Microbots swimming in the flowing streams of microfluidic channels.

We describe the motion of self-propelled catalytic Ti/Fe/Pt rolled-up microtubes (microbots) in the microchannels of a microfluidics system. Their motion is precisely controlled by a small magnetic field, and the transport of multiple spherical microparticles into desired locations is achieved. The microbots are powerful enough to propel themselves against flowing streams. The integration of “smart and powerful” microbots into microchip systems can lead to multiple lab-on-a-chip functions such as separation of cells and biosensing.