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Ren A, Hu J, Qin C, Xia N, Yu M, Xu X, Yang H, Han M, Zhang L, Ma L. Oral administration microrobots for drug delivery. Bioact Mater 2024; 39:163-190. [PMID: 38808156 PMCID: PMC11130999 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.05.005] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral administration is the most simple, noninvasive, convenient treatment. With the increasing demands on the targeted drug delivery, the traditional oral treatment now is facing some challenges: 1) biologics how to implement the oral treatment and ensure the bioavailability is not lower than the subcutaneous injections; 2) How to achieve targeted therapy of some drugs in the gastrointestinal tract? Based on these two issues, drug delivery microrobots have shown great application prospect in oral drug delivery due to their characteristics of flexible locomotion or driven ability. Therefore, this paper summarizes various drug delivery microrobots developed in recent years and divides them into four categories according to different driving modes: magnetic-controlled drug delivery microrobots, anchored drug delivery microrobots, self-propelled drug delivery microrobots and biohybrid drug delivery microrobots. As oral drug delivery microrobots involve disciplines such as materials science, mechanical engineering, medicine, and control systems, this paper begins by introducing the gastrointestinal barriers that oral drug delivery must overcome. Subsequently, it provides an overview of typical materials involved in the design process of oral drug delivery microrobots. To enhance readers' understanding of the working principles and design process of oral drug delivery microrobots, we present a guideline for designing such microrobots. Furthermore, the current development status of various types of oral drug delivery microrobots is reviewed, summarizing their respective advantages and limitations. Finally, considering the significant concerns regarding safety and clinical translation, we discuss the challenges and prospections of clinical translation for various oral drug delivery microrobots presented in this paper, providing corresponding suggestions for addressing some existing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiarui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Changwei Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Neng Xia
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mengfei Yu
- The Affiliated Stomatologic Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Civil Engineering Materials of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of D&A for Metal-Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804 China
| | - Huayong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Min Han
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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2
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Diwakar NM, Yossifon G, Miloh T, Velev OD. Active microparticle propulsion pervasively powered by asymmetric AC field electrophoresis. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 676:817-825. [PMID: 39067217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.07.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Symmetry breaking in an electric field-driven active particle system can be induced by applying a spatially uniform, but temporally non-uniform, alternating current (AC) signal. Regardless of the type of particles exposed to sawtooth AC signals, the unevenly induced polarization of the ionic charge layer leads to a major electrohydrodynamic effect of active propulsion, termed Asymmetric Field Electrophoresis (AFEP). EXPERIMENTS Suspensions containing latex microspheres of three sizes, as well as Janus and metal-coated particles were subjected to sawtooth AC signals of varying voltages, frequencies, and time asymmetries. Particle tracking via microscopy was used to analyze their motility as a function of the key parameters. FINDINGS The particles exhibit field-colinear active propulsion, and the temporal reversal of the AC signal results in a reversal of their direction of motion. The experimental velocity data as a function of field strength, frequency, and signal asymmetry are supported by models of asymmetric ionic concentration-polarization. The direction of particle migration exhibits a size-dependent crossover in the low frequency domain. This enables new approaches for simple and efficient on-chip sorting. Combining AFEP with other AC motility mechanisms, such as induced-charge electrophoresis, allows multiaxial control of particle motion and could enable development of novel AC field-driven active microsystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi M Diwakar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA
| | - Gilad Yossifon
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tel-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Touvia Miloh
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tel-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Orlin D Velev
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA.
