Onion-like Multifunctional Microtrap Vehicles for Attraction-Trapping-Destruction of Biological Threats

Abstract

A multifunctional motile microtrap is developed that is capable of autonomously attracting, trapping, and destroying pathogens by controlled chemoattractant and therapeutic agent release. The onion-inspired multi-layer structure contains a magnesium engine core and inner chemoattractant and therapeutic layers. Upon chemical propulsion, the magnesium core is depleted, resulting in a hollow structure that exposes the inner layers and serves as structural trap. The sequential dissolution and autonomous release of the chemoattractant and killing agents result in long-range chemotactic attraction, trapping, and destruction of motile pathogens. The dissolved chemoattractant (l-serine) significantly increases the accumulation and capture of motile pathogens (E. coli) within the microtrap structure, while the internal release of silver ions (Ag⁺ ) leads to lysis of the pathogen accumulated within the microtrap cavity.

Keywords: chemical signals; chemoattractants; micromotors; multifunctional layers; pathogens.