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Iacovacci V, Diller E, Ahmed D, Menciassi A. Medical Microrobots. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:561-591. [PMID: 38594937 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-081523-033131] [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] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Scientists around the world have long aimed to produce miniature robots that can be controlled inside the human body to aid doctors in identifying and treating diseases. Such microrobots hold the potential to access hard-to-reach areas of the body through the natural lumina. Wireless access has the potential to overcome drawbacks of systemic therapy, as well as to enable completely new minimally invasive procedures. The aim of this review is fourfold: first, to provide a collection of valuable anatomical and physiological information on the target working environments together with engineering tools for the design of medical microrobots; second, to provide a comprehensive updated survey of the technological state of the art in relevant classes of medical microrobots; third, to analyze currently available tracking and closed-loop control strategies compatible with the in-body environment; and fourth, to explore the challenges still in place, to steer and inspire future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Iacovacci
- Department of Excellence Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; ,
| | - Eric Diller
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Robotics Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel Ahmed
- Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zurich, Rüschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Arianna Menciassi
- Department of Excellence Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; ,
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2
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Wu WS, Yan X, Chen S, Du Y, Hu J, Song Y, Zha Z, Xu YJ, Cao B, Xuan SH, Liu X, Chen B, Dong L, Lu Y, Yu SH. Minimally Invasive Delivery of Percutaneous Ablation Agent via Magnetic Colloidal Hydrogel Injection for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309770. [PMID: 38447017 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Percutaneous thermotherapy, a minimally invasive operational procedure, is employed in the ablation of deep tumor lesions by means of target-delivering heat. Conventional thermal ablation methods, such as radiofrequency or microwave ablation, to a certain extent, are subjected to extended ablation time as well as biosafety risks of unwanted overheating. Given its effectiveness and safety, percutaneous thermotherapy gains a fresh perspective, thanks to magnetic hyperthermia. In this respect, an injectable- and magnetic-hydrogel-construct-based thermal ablation agent is likely to be a candidate for the aforementioned clinical translation. Adopting a simple and environment-friendly strategy, a magnetic colloidal hydrogel injection is introduced by a binary system comprising super-paramagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and gelatin nanoparticles. The colloidal hydrogel constructs, unlike conventional bulk hydrogel, can be easily extruded through a percutaneous needle and then self-heal in a reversible manner owing to the unique electrostatic cross-linking. The introduction of magnetic building blocks is exhibited with a rapid magnetothermal response to an alternating magnetic field. Such hydrogel injection is capable of generating heat without limitation of deep penetration. The materials achieve outstanding therapeutic results in mouse and rabbit models. These findings constitute a new class of locoregional interventional thermal therapies with minimal collateral damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Shu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Xu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Yaxin Du
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Jinlong Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Ultrasonics, Department of Interventional Radiology, Anhui No. 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230041, P. R. China
| | - Yonghong Song
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Zhengbao Zha
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Yun-Jun Xu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Division of Nanomaterials and Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Baoqiang Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Ultrasonics, Department of Interventional Radiology, Anhui No. 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230041, P. R. China
| | - Shou-Hu Xuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Bing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Liang Dong
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Shu-Hong Yu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Division of Nanomaterials and Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
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3
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Liu X, Wang L, Xiang Y, Liao F, Li N, Li J, Wang J, Wu Q, Zhou C, Yang Y, Kou Y, Yang Y, Tang H, Zhou N, Wan C, Yin Z, Yang GZ, Tao G, Zang J. Magnetic soft microfiberbots for robotic embolization. Sci Robot 2024; 9:eadh2479. [PMID: 38381840 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adh2479] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral aneurysms and brain tumors are leading life-threatening diseases worldwide. By deliberately occluding the target lesion to reduce the blood supply, embolization has been widely used clinically to treat cerebral aneurysms and brain tumors. Conventional embolization is usually performed by threading a catheter through blood vessels to the target lesion, which is often limited by the poor steerability of the catheter in complex neurovascular networks, especially in submillimeter regions. Here, we propose magnetic soft microfiberbots with high steerability, reliable maneuverability, and multimodal shape reconfigurability to perform robotic embolization in submillimeter regions via a remote, untethered, and magnetically controllable manner. Magnetic soft microfiberbots were fabricated by thermal drawing magnetic soft composite into microfibers, followed by magnetizing and molding procedures to endow a helical magnetic polarity. By controlling magnetic fields, magnetic soft microfiberbots exhibit reversible elongated/aggregated shape morphing and helical propulsion in flow conditions, allowing for controllable navigation through complex vasculature and robotic embolization in submillimeter regions. We performed in vitro embolization of aneurysm and tumor in neurovascular phantoms and in vivo embolization of a rabbit femoral artery model under real-time fluoroscopy. These studies demonstrate the potential clinical value of our work, paving the way for a robotic embolization scheme in robotic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xurui Liu