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3
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Wang B, Chen Y, Ye Z, Yu H, Chan KF, Xu T, Guo Z, Liu W, Zhang L. Low-Friction Soft Robots for Targeted Bacterial Infection Treatment in Gastrointestinal Tract. CYBORG AND BIONIC SYSTEMS 2024; 5:0138. [PMID: 38975252 PMCID: PMC11223897 DOI: 10.34133/cbsystems.0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Untethered and self-transformable miniature robots are capable of performing reconfigurable deformation and on-demand locomotion, which aid the traversal toward various lumens, and bring revolutionary changes for targeted delivery in gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, the viscous non-Newtonian liquid environment and plicae gastricae obstacles severely hamper high-precision actuation and payload delivery. Here, we developed a low-friction soft robot by assembly of densely arranged cone structures and grafting of hydrophobic monolayers. The magnetic orientation encoded robot can move in multiple modes, with a substantially reduced drag, terrain adaptability, and improved motion velocity across the non-Newtonian liquids. Notably, the robot stiffness can be reversibly controlled with magnetically induced hardening, enabling on-site scratching and destruction of antibiotic-ineradicable polymeric matrix in biofilms with a low-frequency magnetic field. Furthermore, the magnetocaloric effect can be utilized to eradicate the bacteria by magnetocaloric effect under high-frequency alternating field. To verify the potential applications inside the body, the clinical imaging-guided actuation platforms were developed for vision-based control and delivery of the robots. The developed low-friction robots and clinical imaging-guided actuation platforms show their high potential to perform bacterial infection therapy in various lumens inside the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering,
Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yunrui Chen
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering,
Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhicheng Ye
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering,
Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Haidong Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Processing for Non-Ferrous Metals and Featured Materials, School of Resource, Environments and Materials,
Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Kai Fung Chan
- Chow Yuk Ho Technology Centre for Innovative Medicine,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tiantian Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System,
Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhiguang Guo
- 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
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics,
Chinese Academy of Science, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Weimin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics,
Chinese Academy of Science, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
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4
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Li Z, Duan Y, Zhang F, Luan H, Shen WT, Yu Y, Xian N, Guo Z, Zhang E, Yin L, Fang RH, Gao W, Zhang L, Wang J. Biohybrid microrobots regulate colonic cytokines and the epithelium barrier in inflammatory bowel disease. Sci Robot 2024; 9:eadl2007. [PMID: 38924422 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adl2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines have been identified as key contributors to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet conventional treatments often prove inadequate and carry substantial side effects. Here, we present an innovative biohybrid robotic system, termed "algae-MΦNP-robot," for addressing IBD by actively neutralizing colonic cytokine levels. Our approach combines moving green microalgae with macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles (MΦNPs) to efficiently capture proinflammatory cytokines "on the fly." The dynamic algae-MΦNP-robots outperformed static counterparts by enhancing cytokine removal through continuous movement, better distribution, and extended retention in the colon. This system is encapsulated in an oral capsule, which shields it from gastric acidity and ensures functionality upon reaching the targeted disease site. The resulting algae-MΦNP-robot capsule effectively regulated cytokine levels, facilitating the healing of damaged epithelial barriers. It showed markedly improved prevention and treatment efficacy in a mouse model of IBD and demonstrated an excellent biosafety profile. Overall, our biohybrid algae-MΦNP-robot system offers a promising and efficient solution for IBD, addressing cytokine-related inflammation effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxing Li
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yaou Duan
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Fangyu Zhang
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hao Luan
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wei-Ting Shen
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yiyan Yu
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nianfei Xian
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhongyuan Guo
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Edward Zhang
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lu Yin
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ronnie H Fang
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Weiwei Gao
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Liangfang Zhang
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joseph Wang
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Gordón Pidal JM, Moreno-Guzmán M, Montero-Calle A, Valverde A, Pingarrón JM, Campuzano S, Calero M, Barderas R, López MÁ, Escarpa A. Micromotor-based electrochemical immunoassays for reliable determination of amyloid-β (1-42) in Alzheimer's diagnosed clinical samples. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 249:115988. [PMID: 38194814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), in addition to being the most common cause of dementia, is very difficult to diagnose, with the 42-amino acid form of Aβ (Aβ-42) being one of the main biomarkers used for this purpose. Despite the enormous efforts made in recent years, the technologies available to determine Aβ-42 in human samples require sophisticated instrumentation, present high complexity, are sample and time-consuming, and are costly, highlighting the urgent need not only to develop new tools to overcome these limitations but to provide an early detection and treatment window for AD, which is a top-challenge. In recent years, micromotor (MM) technology has proven to add a new dimension to clinical biosensing, enabling ultrasensitive detections in short times and microscale environments. To this end, here an electrochemical immunoassay based on polypyrrole (PPy)/nickel (Ni)/platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) MM is proposed in a pioneering manner for the determination of Aβ-42 in left prefrontal cortex brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and plasma samples from patients with AD. MM combines the high binding capacity of their immunorecognition external layer with self-propulsion through the catalytic generation of oxygen bubbles in the internal layer due to decomposition of hydrogen peroxide as fuel, allowing rapid bio-detection (15 min) of Aβ-42 with excellent selectivity and sensitivity (LOD = 0.06 ng/mL). The application of this disruptive technology to the analysis of just 25 μL of the three types of clinical samples provides values concordant with the clinical values reported, thus confirming the potential of the MM approach to assist in the reliable, simple, fast, and affordable diagnosis of AD by determining Aβ-42.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Gordón Pidal
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.600, Alcalá de Henares, 28802, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Moreno-Guzmán
- Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montero-Calle
- Chronic Disease Programme, UFIEC, Carlos III Health Institute, Majadahonda, Madrid, 28220, Spain
| | - Alejandro Valverde
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Pza. de las Ciencias 2, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - José M Pingarrón
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Pza. de las Ciencias 2, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Susana Campuzano
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Pza. de las Ciencias 2, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Miguel Calero
- Chronic Disease Programme, UFIEC, Carlos III Health Institute, Majadahonda, Madrid, 28220, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Barderas
- Chronic Disease Programme, UFIEC, Carlos III Health Institute, Majadahonda, Madrid, 28220, Spain.
