journal article·2025-09

Host–Guest Interactions Induced Self‐Assembly of Colloidal Micromotors with Regulated Motion Behavior

Zihan Ye, Chengqian Xiong, Fengtong Ji, Dongdong Jin, Yixin Peng, Wenjun Chen, Xing Ma

Small· Volume 21· Issue 37
Publisher page

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, extensive strategies are developed for designing and manufacturing micro‐ and nanomotors. However, the controlled assembly and motion modulation of self‐assembled micromotors via directional interactions remain challenging. While host–guest systems, particularly azobenzene‐β‐cyclodextrin (Azo‐β‐CD) interactions, are well‐established in supramolecular chemistry, their application to structurally guided micromotor assembly and motion control is underexplored. Here, this host–guest chemistry is integrated with established catalytic (Pt/H 2 O 2 ) and magnetic actuation mechanisms to achieve programmable assembly of micromotors with defined architectures. By using Azo‐ and β‐CD‐modified microspheres as host and guest components separately, spatially controlled assembly is demonstrated into structured motors. The motors have dual‐mode propulsion: chemically driven motion via Pt‐catalyzed decomposition of 10 wt.% H 2 O 2 and magnetic field‐directed locomotion. This synergy of supramolecular assembly and established actuation mechanisms advances structural precision in micromotor design, offering a platform for multifunctional systems. The findings bridge supramolecular chemistry and microengineering, providing a framework for applications requiring tailored architectures and multimodal motion, such as targeted drug delivery or environmental sensing.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Micro and Nano Robotics · Molecular Communication and Nanonetworks · Advanced Materials and Mechanics

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials School of Integrated Circuits Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) Shenzhen 518055 China

Wellcome Trust / Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1TN UK

Department of Physiology Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1TN UK

School of Materials Science and Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) Shenzhen 518055 China

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Program · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation

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