Switching Between Magnetic or Oxigen Sensory Input for the MC-1 Flagellated Bacteria to be Used for Controlling the Motion of Swarms of Bacterial Microscale Nanorobots

Our previous studies have shown that the flagellated nanomotors combined with the nanometer-sized chain of magnetosomes of a single Magnetotactic Bacterium (MTB) can be used as an effective integrated propulsion and steering system for microscale nanorobots. In this case, magnetotaxis has been exploited to control the swimming direction of the flagellated bacteria. This was done by inducing a directional torque on the chain of magnetosomes embedded in each bacterial cell. This approach allowed us to control swarms of flagellated bacteria of type MC-1 to accomplish relatively complex computer coordinated tasks such as micro-assemblies and drug deliveries, to name but only two examples. But the motion of each cell can also be influenced by other sensory means besides magnetotaxis, and includes chemotaxis, phototaxis, and aerotaxis. Here we show examples of MC-1 flagellated bacteria being controlled by magnetotaxis or aerotaxis. It is then demonstrated that these flagellated bacteria can not only provide an effective propulsion and steering system for future bio-nanorobots but also various sensory means capable of influencing their motions and swarm formations.