| | - Miguel Ángel López
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.600, Alcalá de Henares, 28802, Madrid, Spain; Chemical Research Institute "Andrés M. Del Rio", University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Escarpa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.600, Alcalá de Henares, 28802, Madrid, Spain; Chemical Research Institute "Andrés M. Del Rio", University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
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Wang Y, Qin B, Gao S, Wang X, Zhang H, Wu Z. Recent advancements in Mg-based micromotors for biomedical and environmental applications. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:11483-11495. [PMID: 38054245 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02339g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic micro/nanomotors have attracted considerable attention due to their promising potential in the field of biomedicine. Despite their great potential, major micromotors require chemical fuels or complex devices to generate external physical fields for propulsion. Therefore, for future practical medical and environmental applications, Mg-based micromotors that exhibit water-powered movement and thus eliminate the need for toxic fuels, and that display optimal biocompatibility and biodegradability, are attracting attention. In this review, we summarized the recent microarchitectural design of Mg-based micromotors for biomedical applications. We also highlight the mechanism for realizing their water-powered motility. Furthermore, recent biomedical and environmental applications of Mg-based micromotors are introduced. We envision that advanced Mg-based micromotors will have a profound impact in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Boyu Qin
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.
| | - Sihan Gao
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Xuanchun Wang
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Hongyue Zhang
- Laboratory for Space Environment and Physical Sciences, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Zhiguang Wu
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
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Mundaca-Uribe R, Askarinam N, Fang RH, Zhang L, Wang J. Towards multifunctional robotic pills. Nat Biomed Eng 2023:10.1038/s41551-023-01090-6. [PMID: 37723325 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01090-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Robotic pills leverage the advantages of oral pharmaceutical formulations-in particular, convenient encapsulation, high loading capacity, ease of manufacturing and high patient compliance-as well as the multifunctionality, increasing miniaturization and sophistication of microrobotic systems. In this Perspective, we provide an overview of major innovations in the development of robotic pills-specifically, oral pills embedded with robotic capabilities based on microneedles, microinjectors, microstirrers or microrockets-summarize current progress and applicational gaps of the technology, and discuss its prospects. We argue that the integration of multiple microrobotic functions within oral delivery systems alongside accurate control of the release characteristics of their payload provides a basis for realizing sophisticated multifunctional robotic pills that operate as closed-loop systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Mundaca-Uribe
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nelly Askarinam
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ronnie H Fang
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Liangfang Zhang
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Joseph Wang
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Cai L, Wang Y, Luo Z, Wang J, Ren H, Zhao Y. Designing self-triggered micro/milli devices for gastrointestinal tract drug delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1415-1425. [PMID: 37817636 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2269092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-triggered micro-/milli-devices (STMDs), which are artificial devices capable of responding to the surrounding environment and transferring external energy into kinetic energy, thus realizing autonomous movement, have come to the forefront as a powerful tool in cargo delivery via gastrointestinal tract. Urgent needs have been raised to overview the development of this area. AREAS COVERED We summarize the advancement of designing STMDs for delivery via gastrointestinal tract. We first give a brief overview on the opportunities and challenges of delivery via gastrointestinal tract involving gastric barriers and intestinal barriers. Then, emphasis is laid on the design and applications of STMDs for delivery via gastrointestinal tract. We focus on their morphological characteristics and function design, expounding their working mechanisms in the complex gastrointestinal tract. EXPERT OPINION Although with much progress in STMDs, there is still a huge gap between laboratory researches and clinical applications due to some limitations including latent digestive burden, sophisticated fabrication, unstable delivery, and so on. We give a discussion on the potential, challenges, and prospects of developing STMDs for delivery via gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Zhiqiang Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Zhang B, Zhu L, Pan H, Cai L. Biocompatible smart micro/nanorobots for active gastrointestinal tract drug delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1427-1441. [PMID: 37840310 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2270915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral delivery is the most commonly used route of drug administration owing to good patient compliance. However, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract contains multiple physiological barriers that limit the absorption efficiency of conventional passive delivery systems resulting in a low drug concentration reaching the diseased sites. Micro/nanorobots can convert energy