imply toxic reagents. In this respect, we addressed and successfully solved one of the main shortcomings in the field of artificial motors, namely being fully controlled and remain biocompatible. Therefore, our approach is attractive for biotechnological in vitro assays and even in vivo operations, since the functioning of Janus motors offers low toxicity; it is not dependent on the presence of the fuel molecules in solution. Furthermore, the suggested magnetic ac excitation is superior compared to the previously proposed optically induced heating using lasers as it does not require transparent packaging.

Biomimetic Microelectronics for Regenerative Neuronal Cuff Implants

Smart biomimetics, a unique class of devices combining the mechanical adaptivity of soft actuators with the imperceptibility of microelectronics, is introduced. Due to their inherent ability to self-assemble, biomimetic microelectronics can firmly yet gently attach to an inorganic or biological tissue enabling enclosure of, for example, nervous fibers, or guide the growth of neuronal cells during regeneration.

High‐Performance Magnetic Sensorics for Printable and Flexible Electronics

High-performance giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensorics are realized, which are printed at predefined locations on flexible circuitry. Remarkably, the printed magnetosensors remain fully operational over the complete consumer temperature range and reveal a giant magnetoresistance up to 37% and a sensitivity of 0.93 T(-1) at 130 mT. With these specifications, printed magnetoelectronics can be controlled using flexible active electronics for the realization of smart packaging and energy-efficient switches.

Self‐Assembled On‐Chip‐Integrated Giant Magneto‐Impedance Sensorics

A novel method relying on strain engineering to realize arrays of on-chip-integrated giant magneto-impedance (GMI) sensors equipped with pick-up coils is put forth. The geometrical transformation of an initially planar layout into a tubular 3D architecture stabilizes favorable azimuthal magnetic domain patterns. This work creates a solid foundation for further development of CMOS compatible GMI sensorics for magnetoencephalography.

High-Performance Three-Dimensional Tubular Nanomembrane Sensor for DNA Detection

We report an ultrasensitive label-free DNA biosensor with fully on-chip integrated rolled-up nanomembrane electrodes. The hybridization of complementary DNA strands (avian influenza virus subtype H1N1) is selectively detected down to attomolar concentrations, an unprecedented level for miniaturized sensors without amplification. Impedimetric DNA detection with such a rolled-up biosensor shows 4 orders of magnitude sensitivity improvement over its planar counterpart. Furthermore, it is observed that the impedance response of the proposed device is contrary to the expected behavior due to its particular geometry. To further investigate this difference, a thorough model analysis of the measured signal and the electric field calculation is performed, revealing enhanced electron hopping/tunneling along the DNA chains due to an enriched electric field inside the tube. Likewise, conformational changes of DNA might also contribute to this effect. Accordingly, these highly integrated three-dimensional sensors provide a tool to study electrical properties of DNA under versatile experimental conditions and open a new avenue for novel biosensing applications (i.e., for protein, enzyme detection, or monitoring of cell behavior under in vivo like conditions).

Magnetosensitive e-skins with directional perception for augmented reality

We demonstrate magnetosensitive e-skins for magnetic cognition, body position tracking, and touchless object manipulation. Electronic skins equipped with artificial receptors are able to extend our perception beyond the modalities that have naturally evolved. These synthetic receptors offer complimentary information on our surroundings and endow us with novel means of manipulating physical or even virtual objects. We realize highly compliant magnetosensitive skins with directional perception that enable magnetic cognition, body position tracking, and touchless object manipulation. Transfer printing of eight high-performance spin valve sensors arranged into two Wheatstone bridges onto 1.7-μm-thick polyimide foils ensures mechanical imperceptibility. This resembles a new class of interactive devices extracting information from the surroundings through magnetic tags. We demonstrate this concept in augmented reality systems with virtual knob-turning functions and the operation of virtual dialing pads, based on the interaction with magnetic fields. This technology will enable a cornucopia of applications from navigation, motion tracking in robotics, regenerative medicine, and sports and gaming to interaction in supplemented reality.

Magnetic Suspension Array Technology: Controlled Synthesis and Screening in Microfluidic Networks.

Information tagging and processing are vital in information-intensive applications, e.g., telecommunication and high-throughput drug screening. Magnetic suspension array technology may offer intrinsic advantages to screening applications by enabling high distinguishability, the ease of code generation, and the feasibility of fast code readout, though the practical applicability of magnetic suspension array technology remains hampered by the lack of quality administration of encoded microcarriers. Here, a logic-controlled microfluidic system enabling controlled synthesis of magnetic suspension arrays in multiphase flow networks is realized. The smart and compact system offers a practical solution for the quality administration and screening of encoded magnetic microcarriers and addresses the universal need of process control for synthesis in microfluidic networks, i.e., on-demand creation of droplet templates for high information capacity. The demonstration of magnetic suspension array technology enabled by magnetic in-flow cytometry opens the avenue toward point-of-care multiplexed bead-based assays, clinical diagnostics, and drug discovery.

Shapeable magnetic sensorics

The flourishing and eagerness of portable consumer electronics necessitates functional elements to be lightweight, flexible, and even wearable, fulfilling the needs of soft robotics, medical implants, imperceptible and transient electronics. Next generation flexible appliances aim to become fully autonomous and will require ultra-thin and flexible navigation modules, body tracking and relative position monitoring systems. Key building blocks of navigation and position tracking devices are the magnetic field sensors.