- School of Integrated Circuits, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Liu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Science, 15 Beisihuan West Road, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yuanzhuo Xiang
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Fan Liao
- School of Integrated Circuits, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Integrated Circuits, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jiyu Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Qingyang Wu
- School of Integrated Circuits, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- School of Integrated Circuits, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Youzhou Yang
- School of Integrated Circuits, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yuanshi Kou
- School of Integrated Circuits, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yueying Yang
- School of Integrated Circuits, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Hanchuan Tang
- School of Integrated Circuits, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Chidan Wan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zhouping Yin
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
- State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Guang-Zhong Yang
- Institute of Medical Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guangming Tao
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Medical Equipment Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jianfeng Zang
- School of Integrated Circuits, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
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4
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Richter M, Sikorski J, Makushko P, Zabila Y, Venkiteswaran VK, Makarov D, Misra S. Locally Addressable Energy Efficient Actuation of Magnetic Soft Actuator Array Systems. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302077. [PMID: 37330643 PMCID: PMC10460866 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Advances in magnetoresponsive composites and (electro-)magnetic actuators have led to development of magnetic soft machines (MSMs) as building blocks for small-scale robotic devices. Near-field MSMs offer energy efficiency and compactness by bringing the field source and effectors in close proximity. Current challenges of near-field MSM are limited programmability of effector motion, dimensionality, ability to perform collaborative tasks, and structural flexibility. Herein, a new class of near-field MSMs is demonstrated that combines microscale thickness flexible planar coils with magnetoresponsive polymer effectors. Ultrathin manufacturing and magnetic programming of effectors is used to tailor their response to the nonhomogeneous near-field distribution on the coil surface. The MSMs are demonstrated to lift, tilt, pull, or grasp in close proximity to each other. These ultrathin (80 µm) and lightweight (100 gm-2 ) MSMs can operate at high frequency (25 Hz) and low energy consumption (0.5 W), required for the use of MSMs in portable electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Richter
- Surgical Robotics LaboratoryDepartment of Biomechanical EngineeringUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7500 AEThe Netherlands
| | - Jakub Sikorski
- Surgical Robotics LaboratoryDepartment of Biomechanical EngineeringUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7500 AEThe Netherlands
- Surgical Robotics LaboratoryDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Groningen and UniversityMedical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1Groningen9713 GZThe Netherlands
| | - Pavlo Makushko
- Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research, Helmholtz‐Zentrum Dresden‐Rossendorf e.V.Bautzner, Landstraße 40001328DresdenGermany
| | - Yevhen Zabila
- Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research, Helmholtz‐Zentrum Dresden‐Rossendorf e.V.Bautzner, Landstraße 40001328DresdenGermany
- The H. Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of SciencesKrakow31‐342Poland
| | | | - Denys Makarov
- Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research, Helmholtz‐Zentrum Dresden‐Rossendorf e.V.Bautzner, Landstraße 40001328DresdenGermany
| | - Sarthak Misra
- Surgical Robotics LaboratoryDepartment of Biomechanical EngineeringUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7500 AEThe Netherlands
- Surgical Robotics LaboratoryDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Groningen and UniversityMedical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1Groningen9713 GZThe Netherlands
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5
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Tiryaki ME, Elmacıoğlu YG, Sitti M. Magnetic guidewire steering at ultrahigh magnetic fields. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg6438. [PMID: 37126547 PMCID: PMC10132757 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg6438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
With remote magnetic steering capabilities, magnetically actuated guidewires have proven their potential in minimally invasive medical procedures. Existing magnetic steering strategies, however, have been limited to low magnetic fields, which prevents the integration into medical systems operating at ultrahigh fields (UHF), such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. Here, we present magnetic guidewire design and steering strategies by elucidating the magnetic actuation principles of permanent magnets at UHF. By modeling the uniaxial magnetization behavior of permanent magnets, we outline the magnetic torque and force and demonstrate unique magnetic actuation opportunities at UHF, such as in situ remagnetization. Last, we illustrate the proposed steering principles using a magnetic guidewire composed of neodymium magnets and a fiber optic rod in a 7-Tesla preclinical MRI scanner. The developed UHF magnetic actuation framework would enable next-generation magnetic robots to operate inside MRI scanners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Efe Tiryaki
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering ETH, Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yiğit Günsür Elmacıoğlu
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering ETH, Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine and College of Engineering, Koç University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
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6