to self-propulsive force, providing a novel platform to actively overcome GI tract barriers for noninvasive drug delivery and treatment. AREAS COVERED In this review, we first describe the microenvironments and barriers in the different compartments of the GI tract. Afterward, the applications of micro/nanorobots to overcome GI tract barriers for active drug delivery are highlighted and discussed. Finally, we summarize and discuss the challenges and future prospects of micro/nanorobots for further clinical applications. EXPERT OPINION Micro/nanorobots with the ability to autonomously propel themselves and to load, transport, and release payloads on demand are ideal carriers for active oral drug delivery. Although there are many challenges to be addressed, micro/nanorobots have great potential to introduce a new era of drug delivery for precision therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS-HK Joint Lab of Biomaterials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lizhen Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS-HK Joint Lab of Biomaterials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Hong Pan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS-HK Joint Lab of Biomaterials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Lintao Cai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS-HK Joint Lab of Biomaterials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
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Zhang S, Li J, Yan L, You Y, Zhao F, Cheng J, Yang L, Sun Y, Chang Q, Liu R, Li Y. Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) as a Drug Delivery Vehicle for the Transport and Release of Telomerase Inhibitor BIBR 1532. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13111779. [PMID: 37299682 DOI: 10.3390/nano13111779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase is constitutively overexpressed in the majority of human cancers and telomerase inhibition provides a promising broad-spectrum anticancer therapeutic strategy. BIBR 1532 is a well-known synthetic telomerase inhibitor that blocks the enzymatic activity of hTERT, the catalytic subunit of telomerase. However, water insolubility of BIBR 1532 leads to low cellular uptake and inadequate delivery and thus, limits its anti-tumor effects. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is considered as an attractive drug delivery vehicle for improved transport, release and anti-tumor effects of BIBR 1532. Herein, ZIF-8 and BIBR 1532@ZIF-8 were synthesized, respectively, and the physicochemical characterizations confirmed the successful encapsulation of BIBR 1532 in ZIF-8 coupled with an improved stability of BIBR 1532. ZIF-8 could alter the permeability of lysosomal membrane probably by the imidazole ring-dependent protonation. Moreover, ZIF-8 encapsulation facilitated the cellular uptake and release of BIBR 1532 with more accumulation in the nucleus. BIBR 1532 encapsulation with ZIF-8 triggered a more obvious growth inhibition of cancer cells as compared with free BIBR 1532. A more potent inhibition on hTERT mRNA expression, aggravated G0/G1 arrest accompanied with an increased cellular senescence were detected in BIBR 1532@ZIF-8-treated cancer cells. Our work has provided preliminary information on improving the transport, release and efficacy of water-insoluble small molecule drugs by using ZIF-8 as a delivery vehicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210000, China
- CAS Key Lab for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinxia Li
- CAS Key Lab for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liang Yan
- CAS Key Lab for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yue You
- CAS Key Lab for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- CAS Key Lab for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jixing Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Limin Yang
- CAS Key Lab for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanqi Sun
- Department of Prevention and Health Care, Rizhao 276800, China
| | - Qingchao Chang
- CAS Key Lab for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ru Liu
- CAS Key Lab for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunhui Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210000, China
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11
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Mundaca-Uribe R, Holay M, Abbas A, Askarinam N, Sage-Sepulveda JS, Kubiatowicz L, Fang RH, Zhang L, Wang J. A Microstirring Oral Pill for Improving the Glucose-Lowering Effect of Metformin. ACS NANO 2023; 17:9272-9279. [PMID: 37172134 PMCID: PMC10542935 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c00581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia due to persistent insulin resistance, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. Metformin is the most prescribed oral drug for lowering high blood glucose levels in T2DM patients. However, it is poorly absorbed and has low bioavailability. Here, we introduce magnesium-based microstirrers to a metformin-containing pill matrix to enhance the glucose-lowering effect of metformin. The resulting microstirring pill possesses a built-in mixing capability by creating local fluid transport upon interacting with biological fluid to enable fast pill disintegration and drug release along with accelerated metformin delivery. In vivo glucose tolerance testing using a murine model demonstrates that the metformin microstirring pill significantly improves therapeutic efficacy, lowering blood glucose levels after a meal more rapidly compared to a regular metformin pill without active stirring. As a result, the microstirrers allow for dose sparing, providing effective therapeutic efficacy at a lower drug dosage than passive metformin pills. These encouraging results highlight the versatility of this simple yet elegant microstirring pill technology, which enhances drug absorption after gastrointestinal delivery to improve therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Mundaca-Uribe
