The Chemical Robotics Laboratory was established by Prof. František Štěpánek in 2008 as part of the Chemical Engineering Department at the Institute of Chemical Technology Prague. Our research is focused on the design and synthesis of structured particles and particle systems in two main areas – in “traditional” Particle Technology (granulation, spray drying, crystallization, dissolution) and in the emerging field of Chemical Robotics. Our aim is to conceive microscopic chemical robots that mimic single-cell organisms in that they are capable of autonomous movement, they have the ability to store, chemically process and release molecules on demand, and they can recognize the target by specific adhesion. Unlike living organism, they cannot evolve or self-replicate, but they can be remotely controlled – thus the name “robots”. Find out more about our research interests.

Composition of a chemical robot

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Composition of a Chemical Robot

1st step

Porous or breakable shell with hollow core in size range from hundreds of nanometers up to tens of micrometers

2nd step

Core filled with active substance or other needed medium

3rd step

Encapsulation of inner compartments which are carriers of other active substances

4th step

Incorporation of iron oxide nanoparticles to enable radiofrequency heating

5th step

Modification of the surface of the shell with selective adhesive layer

6th step

An outside stimuli triggers a release mechanism and active substances are spread out into the surrounding environment

Want to join us?

We are always looking for motivated students at all levels – from 1st year undergraduate to PhD’s – to join our lab! Interested candidates, please apply directly to František Štěpánek.