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Oral CM, Ussia M, Urso M, Salat J, Novobilsky A, Stefanik M, Ruzek D, Pumera M. Radiopaque Nanorobots as Magnetically Navigable Contrast Agents for Localized In Vivo Imaging of the Gastrointestinal Tract. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202682. [PMID: 36502367 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic nanorobots offer wireless navigation capability in hard-to-reach areas of the human body for targeted therapy and diagnosis. Though in vivo imaging is required for guidance of the magnetic nanorobots toward the target areas, most of the imaging techniques are inadequate to reveal the potential locomotion routes. This work proposes the use of radiopaque magnetic nanorobots along with microcomputed tomography (microCT) for localized in vivo imaging applications. The nanorobots consist of a contrast agent, barium sulfate (BaSO4 ), magnetized by the decoration of magnetite (Fe3 O4 ) particles. The magnetic features lead to actuation under rotating magnetic fields and enable precise navigation in a microfluidic channel used to simulate confined spaces of the body. In this channel, the intrinsic radiopacity of the nanorobots also provides the possibility to reveal the internal structures by X-ray contrast. Furthermore, in vitro analysis indicates nontoxicity of the nanorobots. In vivo experiments demonstrate localization of the nanorobots in a specific part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract upon the influence of the magnetic field, indicating the efficient control even in the presence of natural peristaltic movements. The nanorobots reported here highlight that smart nanorobotic contrast agents can improve the current imaging-based diagnosis techniques by providing untethered controllability in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cagatay M Oral
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, Brno, CZ-61200, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Ussia
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, Brno, CZ-61200, Czech Republic
| | - Mario Urso
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, Brno, CZ-61200, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Salat
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, Brno, CZ-62100, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Ceske Budejovice, CZ-37005, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Novobilsky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, Brno, CZ-62100, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Stefanik
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, Brno, CZ-62100, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1665/1, Brno, CZ-61300, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Ruzek
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, Brno, CZ-62100, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Ceske Budejovice, CZ-37005, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 735/5, Brno, CZ-62500, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, Brno, CZ-61200, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, TW-40402, Taiwan
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, CZ-70800, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, KR-03722, Korea
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7
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Richter M, Kaya M, Sikorski J, Abelmann L, Kalpathy Venkiteswaran V, Misra S. Magnetic Soft Helical Manipulators with Local Dipole Interactions for Flexibility and Forces. Soft Robot 2023. [PMID: 36662545 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2022.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetic continuum manipulators (MCMs) are a class of continuum robots that can be actuated without direct contact by an external magnetic field. MCMs operating in confined workspaces, such as those targeting medical applications, require flexible magnetic structures that contain combinations of magnetic components and polymers to navigate long and tortuous paths. In cylindrical MCM designs, a significant trade-off exists between magnetic moment and bending flexibility as the ratio between length and diameter decreases. In this study, we propose a new MCM design framework that enables increasing diameter without compromising on flexibility and magnetic moment. Magnetic soft composite helices constitute bending regions of the MCM and are separated by permanent ring magnets. Local dipole interactions between the permanent magnets can reduce bending stiffness, depending on their size and spacing. For the particular segment geometry presented herein, the local dipole interactions result in a 31% increase in angular deflection of composite helices inside an external magnetic field, compared to helices without local interactions. In addition, we demonstrate fabrication, maneuverability, and example applications of a multisegment MCM in a phantom of the abdominal aorta, such as passing contrast dye and guidewires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Richter
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Mert Kaya
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.,Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, and University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jakub Sikorski
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Leon Abelmann
- KIST Europe Forschugsgesellschaft mbH, Saarbrücken, Germany.,MESA+ Research Institute, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sarthak Misra
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.,Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, and University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
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8
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Self-vectoring electromagnetic soft robots with high operational dimensionality. Nat Commun 2023; 14:182. [PMID: 36635282 PMCID: PMC9837125 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35848-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft robots capable of flexible deformations and agile locomotion similar to biological systems are highly desirable for promising applications, including safe human-robot interactions and biomedical engineering. Their achievable degree of freedom and motional deftness are limited by the actuation modes and controllable dimensions of constituent soft actuators. Here, we report self-vectoring electromagnetic soft robots (SESRs) to offer new operational dimensionality via actively and instantly adjusting and synthesizing the interior electromagnetic vectors (EVs) in every flux actuator sub-domain of the robots. As a result, we can achieve high-dimensional operation with fewer actuators and control signals than other actuation methods. We also demonstrate complex and rapid 3D shape morphing, bioinspired multimodal locomotion, as well as fast switches among different locomotion modes all in passive magnetic fields. The intrinsic fast (re)programmability of SESRs, along with the active and selective actuation through self-vectoring control, significantly increases the operational dimensionality and possibilities for soft robots.
