The cilia can be viewed as micro-hairs or flexible rods, which can have a typical length between 1 and 30 μm. We conclude that artificial cilia research is very much alive, with some concepts close to industrial implementation, and other developments just starting to open novel scientific opportunities.Ĭilia are slender protrusions of cells, which are ubiquitously present in nature, acting both as actuators and sensors. In addition to in-depth analyses of the current state of knowledge, we provide classifications of the different approaches and quantitative comparisons of the results obtained. We cover all aspects from fabrication approaches, actuation principles, artificial cilia functions – flow generation, particle transport and flow sensing – to applications. We provide a critical review of the progress in artificial cilia research and development as well as an evaluation of its future potential. Other functions that have been explored are anti-biofouling and flow sensing. By actuating the artificial cilia, for example by a magnetic field, an electric field, or pneumatics, microfluidic flow can be generated and particles can be transported. Inspired by nature, scientists have developed artificial cilia mimicking the functions of biological cilia, aiming at application in microfluidic devices like lab-on-chip or organ-on-chip. They fulfill crucial biological functions: motile cilia provide transportation of fluids and cells, and immotile cilia sense shear stress and concentrations of chemical species. Cilia are microscopic hair-like external cell organelles that are ubiquitously present in nature, also within the human body.
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