Swimming nanobots developed that can hunt down and destroy bacteria in water

‘A team of researchers have recently designed “two-faced” spherical microbots called Janus meant to rid water of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. The spherical particles were made up of magnesium on one face and alternating layers of gold and iron topped by silver nanoparticles on the other. The magnesium face produced hydrogen bubbles upon contact with water, which then propelled the microbots around contaminated water. On the other hand, the bacteria in contaminated water were expected to stick to the alternating gold and iron face, which would then be killed by the silver nanoparticles.
The researchers examined the microbots in a lab setting and found that Janus particles could propel around the contaminated water for 15 to 20 minutes before the magnesium face was spent. The experts also noted that the spherical microbots were able to trap more than 80 percent of E. coli bacteria. The microbots’ iron content provided it with magnetic properties. Because of this, the microbots could be easily removed from the water using a magnet without leaving behind any potentially dangerous waste.’
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