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9
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Xu Z, Xu Q. Collective Behaviors of Magnetic Microparticle Swarms: From Dexterous Tentacles to Reconfigurable Carpets. ACS NANO 2022; 16:13728-13739. [PMID: 35925818 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c05244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microrobot swarms have promising prospects in biomedical applications ranging from targeted cargo delivery to minimally invasive surgery. However, such potential is constrained by the small output force and low efficiency of the current microrobot swarms. To address this challenge, we report a tentacle-like reconfigurable microrobot swarm by programming paramagnetic microparticles into reconfigurable carpets with numerous cilia. This wirelessly controlled microrobot swarm is constructed via a strong gradient magnetic field in combination with a programmable oscillating magnetic field. The gradient magnetic field is supplied by a permanent magnet, which enables fast formation of a microrobot swarm with powerful collective behaviors via cooperative physical structures within the swarm. The oscillating magnetic field is produced by a custom-built electromagnetic coil system, which is adopted as an actuation device for conducting dexterous manipulation via controllable oscillation motion. Using the proposed microrobot swarming strategy, a milligram-level magnetic carpet achieves a millinewton-level output force. By applying different types of magnetic fields, the magnetic carpet accomplishes dexterous manipulation tasks, lesion removal, and controllable drug diffusion with a high-efficiency response in microscale executions. The formation and control mechanisms of the microrobot swarm reported here provide a practical candidate for in vivo biomedical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichen Xu
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Qingsong Xu
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
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10
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Bai Y, Wang H, Xue Y, Pan Y, Kim JT, Ni X, Liu TL, Yang Y, Han M, Huang Y, Rogers JA, Ni X. A dynamically reprogrammable surface with self-evolving shape morphing. Nature 2022; 609:701-708. [PMID: 36131035 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05061-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic shape-morphing soft materials systems are ubiquitous in living organisms; they are also of rapidly increasing relevance to emerging technologies in soft machines1-3, flexible electronics4,5 and smart medicines6. Soft matter equipped with responsive components can switch between designed shapes or structures, but cannot support the types of dynamic morphing capabilities needed to reproduce natural, continuous processes of interest for many applications7-24. Challenges lie in the development of schemes to reprogram target shapes after fabrication, especially when complexities associated with the operating physics and disturbances from the environment can stop the use of deterministic theoretical models to guide inverse design and control strategies25-30. Here we present a mechanical metasurface constructed from a matrix of filamentary metal traces, driven by reprogrammable, distributed Lorentz forces that follow from the passage of electrical currents in the presence of a static magnetic field. The resulting system demonstrates complex, dynamic morphing capabilities with response times within 0.1 second. Implementing an in situ stereo-imaging feedback strategy with a digitally controlled actuation scheme guided by an optimization algorithm yields surfaces that can follow a self-evolving inverse design to morph into a wide range of three-dimensional target shapes with high precision, including an ability to morph against extrinsic or intrinsic perturbations. These concepts support a data-driven approach to the design of dynamic soft matter, with many unique characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Bai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Heling Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. .,Institute of Flexible Electronics Technology of THU Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yeguang Xue
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Yuxin Pan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jin-Tae Kim
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Xinchen Ni
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Tzu-Li Liu
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Yiyuan Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Mengdi Han
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yonggang Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
| | - John A Rogers
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
| | - Xiaoyue Ni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. .,Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. .,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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