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Wang S, Tian H, Wang Y, Zuo H, Tao C, Liu J, Li P, Yang Y, Kou X, Wang J, Kang W. Ruptured liquid metal microcapsules enabling hybridized silver nanowire networks towards high-performance deformable transparent conductors. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 38477150 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06508a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Extensive studies have been carried out on silver nanowires (AgNWs) in view of their impressive conductivity and highly flexible one-dimensional structure. They are seen as a promising choice for producing deformable transparent conductors. Nonetheless, the widespread adoption of AgNW-based transparent conductors is hindered by critical challenges represented by the significant contact resistance at the nanowire junctions and inadequate interfacial adhesion between the nanowires and the substrate. This study presents a novel solution to tackle the aforementioned challenges by capitalizing on liquid metal microcapsules (LMMs). Upon exposure to acid vapor, the encapsulated LMMs rupture, releasing the fluid LM which then forms a metallic overlay and hybridizes with the underlying Ag network. As a result, a transparent conductive film with greatly enhanced electrical and mechanical properties was obtained. The transparent conductor displays negligible resistance variation even after undergoing chemical stability, adhesion, and bending tests, and ultrasonic treatment. This indicates its outstanding adhesion strength to the substrate and mechanical flexibility. The exceptional electrical properties and robust mechanical stability of the transparent conductor position it as an ideal choice for direct integration into flexible touch panels and wearable strain sensors, as evidenced in this study. By resolving the critical challenges in this field, the proposed strategy establishes a compelling roadmap to navigate the development of high-performance AgNW-based transparent conductors, setting a solid foundation for further advancement in the field of deformable electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Huaisen Tian
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Yawen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China.
| | - Haojie Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China.
| | - Chengliang Tao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Jiawei Liu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Pengyuan Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Yan Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Xu Kou
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Jiangxin Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Wenbin Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China.
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2
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Wang D, Hou Y, Tang J, Liu J, Rao W. Liquid Metal as Energy Conversion Sensitizers: Materials and Applications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2304777. [PMID: 38468447 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Energy can exist in nature in a wide range of forms. Energy conversion refers to the process in which energy is converted from one form to another, and this process will be greatly enhanced by energy conversion sensitizers. Recently, an emerging class of new materials, namely liquid metals (LMs), shows excellent prospects as highly versatile materials. Notably, in terms of energy delivery and conversion, LMs functional materials are chemical responsive, heat-responsive, photo-responsive, magnetic-responsive, microwave-responsive, and medical imaging responsive. All these intrinsic virtues enabled promising applications in energy conversion, which means LMs can act as energy sensitizers for enhancing energy conversion and transport. Herein, first the unique properties of the light, heat, magnetic and microwave converting capacity of gallium-based LMs materials are summarized. Then platforms and applications of LM-based energy conversion sensitizers are highlighted. Finally, some of the potential applications and opportunities of LMs are prospected as energy conversion sensitizers in the future, as well as unresolved challenges. Collectively, it is believed that this review provides a clear perspective for LMs mediated energy conversion, and this topic will help deepen knowledge of the physical chemistry properties of LMs functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, China
| | - Yi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenic Science and Technology, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianbo Tang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jing Liu
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wei Rao
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenic Science and Technology, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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3
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Wang D, Ye J, Bai Y, Yang F, Zhang J, Rao W, Liu J. Liquid Metal Combinatorics toward Materials Discovery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2303533. [PMID: 37417920 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metals and their derivatives provide several opportunities for fundamental and practical exploration worldwide. However, the increasing number of studies and shortage of desirable materials to fulfill different needs also pose serious challenges. Herein, to address this issue, a generalized theoretical frame that is termed as "Liquid Metal Combinatorics" (LMC) is systematically presented, and summarizes promising candidate technical routes toward new generation material discovery. The major categories of LMC are defined, and eight representative methods for manufacturing advanced materials are outlined. It is illustrated that abundant targeted materials can be efficiently designed and fabricated via LMC through deep physical combinations, chemical reactions, or both among the main bodies of liquid metals, surface chemicals, precipitated ions, and other materials. This represents a large class of powerful, reliable, and modular methods for innovating general materials. The achieved combinatorial materials not only maintained the typical characteristics of liquid metals but also displayed distinct tenability. Furthermore, the fabrication strategies, wide extensibility, and pivotal applications of LMC are classified. Finally, by interpreting the developmental trends in the area, a perspective on the LMC is provided, which warrants its promising future for society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jiao Ye
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yunlong Bai
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Rao
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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4
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Ma H, Chen C, Bao J, Zhao Q, Jiang Y, Zhang Z, Tao H, Jiang Y, Geng X, Lu X, Zhu N. Portable Electrochemical Sensor for Micromotor Speed Monitoring. ACS Sens 2023; 8:3804-3811. [PMID: 37708345 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c01253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Autonomous movement promotes practical applications of micromotors. Understanding the moving speeds is a crucial step in micromotor studies. The current analysis method relies on an expensive optical microscope, which is limited to laboratory settings. Herein, we have developed a lightweight (0.15 g), portable (2.0 × 3.5 cm2), and low-cost (approximately $0.26) micromotor sensor (μ-Motor sensor), composed of water-sensitive materials for micromotor speed monitoring. Moving micromotors induce fluid flow, enhancing the evaporation rate of the liquid medium. Consequently, a high correlation between motor speed and water molecule concentration above the moving medium has been established. The μ-Motor sensor enables a real-time readout of the moving speed in various settings, with high accuracy (≥95% in the lab and ≥90% in field studies at a local beach). The μ-Motor sensor opens up a new way for detecting micro/nanomachine movements, illuminating future applications of micro/nanorobotics for diverse scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongting Ma
- School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Chuanrui Chen
- School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Jinhui Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Zhouxiaolong Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Huannuo Tao
- School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Yue Jiang
- School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Xiaodong Geng
- School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Xiaolong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Nan Zhu
- School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
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5
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Voß J, Wittkowski R. Dependence of the acoustic propulsion of nano- and microcones on their orientation and aspect ratio. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12858. [PMID: 37553408 PMCID: PMC10409789 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39231-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research revealed the orientation-dependent propulsion of a cone-shaped colloidal particle that is exposed to a planar traveling ultrasound wave. Here, we extend the previous research by considering nano- and microcones with different aspect ratios and studying how the propulsion of a particle depends on its orientation and aspect ratio. We also study how the orientation-averaged propulsion of a cone-shaped particle, which corresponds to an isotropic ultrasound field, depends on its aspect ratio and identify an aspect ratio of 1/2 where the orientation-averaged propulsion is particularly strong. To make our simulation results easier reusable for follow-up research, we provide a corresponding simple analytic representation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Voß
