Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) have used 3D printing to make shape - changing products that move with the help of magnets . The researchers combined magnetic micro - particles with silica nanoparticles embedded in silicone rubber and infused into 3D - printable ink . The magnetic particles were then continuously controlled by an electromagnet that was integrated into a specially - designed 3D printer , leading to flexible , magnetically - controlled materials . This technique could potentially be used to extract tissue samples , clear samples and prescription drugs , said chief medical engineer Xuanhe Zhao .
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have used 3D printing to make shape-changing products that move with the help of magnets. The team combined magnetic micro-particles with silica nanoparticles embedded in silicone rubber and infused into 3D-printable ink. The magnetic particles were then continuously controlled by an electromagnet that was integrated into a specially-designed 3D printer, leading to flexible, magnetically-controlled materials. This technique could potentially be used to extract tissue samples, clear blockages and deliver drugs, said MIT medical engineer Xuanhe Zhao.