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Pharmacy, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion 4070043, Chile
| | - Maya Holay
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Amal Abbas
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Nelly Askarinam
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Janna Sofia Sage-Sepulveda
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Luke Kubiatowicz
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Ronnie H Fang
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Liangfang Zhang
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Joseph Wang
- Department of Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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12
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Mayorga-Burrezo P, Mayorga-Martinez CC, Pumera M. Photocatalysis dramatically influences motion of magnetic microrobots: Application to removal of microplastics and dyes. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 643:447-454. [PMID: 37086534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Micromachines gain momentum in the applications for environmental remediation. Magnetic components have been used to functionalize light-responsive micromachines to achieve efficient magnetic microrobots with photodegradation activity for decomposition of environmental pollutants. However, the influence of photocatalyst itself on the trajectory of micromotors in conjunction with magnetic motion was never considered. In this work, light-powered catalysis and transversal rotating magnetic field have been independently and simultaneously applied over Fe3O4@BiVO4 microrobots to investigate the dynamics of their hybrid motion. Light exposure of microrobots results in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which power the microrobots, in addition to magnetic powered motion, and have a strong influence on the magnetic trajectories, resulting in an unexpected alteration of the direction of the motion of the microrobots. We have subsequently applied such magnetic/light powered micromachines for removal of microplastics in cigarette filter residues, one of the major contributors to the microplastic pollution, and dyes via photocatalysis. Such dual orthogonal propulsion modes act independently on the motion of the micromachines; and they also bring additional functionality as photodegradation agents. Hence, the dual magnetic/photocatalytic microrobots shall find a variety of catalytic applications in different fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Mayorga-Burrezo
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Carmen C Mayorga-Martinez
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic; Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, 70800 Ostrava, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Zhu W, Chao Y, Jin Q, Chen L, Shen JJ, Zhu J, Chai Y, Lu P, Yang N, Chen M, Yang Y, Chen Q, Liu Z. Oral Delivery of Therapeutic Antibodies with a Transmucosal Polymeric Carrier. ACS NANO 2023; 17:4373-4386. [PMID: 36802527 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins are playing increasingly important roles in treating numerous types of diseases. However, oral administration of proteins, especially large ones (e.g., antibodies), remains a great challenge due to their difficulties in penetrating intestinal barriers. Herein, fluorocarbon-modified chitosan (FCS) is developed for efficient oral delivery of different therapeutic proteins, in particular large ones such as immune checkpoint blockade antibodies. In our design, therapeutic proteins are mixed with FCS to form nanoparticles, lyophilized with appropriate excipients, and then filled into enteric capsules for oral administration. It has been found that FCS could promote transmucosal delivery of its cargo protein via inducing transitory rearrangement of tight junction associated proteins between intestinal epithelial cells and subsequently release free proteins into blood circulation. It is shown that at a 5-fold dose oral delivery of anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (αPD1) or its combination with anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (αCTLA4) using this method could achieve comparable antitumor therapeutic responses to that achieved by intravenous injection of corresponding free antibodies in various types of tumor models and, more excitingly, result in significantly reduced immune-related adverse events. Our work successfully demonstrates the enhanced oral delivery of antibody drugs to achieve systemic therapeutic responses and may revolutionize the future clinical usage of protein therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yu Chao
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Qiutong Jin
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- InnoBM Pharmaceuticals Co. Itd., Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Linfu Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jing-Jing Shen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jiafei Zhu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yu Chai
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Panhao Lu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Nailin Yang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Muchao Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhuang Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- InnoBM Pharmaceuticals Co. Itd., Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
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14