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Raphael Wittkowski
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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6
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Wang B, Handschuh-Wang S, Shen J, Zhou X, Guo Z, Liu W, Pumera M, Zhang L. Small-Scale Robotics with Tailored Wettability. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2205732. [PMID: 36113864 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202205732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Small-scale robots (SSRs) have emerged as promising and versatile tools in various biomedical, sensing, decontamination, and manipulation applications, as they are uniquely capable of performing tasks at small length scales. With the miniaturization of robots from the macroscale to millimeter-, micrometer-, and nanometer-scales, the viscous and surface forces, namely adhesive forces and surface tension have become dominant. These forces significantly impact motion efficiency. Surface engineering of robots with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functionalization presents a brand-new pathway to overcome motion resistance and enhance the ability to target and regulate robots for various tasks. This review focuses on the current progress and future perspectives of SSRs with hydrophilic and hydrophobic modifications (including both tethered and untethered robots). The study emphasizes the distinct advantages of SSRs, such as improved maneuverability and reduced drag forces, and outlines their potential applications. With continued innovation, rational surface engineering is expected to endow SSRs with exceptional mobility and functionality, which can broaden their applications, enhance their penetration depth, reduce surface fouling, and inhibit bacterial adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Stephan Handschuh-Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Spine Surgery, Department of Spine Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Xuechang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhiguang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Centre for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Weimin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Martin Pumera
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno, 61200, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, 70800, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong, 999077, China
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7
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Chen Y, Chen X, Zhu Z, Sun M, Li S, Gan M, Tang SY, Li W, Zhang S, Sun L, Li X. 3D actuation of foam-core liquid metal droplets. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:1293-1299. [PMID: 36524440 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01349e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Precise manipulation of liquid metal (LM) droplets possesses the potential to enable a wide range of applications in reconfigurable electronics, robotics, and microelectromechanical systems. Although a variety of methods have been explored to actuate LM droplets on a 2D plane, versatile 3D manipulation remains a challenge due to the difficulty in overcoming their heavy weight. Here, foam-core liquid metal (FCLM) droplets that can maintain the surface properties of LM while significantly reducing the density are developed, enabling 3D manipulation in an electrolyte. The FCLM droplet is fabricated by coating LM on the surface of a copper-grafted foam sphere. The actuation of the FCLM droplet is realized by electrically inducing Marangoni flow on the LM surface. Two motion modes of the FCLM droplet are observed and studied and the actuation performance is characterized. Multiple FCLM droplets can be readily controlled to form 3D structures, demonstrating their potential to be further developed to form collaborative robots for enabling wider applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Xuanhan Chen
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Zhenhong Zhu
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Mingyuan Sun
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Shen Li
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Minfeng Gan
- Department of Orthopedic, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Shi-Yang Tang
- Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Weihua Li
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Lining Sun
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Xiangpeng Li
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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Wang S, Zhang Y, Wang J, Ren D, Yu Z. Electrically driven heartbeat effect of gallium-based liquid metal on a ratchet. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1094482. [PMID: 36714632 PMCID: PMC9877452 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1094482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The realization of the liquid metal heartbeat effect shows better controllability under non-periodic stimuli than spontaneous oscillation or periodic stimuli. However, adjusting the liquid metal heartbeat performance, drop spreading area, and frequency, solely by the magnitude of the voltage, has great limitations. Here, we demonstrate that the eGaIn drop can beat inside graphite ring electrodes under DC voltage in alkaline solutions on ratchet substrates. These sawtooth structures provide asymmetric textures which influence liquid metal deformation during the beating of the heart. We achieved heartbeat frequencies from 2.7 to 4.8 Hz, a 100% increase in the tunable frequency range compared to that on a flat surface. The oxidative spreading of the eGaIn drop on the ratchet substrate shows that the drop penetrates into the grooves of the sawtooth structure. Moreover, we investigated the physical mechanisms affecting the eGaIn heartbeat frequency and the influence on the spreading area of the eGaIn drop at various sawtooth sizes and orientations. These findings not only enhance our understanding of droplet manipulation on sawtooth-structured surfaces but also facilitate the design of microfluidic pump systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shutong Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China,College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiuyang Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dongmei Ren
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Zhenwei Yu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China,Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Zhenwei Yu,
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9
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Wang Y, Shen J, Handschuh-Wang S, Qiu M, Du S, Wang B. Microrobots for Targeted Delivery and Therapy in Digestive System. ACS NANO 2023; 17:27-50. [PMID: 36534488 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Untethered miniature robots enable targeted delivery and therapy deep inside the gastrointestinal tract in a minimally invasive manner. By combining actuation systems and imaging tools, significant progress has been made toward the development of functional microrobots. These robots can be actuated by external fields and fuels while featuring real-time tracking feedback toward certain regions and can perform the therapeutic process by rational exertion of the local environment of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., pH, enzyme). Compared with conventional surgical tools, such as endoscopic devices and catheters, miniature robots feature minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment, multifunctionality, high safety and adaptivity, embodied intelligence, and easy access to tortuous and narrow lumens. In addition, the active motion of microrobots enhances local penetration and retention of drugs in tissues compared to common passive oral drug delivery. Based on the dissimilar microenvironments in the various sections of the gastrointestinal tract, this review introduces the advances of miniature robots for minimally invasive targeted delivery and therapy of diseases along the gastrointestinal tract. The imaging modalities for the tracking and their application scenarios are also discussed. We finally evaluate the challenges and barriers that retard their applications and hint on future research directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518055, P.R. China
| | - Jie Shen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Spine Surgery, Department of Spine Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen518036, P.R. China
| | - Stephan Handschuh-Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518055, P.R. China
| | - Ming Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518111, P.R. China
| | - Shiwei Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518111, P.R. China
| | - Ben Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518055, P.R. China
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10
