Polypyrrole actuator with a bioadhesive surface for accumulating bacteria from physiological media.

A gold/polypyrrole (Au/PPy) bilayer actuator was fabricated by electrochemical deposition, and its surface was modified with a bioadhesive polymer, polydopamine. The actuator exhibited high performances of actuation in physiological media. Furthermore, the surface of the actuator is sticky in water and thus can seize bacteria from their aqueous solutions. Actuation greatly increased the efficiency of adhering bacteria on the actuator surface, and this technique provides a cheap and convenient approach for accumulating bacteria from physiological media.