Quantifying Photochemical Propulsion in Light-Powered Janus Micromotors

Key Points

• The central aim is to quantify the propulsion forces generated by light-powered Janus micromotors and understand the mechanisms involved.
• Utilized simulations to reproduce observed trajectories of Janus particles under optical confinement.
• Measured transient propulsion forces and their duration in Janus particles functionalized with long DNA polymers.
• Transient propulsion forces measured between 4.5-6.2 pN, with a peak of 20 pN under optimal conditions.
• Directional motion improved with DNA polymer functionalization, showing reduced rotational diffusion.
• The established framework enhances the understanding of active forces in photocatalytic Janus particles.

Abstract