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Lin Y, Zhang C, Liu C, Ma X, Yang Q, Guan B, Liu Z. Imaging-Navigated Surgery. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1199:87-106. [PMID: 37460728 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9902-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
It is vitally important to guide or navigate therapeutic proceedings with a direct and visual approach in order to carefully undertake precision medical manipulations and efficiently evaluate the treatments. Imaging-navigated surgery is one of the common and prevailing technologies to realize this target, and more importantly it merges visualized medicine into next-generation theranostic paradigms in modern medicine. Endoscopes, surgical robots, and nanorobots are three major domains in terms of imaging-navigated surgery. The history of endoscopy has seen upgraded developments since the early 1800s. In contrast, surgical robots have been widely used and investigated in recent years, and they came into clinical uses only in the past decades. Nanorobots which closely depend on innovated and multifunctional biomaterials are still in their infancy. All these imaging-navigated technologies show similar and apparent advantages such as minimal invasiveness, minimized pain, positive prognosis, and relatively expected recovery, which have greatly improved surgery efficiency and patients' life quality. Therefore, the imaging-navigated surgery will be discussed in this chapter, and advanced clinical and preclinical medical applications will also be demonstrated for a diverse readers and comprehensive understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yandai Lin
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyong Ma
- Division of Academic & Cultural Activities, Academic Divisions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Binggang Guan
- Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
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11
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Abstract
Micro-/nanorobots (MNRs) can be autonomously propelled on demand in complex biological environments and thus may bring revolutionary changes to biomedicines. Fluorescence has been widely used in real-time imaging, chemo-/biosensing, and photo-(chemo-) therapy. The integration of MNRs with fluorescence generates fluorescent MNRs with unique advantages of optical trackability, on-the-fly environmental sensitivity, and targeting chemo-/photon-induced cytotoxicity. This review provides an up-to-date overview of fluorescent MNRs. After the highlighted elucidation about MNRs of various propulsion mechanisms and the introductory information on fluorescence with emphasis on the fluorescent mechanisms and materials, we systematically illustrate the design and preparation strategies to integrate MNRs with fluorescent substances and their biomedical applications in imaging-guided drug delivery, intelligent on-the-fly sensing and photo-(chemo-) therapy. In the end, we summarize the main challenges and provide an outlook on the future directions of fluorescent MNRs. This work is expected to attract and inspire researchers from different communities to advance the creation and practical application of fluorescent MNRs on a broad horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Xia Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
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12
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Voß J, Wittkowski R. Acoustic Propulsion of Nano- and Microcones: Dependence on the Viscosity of the Surrounding Fluid. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:10736-10748. [PMID: 35998334 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This article investigates how the acoustic propulsion of cone-shaped colloidal particles that are exposed to a traveling ultrasound wave depends on the viscosity of the fluid surrounding the particles. Using acoustofluidic computer simulations, we found that the propulsion of such nano- and microcones decreases strongly and even changes sign for increasing shear viscosity. In contrast, we found only a weak dependence of the propulsion on the bulk viscosity. The obtained results are in line with the findings of previous theoretical and experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Voß
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Raphael Wittkowski
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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13
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Wang L, Lai R, Zhang L, Zeng M, Fu L. Emerging Liquid Metal Biomaterials: From Design to Application. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201956. [PMID: 35545821 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metals (LMs) as emerging biomaterials possess unique advantages including their favorable biosafety, high fluidity, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivities, thus providing a unique platform for a wide range of biomedical applications ranging from drug delivery, tumor therapy, and bioimaging to biosensors. The structural design and functionalization of LMs endow them with enhanced functions such as enhanced targeting ability and stimuli responsiveness, enabling them to achieve better and even multifunctional synergistic therapeutic effects. Herein, the advantages of LMs in biomedicine are presented. The design of LM-based biomaterials with different scales ranging from micro-/nanoscale to macroscale and various components is explored in-depth to promote the understanding of structure-property relationships, guiding their performance optimization and applications. Furthermore, the related advanced progress in the development of LM-based biomaterials in biomedicine is summarized. Current challenges and prospects of LMs in the biomedical field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Runze Lai
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lichen Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Mengqi Zeng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lei Fu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 410013, China
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14
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Li J, He X, Jiang H, Xing Y, Fu B, Hu C. Enhanced and Robust Directional Propulsion of Light-Activated Janus Micromotors by Magnetic Spinning and the Magnus Effect. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:36027-36037. [PMID: 35916408 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c08464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Advances in the versatile design and synthesis of nanomaterials have imparted diverse functionalities to Janus micromotors as autonomous vehicles. However, a significant challenge remains in maneuvering Janus micromotors by following desired trajectories for on-demand motility and intelligent control due to the inherent rotational Brownian motion. Here, we present the enhanced and robust directional propulsion of light-activated Fe3O4@TiO2/Pt Janus micromotors by magnetic spinning and the Magnus effect. Once exposed to a low-intensity rotating magnetic field, the micromotors become physically actuated, and their rotational Brownian diffusion is quenched by the magnetic rotation. Photocatalytic propulsion can be triggered by unidirectional irradiation based on a self-electrophoretic mechanism. Thus, a transverse Magnus force can be generated due to the rotational motion and ballistic motion (photocatalytic propulsion) of the micromotors. Both the self-electrophoretic propulsion and the Magnus force are periodically changed due to the magnetic rotation, which results in an overall directed motion moving toward a trajectory with a deflection angle from the direction of incident light with enhanced speed, maneuverability, and steering robustness. Our study illustrates the admirable directional motion capabilities of light-driven Janus micromotors based on magnetic spinning and the Magnus effect, which unfolds a new paradigm for addressing the limitations of directionality control in the current asymmetric micromotors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjie Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaoli He
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huaide Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi Xing
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bi Fu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chengzhi Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human-Augmentation and Rehabilitation Robotics in Universities, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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15
