| The scale-down of robotic systems to micro scales creates challenges with respect to movement. Previously, biomimetic and organic actuators have been employed to move these structures. However, these systems are limited by construction technology and control. The coupling of microorganisms and microrobots to build microbiorobots (MBRs) offers advantages over the use of other actuators. Microorganisms can draw energy from the environment for propulsion and can be engineered with genetic logic for sensing external cues and motility. Previous research utilized the swimming capability of wild-type Serratia marcescens to move an MBR. The next tier of this platform is engineering bacterial motility as a response to environmental signals. This thesis work focused on the development and characterization of an Escherichia coli strain where motility has been engineered to turn on in response to cell to cell signals. |