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Mayorga-Martinez CC, Castoralova M, Zelenka J, Ruml T, Pumera M. Swarming Magnetic Microrobots for Pathogen Isolation from Milk. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205047. [PMID: 36475385 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Bovine mastitis produced by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) causes major problems in milk production due to the staphylococcal enterotoxins produced by this bacterium. These enterotoxins are stable and cannot be eradicated easily by common hygienic procedures once they are formed in dairy products. Here, magnetic microrobots (MagRobots) are developed based on paramagnetic hybrid microstructures loaded with IgG from rabbit serum that can bind and isolate S. aureus from milk in a concentration of 3.42 104 CFU g-1 (allowable minimum level established by the United States Food and Drug Administration, FDA). Protein A, which is present on the cell wall of S. aureus, selectively binds IgG from rabbit serum and loads the bacteria onto the surface of the MagRobots. The selective isolation of S. aureus is confirmed using a mixed suspension of S. aureus and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Moreover, this fuel-free system based on magnetic robots does not affect the natural milk microbiota or add any toxic compound resulting from fuel catalysis. This system can be used to isolate and transport efficiently S. aureus and discriminate it from nontarget bacteria for subsequent identification. Finally, this system can be scaled up for industrial use in food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen C Mayorga-Martinez
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Castoralova
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Zelenka
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Ruml
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, 70800, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
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15
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Liu K, Liu Q, Yang J, Xie C, Wang S, Tong F, Gao J, Liu L, Ye Y, Chen B, Cai X, Liu Z, Li Z, Peng F, Tu Y. Micromotor Based Mini-Tablet for Oral Delivery of Insulin. ACS NANO 2023; 17:300-311. [PMID: 36546656 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to defective insulin secretion or its biological dysfunction. However, frequent subcutaneous injection of insulin often results in discomfort and local tissue infection. Herein, we demonstrate the successful fabrication of a mini-tablet system based on self-propelled micromotors with biocompatibility and biodegradability for oral colon administration of insulin. The insulin layer is first constructed onto the surface of a magnesium based micromotor via electrostatic interactions, followed by a tableting process. The resulting mini-tablets are then coated with esterified starch with colonic degradation capability, thus achieving controlled release of the embedded micromotors in the colon region. In the meantime, autonomous movement of the released micromotors with a speed up to 76.22 μm·s-1 further results in enhanced colonic uptake and absorption of insulin, realizing long-term control of blood glucose for more than 5 h. Our micromotor based mini-tablet system can not only broaden the biomedical applications of emerging self-propelled micromotors but also offer an appealing strategy for oral administration of biomacromolecular drugs represented by insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510275, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
- Experimental Education/Administration Center, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Functional Proteomics of Guangdong Province, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
| | - Qiuyue Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
| | - Jiarong Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
| | - Chen Xie
- Experimental Education/Administration Center, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Functional Proteomics of Guangdong Province, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
| | - Shuanghu Wang
- The Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The People's Hospital of Lishui, Lishui323020, China
| | - Fei Tong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
| | - Junbin Gao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
| | - Lu Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
| | - Yicheng Ye
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
| | - Bin Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
| | - Xiaoying Cai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
| | - Zhendong Liu
- Department of Surgery of Spine and Spinal Cord, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou450003, China
| | - Zeqi Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510275, China
| | - Fei Peng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510275, China
| | - Yingfeng Tu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, China
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16
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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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17
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Zhang F, Li Z, Duan Y, Luan H, Yin L, Guo Z, Chen C, Xu M, Gao W, Fang RH, Zhang L, Wang J. Extremophile-based biohybrid micromotors for biomedical operations in harsh acidic environments. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eade6455. [PMID: 36563149 PMCID: PMC9788783 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade6455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The function of robots in extreme environments is regarded as one of the major challenges facing robotics. Here, we demonstrate that acidophilic microalgae biomotors can maintain their swimming behavior over long periods of time in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, thus enabling them to be applied for gastrointestinal (GI) delivery applications. The biomotors can also be functionalized with a wide range of cargos, ranging from small molecules to nanoparticles, without compromising their ability to self-propel under extreme conditions. Successful GI delivery of model payloads after oral administration of the acidophilic algae motors is confirmed using a murine model. By tuning the surface properties of cargos, it is possible to modulate their precise GI localization. Overall, our findings indicate that multifunctional acidophilic algae-based biomotors offer distinct advantages compared to traditional biohybrid platforms and hold great potential for GI-related biomedical applications.