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Wang Z, Mu Y, Lyu D, Wu M, Li J, Wang Z, Wang Y. Engineering Shapes of Active Colloids for Tunable Dynamics. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2022.101608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Cong Z, Tang S, Xie L, Yang M, Li Y, Lu D, Li J, Yang Q, Chen Q, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Wu S. Magnetic-Powered Janus Cell Robots Loaded with Oncolytic Adenovirus for Active and Targeted Virotherapy of Bladder Cancer. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201042. [PMID: 35452560 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A unique robotic medical platform is designed by utilizing cell robots as the active "Trojan horse" of oncolytic adenovirus (OA), capable of tumor-selective binding and killing. The OA-loaded cell robots are fabricated by entirely modifying OA-infected 293T cells with cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid tripeptide (cRGD) to specifically bind with bladder cancer cells, followed by asymmetric immobilization of Fe3 O4 nanoparticles (NPs) on the cell surface. OA can replicate in host cells and induce cytolysis to release the virus progeny to the surrounding tumor sites for sustainable infection and oncolysis. The asymmetric coating of magnetic NPs bestows the cell robots with effective movement in various media and wireless manipulation with directional migration in a microfluidic device and bladder mold under magnetic control, further enabling steerable movement and prolonged retention of cell robots in the mouse bladder. The biorecognition of cRGD and robust, controllable propulsion of cell robots work synergistically to greatly enhance their tissue penetration and anticancer efficacy in the 3D cancer spheroid and orthotopic mouse bladder tumor model. Overall, this study integrates cell-based microrobots with virotherapy to generate an attractive robotic system with tumor specificity, expanding the operation scope of cell robots in biomedical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqing Cong
- Institute of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research Institute, Luohu Hospital Group, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Songsong Tang
- Institute of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research Institute, Luohu Hospital Group, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Leiming Xie
- Institute of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research Institute, Luohu Hospital Group, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Ming Yang
- Institute of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research Institute, Luohu Hospital Group, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Institute of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research Institute, Luohu Hospital Group, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Dongdong Lu
- Institute of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research Institute, Luohu Hospital Group, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Jiahong Li
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Qingxin Yang
- Institute of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research Institute, Luohu Hospital Group, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Qiwei Chen
- Institute of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research Institute, Luohu Hospital Group, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Institute of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research Institute, Luohu Hospital Group, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Xueji Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Song Wu
- Institute of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research Institute, Luohu Hospital Group, Shenzhen, 518000, P. R. China
- South China Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, P. R. China
- Teaching Center of Shenzhen Luohu Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
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17
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Piskunen P, Huusela M, Linko V. Nanoswimmers Based on Capped Janus Nanospheres. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15134442. [PMID: 35806570 PMCID: PMC9267829 DOI: 10.3390/ma15134442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nanoswimmers are synthetic nanoscale objects that convert the available surrounding free energy to a directed motion. For example, bacteria with various flagella types serve as textbook examples of the minuscule swimmers found in nature. Along these lines, a plethora of artificial hybrid and non-hybrid nanoswimmers have been introduced, and they could find many uses, e.g., for targeted drug delivery systems (TDDSs) and controlled drug treatments. Here, we discuss a certain class of nanoparticles, i.e., functional, capped Janus nanospheres that can be employed as nanoswimmers, their subclasses and properties, as well as their various implementations. A brief outlook is given on different fabrication and synthesis methods, as well as on the diverse compositions used to prepare nanoswimmers, with a focus on the particle types and materials suitable for biomedical applications. Several recent studies have shown remarkable success in achieving temporally and spatially controlled drug delivery in vitro using Janus-particle-based TDDSs. We believe that this review will serve as a concise introductory synopsis for the interested readers. Therefore, we hope that it will deepen the general understanding of nanoparticle behavior in biological matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petteri Piskunen
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 00076 Aalto, Finland; (P.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Martina Huusela
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 00076 Aalto, Finland; (P.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Veikko Linko
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 00076 Aalto, Finland; (P.P.); (M.H.)
- LIBER Center of Excellence, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 00076 Aalto, Finland
- Correspondence:
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18
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Boymelgreen A, Schiffbauer J, Khusid B, Yossifon G. Synthetic electrically driven colloids: a platform for understanding collective behavior in soft matter. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2022.101603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Wang D, Mukhtar A, Humayun M, Wu K, Du Z, Wang S, Zhang Y. A Critical Review on Nanowire-Motors: Design, Mechanism and Applications. CHEM REC 2022; 22:e202200016. [PMID: 35616156 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Nanowire-motors (NW-Ms) are promoting the rapid development of emerging biomedicine and environmental governance, and are an important branch of micro-nano motors in the development of nanotechnology. In recent years, huge research breakthroughs have been made in these fields in terms of the fascinating microstructure, conversion efficiency and practical applications of NW-Ms. This review article introduces the latest milestones in NW-Ms research, from production methods, driving mechanisms, control methods to targeted drug delivery, sewage detection, sensors and cell capture. The dynamics and physics of micro-nano devices are reviewed, and finally the current challenges and future research directions in this field are discussed. This review further aims to provide certain guidance for the driving of NW-Ms to meet the urgent needs of emerging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dashuang Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Aiman Mukhtar
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, International Research Institute for Steel Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Steels, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
| | - Muhammad Humayun
- School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Engineering Research Center for Functional Ceramics of the Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Kaiming Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, International Research Institute for Steel Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Steels, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
| | - Zhilan Du
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Shushen Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, International Research Institute for Steel Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Steels, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
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20
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Responsive Liquid Metal Droplets: From Bulk to Nano. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12081289. [PMID: 35457997 PMCID: PMC9026530 DOI: 10.3390/nano12081289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Droplets exist widely in nature and play an extremely important role in a broad variety of industrial processes. Typical droplets, including water and oil droplets, have received extensive attention and research, however their single properties still cannot meet diverse needs. Fortunately, liquid metal droplets emerging in recent years possess outstanding properties, including large surface tension, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, convenient chemical processing, easy transition between liquid and solid phase state, and large-scale deformability, etc. More interestingly, liquid metal droplets with unique features can respond to external factors, including the electronic field, magnetic field, acoustic field, chemical field, temperature, and light, exhibiting extraordinary intelligent response characteristics. Their development over the past decade has brought substantial breakthroughs and progress. To better promote the advancement of this field, the present article is devoted to systematically summarizing and analyzing the recent fundamental progress of responsive liquid metal droplets, not only involving droplet characteristics and preparation methods, but also focusing on their diverse response behaviors and mechanisms. On this basis, the challenges and prospects related to the following development of liquid metal droplets are also proposed. In the future, responsive liquid metal droplets with a rapid development trend are expected to play a key role in soft robots, biomedicine, smart matter, and a variety of other fields.
