Red Blood Cell-Based Biological Micromotors Propelled by Spiral Optical Fields

Micromotors play a crucial role in microsystems technology, with applications in nanoparticle propulsion, targeted drug delivery, and biosensing. Optical field propulsion, particularly optical tweezers (OTs), enables precise, noncontact control but traditionally relies on Gaussian traps, which require preprogramming and offer limited rotational control. Here, we introduce a micromotor driven by optical vortex beams, utilizing phase gradients to generate optical torque. This eliminates preprogramming and enables real-time control over rotation and positioning. Using this method, we design red blood cell (RBC)-based micromotors for targeted cellular debris collection in liquid environments. Our findings provide a versatile strategy for micro-/nano-object manipulation with potential applications in biomedicine and precision transport.