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18
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Srinivasan SS, Alshareef A, Hwang AV, Kang Z, Kuosmanen J, Ishida K, Jenkins J, Liu S, Madani WAM, Lennerz J, Hayward A, Morimoto J, Fitzgerald N, Langer R, Traverso G. RoboCap: Robotic mucus-clearing capsule for enhanced drug delivery in the gastrointestinal tract. Sci Robot 2022; 7:eabp9066. [PMID: 36170378 PMCID: PMC10034646 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abp9066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Oral drug delivery of proteins is limited by the degradative environment of the gastrointestinal tract and poor absorption, requiring parenteral administration of these drugs. Luminal mucus represents the initial steric and dynamic barrier to absorption. To overcome this barrier, we report the development of the RoboCap, an orally ingestible, robotic drug delivery capsule that locally clears the mucus layer, enhances luminal mixing, and topically deposits the drug payload in the small intestine to enhance drug absorption. RoboCap's mucus-clearing and churning movements are facilitated by an internal motor and by surface features that interact with small intestinal plicae circulares, villi, and mucus. Vancomycin (1.4 kilodaltons of glycopeptide) and insulin (5.8 kilodaltons of peptide) delivery mediated by RoboCap resulted in enhanced bioavailability 20- to 40-fold greater in ex vivo and in vivo swine models when compared with standard oral delivery (P < 0.05). Further, insulin delivery via the RoboCap resulted in therapeutic hypoglycemia, supporting its potential to facilitate oral delivery of drugs that are normally precluded by absorption limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shriya S. Srinivasan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Amro Alshareef
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alexandria V. Hwang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ziliang Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Johannes Kuosmanen
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Keiko Ishida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joshua Jenkins
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sabrina Liu
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Wiam Abdalla Mohammed Madani
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jochen Lennerz
- Departnent of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alison Hayward
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Josh Morimoto
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nina Fitzgerald
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Giovanni Traverso
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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19
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Mayorga-Martinez CC, Zelenka J, Klima K, Mayorga-Burrezo P, Hoang L, Ruml T, Pumera M. Swarming Magnetic Photoactive Microrobots for Dental Implant Biofilm Eradication. ACS NANO 2022; 16:8694-8703. [PMID: 35507525 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Titanium dental implants are a multibillion dollar market in the United States alone. The growth of a bacterial biofilm on a dental implant can cause gingivitis, implant loss, and expensive subsequent care. Herein, we demonstrate the efficient eradication of dental biofilm on titanium dental implants via swarming magnetic microrobots based on ferromagnetic (Fe3O4) and photoactive (BiVO4) materials through polyethylenimine micelles. The ferromagnetic component serves as a propulsion force using a transversal rotating magnetic field while BiVO4 is the photoactive generator of reactive oxygen species to eradicate the biofilm colonies. Such photoactive magnetically powered, precisely navigated microrobots are able to destroy biofilm colonies on titanium implants, demonstrating their use in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen C Mayorga-Martinez
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Zelenka
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Klima
- Department of Stomatology - Maxillofacial Surgery, General Teaching Hospital and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 12808, Czech Republic
| | - Paula Mayorga-Burrezo
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Lan Hoang
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Ruml
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno 616 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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20
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Liu D, Wang T, Lu Y. Untethered Microrobots for Active Drug Delivery: From Rational Design to Clinical Settings. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102253. [PMID: 34767306 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances of untethered microrobots, which navigate the complex regions in vivo for therapeutics, have presented promising multiple applications on future healthcare. Microrobots used for active drug delivery system (DDS) have been demonstrated for advanced targeting distribution, improved delivery efficiency, and reduced systemic side effects. In this review, the therapeutic benefits of active DDS are presented compared to the traditional passive DDS, which illustrate the historical reasons for choosing active DDS. An integrated 5D radar chart analysis model containing the core capabilities of the active DDS is innovatively proposed. It would be a practical tool for measurement and mapping of the field of active delivery, followed by the evolutions and bottlenecks of each technical module. The comprehensive consideration of microrobots before clinical application is also discussed from the aspects of robot ethics, dosage, quality control and stability control in actual production. Gastrointestinal and blood administration, as two major clinical scenes of drug delivery, are discussed in detail as examples of the potential bedside applications of active DDS. Finally, combined with the reported analysis model, the current status and future outlook from the translation prospect to the clinical scenes of microrobots are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis Ministry of Education Department of Chemical Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Ting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis Ministry of Education Department of Chemical Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis Ministry of Education Department of Chemical Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
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