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21
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Surface Roughening of Pt-Polystyrene Spherical Janus Micromotors for Enhanced Motion Speed. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13040555. [PMID: 35457860 PMCID: PMC9029801 DOI: 10.3390/mi13040555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Spherical Janus micromotors (SJMs) have attracted much attention, and their high-speed motion is highly desired due to their various potential applications. However, the conventional template-deposition method often leads to an active Pt coating with a smooth surface, which is unbeneficial to speed enhancement in terms of catalytic reaction. Here, a facile surface roughening method is presented to fabricate the Pt-polystyrene (PS) SJMs with rough Pt surface (or Ptr-PS SJMs) by plasma-etching the PS colloidal monolayer and then depositing Pt. The Ptr-PS SJMs can exhibit directional motion pushed by the Pt in the various H2O2 solutions, and they show much higher motion speeds than the Pt-PS SJMs with smooth Pt surfaces at the same H2O2 concentration. The Pt-pushed motion is related to the locally asymmetric catalytic reaction of the Pt coating on PS. The speed is also associated with the surface roughness of the Pt coating. The Pt film with a rough surface causes enhanced motion speed due to the improvement of reaction catalytic activity. This work presents a new route to enhancing the motor motion speed, which is of significance in designing micromotors with high-speed motion.
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22
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Xu D, Cao J, Liu F, Zou S, Lei W, Wu Y, Liu Y, Shang J, Li RW. Liquid Metal Based Nano-Composites for Printable Stretchable Electronics. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22072516. [PMID: 35408131 PMCID: PMC9002646 DOI: 10.3390/s22072516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metal (LM) has attracted prominent attention for stretchable and elastic electronics applications due to its exceptional fluidity and conductivity at room temperature. Despite progress in this field, a great disparity remains between material fabrication and practical applications on account of the high surface tension and unavoidable oxidation of LM. Here, the composition and nanolization of liquid metal can be envisioned as effective solutions to the processibility-performance dilemma caused by high surface tension. This review aims to summarize the strategies for the fabrication, processing, and application of LM-based nano-composites. The intrinsic mechanism and superiority of the composition method will further extend the capabilities of printable ink. Recent applications of LM-based nano-composites in printing are also provided to guide the large-scale production of stretchable electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinwei Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
- New Materials Institute, Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Fei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Shengbo Zou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Wenjuan Lei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Yuanzhao Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Shang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Run-Wei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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23
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Voß J, Wittkowski R. Orientation-Dependent Propulsion of Triangular Nano- and Microparticles by a Traveling Ultrasound Wave. ACS NANO 2022; 16:3604-3612. [PMID: 35263102 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies on ultrasound-propelled nano- and microparticles have considered only systems in which the particle orientation is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the ultrasound. However, in future applications of these particles, they will typically be able to attain other orientations. Therefore, using direct acoustofluidic simulations, here we study how the propulsion of triangular nano- and microparticles, which are known to have a particularly efficient acoustic propulsion and are therefore promising candidates for future applications, depends on their orientation relative to the propagation direction of a traveling ultrasound wave. Our results reveal that the propulsion of the particles depends strongly on their orientation relative to the direction of wave propagation and that the particles tend to orient perpendicularly to the wave direction. We also address the orientation-averaged translational and angular velocities of the particles, which correspond to the particles' effective propulsion for an isotropic exposure to ultrasound. Our results allow assessment of how free ultrasound-propelled colloidal particles move in three spatial dimensions and thus constitute an important step toward the realization of envisaged future applications of such particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Voß
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Raphael Wittkowski
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
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24
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Wu Z, Wu R, Li X, Wang X, Tang X, Tan K, Wan M, Mao C, Xu X, Jiang H, Li J, Zhou M, Shi D. Multi-Pathway Microenvironment Regulation for Atherosclerosis Therapy Based on Beta-Cyclodextrin/L-Arginine/Au Nanomotors with Dual-Mode Propulsion. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2104120. [PMID: 34918450 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202104120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Most of the current non-pharmacological treatment strategies for atherosclerosis (AS) suffer from poor penetration into the plaque and only aim at a certain factor in its formation process, resulting in limited therapeutic effect. Herein, a kind of nanomotor with dual-mode propulsion is constructed, which is sensitive to higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the AS site and near-infrared (NIR) laser by the covalent binding and self-assembly of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and L-arginine (LA) with immobilization of Au nanoparticles. NIR laser irradiation can be used as a driving force and to ablate inflammatory macrophages through the photothermal effect. The nitric oxide (NO) released by the nanomotors can be used as another driving force and a therapeutic agent to promote endothelial repair in the plaque site. LA can eliminate ROS in the inflammatory site, and β-CD can promote the removal of cholesterol from foam cells. In particular, the two driving modes of nanomotors synergistically promote their aggregation and penetration in the plaque. This kind of nanomotor can regulate the microenvironment of AS in multiple ways, including combination therapy for endothelial repair, lipid clearance, and reducing ROS, which is expected to become a potential non-pharmacological strategy in the treatment of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Rui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xingwen Wang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xueting Tang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Kaiyuan Tan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xingquan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Huiming Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Dongquan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
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25
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Voß J, Wittkowski R. Acoustically propelled nano- and microcones: fast forward and backward motion. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 4:281-293. [PMID: 36132955 PMCID: PMC9417971 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00655j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We focus on cone-shaped nano- and microparticles, which have recently been found to show particularly strong propulsion when they are exposed to a traveling ultrasound wave, and study based on direct acoustofluidic computer simulations how their propulsion depends on the cones' aspect ratio. The simulations reveal that the propulsion velocity and even its sign are very sensitive to the aspect ratio, where short particles move forward whereas elongated particles move backward. Furthermore, we identify a cone shape that allows for a particularly large propulsion speed. Our results contribute to the understanding of the propulsion of ultrasound-propelled colloidal particles, suggest a method for separation and sorting of nano- and microcones concerning their aspect ratio, and provide useful guidance for future experiments and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Voß
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster D-48149 Münster Germany
| | - Raphael Wittkowski
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster D-48149 Münster Germany
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26
