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Tiny robots with a big impact: microrobots for single-cell handling

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Re: Tiny robots with a big impact: microrobots for single-cell handling

#11
I have this idea of creating a nano/micro bot of sorts that will replace hair root, and grow hairs using the nutrients (chemical) available in the blood stream or applied topically from time to time.

I know there are more important problems to solve than male pattern baldness, but somehow I think, in my limited understanding, replicating hair follicles should be easier than growing organs in labs.

Re: Tiny robots with a big impact: microrobots for single-cell handling

#12

This is crazy: my initial thought was that the first figure was some kind of diagram, but it is a microscopy photo of the actual physical system they have built! The "micro-robots" are constructed by two-photon polymerization and actuated by laser tweezers grabbing onto "handholds". This avoids the laser heating up the biological specimens. Note: two-photon polymerization is not not the same as what resin 3D printers…

It's really cool but I wonder if it can actually be used on something other than quasi disposable cells. Seems very experimental.
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