(333g) Microfluidic Neuromuscular Control of Insect Micro-Air-Vehicles

This work describes the intimate fusion of microsystems and physiology though the implantation of a microfluidic device into living insects. Specifically, we focus on the control of Manduca Sexta moth flight activity using an implanted, low power electrokinetic drug delivery device. This forms one of the critical components in our development of ?Insect-Micro Air Vehicles (I-MAVs)? which aim to fuse nanodevice technology with living systems. The goal of this system is to provide ?on-command? chemically induced immobilization and subsequent reanimation of the otherwise autonomous insect. In this paper, we demonstrate the chemical control over the level of insect locomotor activity by releasing different neurotransmitters (i.e. L-Glutamic Acid, L-Aspartate Acid, Gamma-aminobutyric acid, Betta-Alaine) into wing muscle. We also provide results of our adult survivability data for pupae stage implanted microdevices. Our direct toxin injection experiments will also be presented along with results from comprehensive study of a low power electroactive drug delivery system.