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Liu Q, Meng S, Zheng T, Liu Y, Ma X, Feng H. Alkaline-Driven Liquid Metal Janus Micromotor with a Coating Material-Dependent Propulsion Mechanism. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:35897-35904. [PMID: 34296849 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c07288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors have achieved huge progress in driving power divergence and accurate maneuver manipulations in the last two decades. However, there are still several obstacles to the potential biomedical applications, with respect to their biotoxicity and biocompatibility. Gallium- and indium-based liquid metal (LM) alloys are outstanding candidates for solving these issues due to their good biocompatibility and low biotoxicity. Hereby, we fabricate LM Janus micromotors (LMJMs) through ultrasonically dispersing GaInSn LM into microparticles and sputtering different materials as demanded to tune their moving performance. These LMJMs can move in alkaline solution due to the reaction between Ga and NaOH. There are two driving mechanisms when sputtering materials are metallic or nonmetallic. One is self-electrophoresis when sputtering materials are metallic, and the other one is self-diffusiophoresis when sputtering materials are nonmetallic. Our LMJMs can flip between those two modes by varying the deposited materials. The self-electrophoresis-driven LMJMs' moving speed is much faster than the self-diffusiophoresis-driven LMJMs' speed. The reason is that the former occurs galvanic corrosion reaction, while the latter is correlated to chemical corrosion reaction. The switching of the driving mechanism of the LMJMs can be used to fit into different biochemical application scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shuaishuai Meng
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tingting Zheng
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital & Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen-PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Yaming Liu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xing Ma
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huanhuan Feng
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
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27
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Wu J, Ma S, Li M, Hu X, Jiao N, Tung S, Liu L. Enzymatic/Magnetic Hybrid Micromotors for Synergistic Anticancer Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:31514-31526. [PMID: 34213305 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c07593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors (MNMs), which propel by transforming various forms of energy into kinetic energy, have emerged as promising therapeutic nanosystems in biomedical applications. However, most MNMs used for anticancer treatment are only powered by one engine or provide a single therapeutic strategy. Although double-engined micromotors for synergistic anticancer therapy can achieve more flexible movement and efficient treatment efficacy, their design remains challenging. In this study, we used a facile preparation method to develop enzymatic/magnetic micromotors for synergetic cancer treatment via chemotherapy and starvation therapy (ST), and the size of micromotors can be easily regulated during the synthetic process. The enzymatic reaction of glucose oxidase, which served as the chemical engine, led to self-propulsion using glucose as a fuel and ST via a reduction in the energy available to cancer cells. Moreover, the incorporation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a magnetic engine enhanced the kinetic power and provided control over the direction of movement. Inherent pH-responsive drug release behavior was observed owing to the acidic decomposition of drug carriers in the intracellular microenvironment of cancer cells. This system displayed enhanced anticancer efficacy owing to the synergetic therapeutic strategies and increased cellular uptake in a targeted area because of the improved motion behavior provided by the double engines. Therefore, the demonstrated micromotors are promising candidates for anticancer biomedical microsystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengyue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xingyue Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Niandong Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Steve Tung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
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28
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Ahmed S, Perez-Mercader J. Autonomous Low-Reynolds-Number Soft Robots with Structurally Encoded Motion and Their Thermodynamic Efficiency. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:8148-8156. [PMID: 34185996 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c00765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Soft low-Reynolds-number robotics hold the potential to significantly impact numerous fields including drug delivery, sensing, and diagnostics. Realizing this potential is predicated upon the ability to design soft robots tailored to their intended function. In this work, we identify the effect of different geometric and symmetry parameters on the motion of soft, autonomous robots that operate in the low-Reynolds-number regime and use organic fuel. The ability to power low-Reynolds-number soft robots using an organic fuel would provide a new avenue for their potential use in biomedical applications, as is the use of a polymeric biocompatible material as is done here. We introduce a simple and cost-effective 3D-printer-assisted method to fabricate robots of different shapes that is scalable and widely applicable for a variety of materials. The efficiency of chemical energy to mechanical energy conversion is measured in soft low-Reynolds-number robots for the first time, and their mechanism of motion is assessed. Motion is a result of a periodic and oscillatory change in the charge state of the gel. This work lays the groundwork for the structure-function design of soft, chemically operated, and autonomous low-Reynolds-number robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Ahmed
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Origins of Life Initiative, Harvard University, 20 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Juan Perez-Mercader
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Origins of Life Initiative, Harvard University, 20 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, United States
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29
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Zhang X, Fu Q, Duan H, Song J, Yang H. Janus Nanoparticles: From Fabrication to (Bio)Applications. ACS NANO 2021; 15:6147-6191. [PMID: 33739822 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c01146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) refer to the integration of two or more chemically discrepant composites into one structure system. Studies into JNPs have been of significant interest due to their interesting characteristics stemming from their asymmetric structures, which can integrate different functional properties and perform more synergetic functions simultaneously. Herein, we present recent progress of Janus particles, comprehensively detailing fabrication strategies and applications. First, the classification of JNPs is divided into three blocks, consisting of polymeric composites, inorganic composites, and hybrid polymeric/inorganic JNPs composites. Then, the fabrication strategies are alternately summarized, examining self-assembly strategy, phase separation strategy, seed-mediated polymerization, microfluidic preparation strategy, nucleation growth methods, and masking methods. Finally, various intriguing applications of JNPs are presented, including solid surfactants agents, micro/nanomotors, and biomedical applications such as biosensing, controlled drug delivery, bioimaging, cancer therapy, and combined theranostics. Furthermore, challenges and future works in this field are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, P.R. China
| | - Qinrui Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Duan
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457
| | - Jibin Song
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, P.R. China
| | - Huanghao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, P.R. China
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30
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Lin Z, Gao C, Wang D, He Q. Bubble‐Propelled Janus Gallium/Zinc Micromotors for the Active Treatment of Bacterial Infections. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202016260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Lin
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing Harbin Institute of Technology 92 West Dazhi Street Harbin 150080 China
| | - Changyong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing Harbin Institute of Technology 92 West Dazhi Street Harbin 150080 China
| | - Daolin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing Harbin Institute of Technology 92 West Dazhi Street Harbin 150080 China
| | - Qiang He
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing Harbin Institute of Technology 92 West Dazhi Street Harbin 150080 China
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31
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Lin Z, Gao C, Wang D, He Q. Bubble‐Propelled Janus Gallium/Zinc Micromotors for the Active Treatment of Bacterial Infections. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:8750-8754. [PMID: 33481280 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202016260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Lin
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing Harbin Institute of Technology 92 West Dazhi Street Harbin 150080 China
| | - Changyong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing Harbin Institute of Technology 92 West Dazhi Street Harbin 150080 China
| | - Daolin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing Harbin Institute of Technology 92 West Dazhi Street Harbin 150080 China
| | - Qiang He
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing Harbin Institute of Technology 92 West Dazhi Street Harbin 150080 China
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32
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Liu L, Wang D, Rao W. Mini/Micro/Nano Scale Liquid Metal Motors. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:280. [PMID: 33800226 PMCID: PMC8001611 DOI: 10.3390/mi12030280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Swimming motors navigating in complex fluidic environments have received tremendous attention over the last decade. In particular, liquid metal (LM) as a new emerging material has shown considerable potential in furthering the development of swimming motors, due to their unique features such as fluidity, softness, reconfigurability, stimuli responsiveness, and good biocompatibility. LM motors can not only achieve directional motion but also deformation due to their liquid nature, thus providing new and unique capabilities to the field of swimming motors. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent advances of LM motors and compare the difference in LM macro and micromotors from fabrication, propulsion, and application. Here, LM motors below 1 cm, named mini/micro/nano scale liquid metal motors (MLMTs) will be discussed. This work will present physicochemical characteristics of LMs and summarize the state-of-the-art progress in MLMTs. Finally, future outlooks including both opportunities and challenges of mini/micro/nano scale liquid metal motors are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (L.L.); (D.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (L.L.); (D.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Rao
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (L.L.); (D.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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33
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Sun X, Yuan B, Wang H, Fan L, Duan M, Wang X, Guo R, Liu J. Nano‐Biomedicine based on Liquid Metal Particles and Allied Materials. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202000086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xuyang Sun
- Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 P.R. China
- School of Medical Science and Engineering Beihang University Beijing 100191 P.R. China
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering Beihang University Beijing 100191 P.R. China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering School of Medicine Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China
| | - Hongzhang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering School of Medicine Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China
| | - Linlin Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering School of Medicine Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China
| | - Minghui Duan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering School of Medicine Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China
| | - Xuelin Wang
- School of Medical Science and Engineering Beihang University Beijing 100191 P.R. China
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering Beihang University Beijing 100191 P.R. China
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering School of Medicine Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China
| | - Jing Liu
- Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 P.R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering School of Medicine Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China
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34
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Ma B, Xu C, Cui L, Zhao C, Liu H. Magnetic Printing of Liquid Metal for Perceptive Soft Actuators with Embodied Intelligence. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:5574-5582. [PMID: 33472372 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c20418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators with perception capability are essential for robots to intelligently interact with humans and the environment. However, existing perceptive soft actuators require complex integration and coupling between the discrete functional units to achieve autonomy. Here, we report entirely soft actuators with embodied sensing, actuation, and control at the single-unit level. This is achieved by synergistically harnessing the mechanosensing and electrothermal properties of liquid metal (LM) to actuate the thermally responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE). We create multifunctional LM circuits on the LCE surface using a simple and facile methodology based on magnetic printing. The fluidic LM circuit can not only be utilized as a conformable resistive heater but also as a sensory skin to perceive its own deformation. Moreover, the rational design of the LM circuits makes it possible to achieve biomimetic autonomous actuation in response to mechanical stimuli such as pressure or strain. In addition, the intrinsic stretchability of LM allows us to create 3D spring-like actuators via a simple prestretch step, and complex helical motions can be obtained upon mechanical stimulation. This work provides a unique and simple design for autonomous soft robotics with embodied intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Lishan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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35
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Soto F, Karshalev E, Zhang F, Esteban Fernandez de Avila B, Nourhani A, Wang J. Smart Materials for Microrobots. Chem Rev 2021; 122:5365-5403. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Soto
- Department of Nanoengineering, Chemical Engineering Program and Contextual Robotics Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Emil Karshalev
- Department of Nanoengineering, Chemical Engineering Program and Contextual Robotics Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Fangyu Zhang
- Department of Nanoengineering, Chemical Engineering Program and Contextual Robotics Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Berta Esteban Fernandez de Avila
- Department of Nanoengineering, Chemical Engineering Program and Contextual Robotics Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Amir Nourhani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mathematics, Biology, Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Joseph Wang
- Department of Nanoengineering, Chemical Engineering Program and Contextual Robotics Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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36
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Gao C, Wang Y, Ye Z, Lin Z, Ma X, He Q. Biomedical Micro-/Nanomotors: From Overcoming Biological Barriers to In Vivo Imaging. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2000512. [PMID: 32578282 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202000512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Self-propelled micro- and nanomotors (MNMs) have shown great potential for applications in the biomedical field, such as active targeted delivery, detoxification, minimally invasive diagnostics, and nanosurgery, owing to their tiny size, autonomous motion, and navigation capacities. To enter the clinic, biomedical MNMs request the biodegradability of their manufacturing materials, the biocompatibility of chemical fuels or externally physical fields, the capability of overcoming various biological barriers (e.g., biofouling, blood flow, blood-brain barrier, cell membrane), and the in vivo visual positioning for autonomous navigation. Herein, the recent advances of synthetic MNMs in overcoming biological barriers and in vivo motion-tracking imaging techniques are highlighted. The challenges and future research priorities are also addressed. With continued attention and innovation, it is believed that, in the future, biomedical MNMs will pave the way to improve the targeted drug delivery efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining (Shenzhen), Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, No. 9 Duxue Road, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zihan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining (Shenzhen), Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, No. 9 Duxue Road, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhihua Lin
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Xing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining (Shenzhen), Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, No. 9 Duxue Road, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qiang He
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150080, China
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37
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Wang B, Kostarelos K, Nelson BJ, Zhang L. Trends in Micro-/Nanorobotics: Materials Development, Actuation, Localization, and System Integration for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2002047. [PMID: 33617105 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Micro-/nanorobots (m-bots) have attracted significant interest due to their suitability for applications in biomedical engineering and environmental remediation. Particularly, their applications in in vivo diagnosis and intervention have been the focus of extensive research in recent years with various clinical imaging techniques being applied for localization and tracking. The successful integration of well-designed m-bots with surface functionalization, remote actuation systems, and imaging techniques becomes the crucial step toward biomedical applications, especially for the in vivo uses. This review thus addresses four different aspects of biomedical m-bots: design/fabrication, functionalization, actuation, and localization. The biomedical applications of the m-bots in diagnosis, sensing, microsurgery, targeted drug/cell delivery, thrombus ablation, and wound healing are reviewed from these viewpoints. The developed biomedical m-bot systems are comprehensively compared and evaluated based on their characteristics. The current challenges and the directions of future research in this field are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong, China
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Kostas Kostarelos
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bradley J Nelson
- Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, CH-8092, Switzerland
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong, China
- CUHK T Stone Robotics Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong, China
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38
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Liu Y, Zhang W, Wang H. Synthesis and application of core-shell liquid metal particles: a perspective of surface engineering. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2021; 8:56-77. [PMID: 34821290 DOI: 10.1039/d0mh01117g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metal micro/nano particles (LMPs) from gallium and its alloys have attracted tremendous attention in the last decade due to the unique combination of their metallic and fluidic properties at relatively low temperatures. Unfortunately, there is limited success so far in realizing the highly controllable fabrication and functionalization of this emerging material, posing great obstacles to further promoting its fundamental and applied studies. This review aims to explore solutions for the on-demand design and manipulation of LMPs through physicochemically engineering their surface microenvironment, including compositions, structures, and properties, which are featured by the encapsulation of LMPs inside a variety of synthetic shell architectures. These heterophase, core-shell liquid metal composites display adjustable size and structure-property relationships, rendering improved performances in several attractive scenarios including but not limited to soft electronics, nano/biomedicine, catalysis, and energy storage/conversion. Challenges and opportunities regarding this burgeoning field are also disclosed at the end of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
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39
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Study on Electrical Performance of a U-Type Microfluidic Acceleration Switch Using Salt Solution as the Sensitive Electrode. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20247062. [PMID: 33321709 PMCID: PMC7764254 DOI: 10.3390/s20247062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The threshold of microfluidic inertial switch is excessively dependent on the size of the passive valve structure and the gas–liquid surface energy of working liquid. How to achieve high threshold and anti-high overload using liquid with low viscosity and low surface tension is a challenging work. Based on the designed U-type microfluidic inertial switch, the electrical characteristic of salt solution at microscale as well as the threshold and dynamic electrical performance of switch were studied. The VOF and CSD modules in CFD software were employed to analyze the dynamic flow process, and then the air–liquid surface moving displacement curve was compared by the theoretical model. A self-designed acceleration test platform was utilized to measure the static threshold, dynamic threshold, and anti-high overload of the inertial switch. The results show that the U-type microfluidics inertial switch using salt solution as sensitive electrode has better performance in power connection and anti-high overload. In particular, it also has the ability to achieve a range of dynamic threshold by changing the placement of the contact electrode, which can achieve rapid power on and off.
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40
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McNeill JM, Nama N, Braxton JM, Mallouk TE. Wafer-Scale Fabrication of Micro- to Nanoscale Bubble Swimmers and Their Fast Autonomous Propulsion by Ultrasound. ACS NANO 2020; 14:7520-7528. [PMID: 32432850 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c03311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fuel-free, biocompatible swimmers with dimensions smaller than one micrometer have the potential to revolutionize the way we study and manipulate microscopic systems. Sub-micrometer, metallic Janus particles can be propelled rapidly and autonomously by acoustically induced fluid streaming, but their operation at acoustic pressure nodes limits their utility. In contrast, bubble-based microswimmers have an "on board" resonant cavity that enables them to operate far from the source of acoustic power. So far, they have been fabricated by direct writing techniques that limit both their minimum dimensions and the number that can be produced. Consequently, the size scaling of the properties of bubble swimmers has not been explored experimentally. Additionally, 3D autonomous motion has not yet been demonstrated for this type of swimmer. We describe here a method for fabricating bubble swimmers in large numbers (>109) with sizes ranging from 5 μm to 500 nm without direct writing or photolithographic tools. These swimmers follow a previously proposed scaling theory and reveal useful phenomena that enable their propulsion in different modes in the same experiment: with magnetic steering, autonomously in 3D, and in frequency-specific autonomous modes. These interesting behaviors are relevant to possible applications of autonomously moving micro- and nanorobots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M McNeill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Nitesh Nama
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jesse M Braxton
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Thomas E Mallouk
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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41
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Wang D, Gao C, Zhou C, Lin Z, He Q. Leukocyte Membrane-Coated Liquid Metal Nanoswimmers for Actively Targeted Delivery and Synergistic Chemophotothermal Therapy. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2020; 2020:3676954. [PMID: 32676586 PMCID: PMC7333182 DOI: 10.34133/2020/3676954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We report a leukocyte membrane-coated gallium nanoswimmer (LMGNS) capable of ultrasound-propelled motion, antibiofouling, and cancer cell recognition and targeting. The LMGNS consists of a needle-shaped gallium core encapsulating an anticancer drug and a natural leukocyte membrane shell. Under the propulsion of an ultrasound field, LMGNSs could autonomously move in biological media with a speed up to 108.7 μm s-1. The velocity and motion direction of the LMGNSs can be modulated by regulating the frequency and voltage of the applied ultrasound field. Owing to the leukocyte membrane coating, LMGNSs can not only avoid biofouling during the motion in blood but also possess cancer cell recognition capability. These LMGNSs could actively seek, penetrate, and internalize into the cancer cells and achieve enhanced anticancer efficiency by combined photothermal and chemical therapy. Such biofunctionalized liquid metal nanoswimmer presents a new type of multifunctional platform for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daolin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Micro/Nanotechnology Research Centre, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Changyong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Micro/Nanotechnology Research Centre, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Chang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Micro/Nanotechnology Research Centre, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Zhihua Lin
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Micro/Nanotechnology Research Centre, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Qiang He
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Micro/Nanotechnology Research Centre, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150080, China
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