1
|
Yan J, Gao Z, Shi L, Wang M, Liu X, Li C, Huai Z, Wang C, Zhang L, Wang X, Yan W. Photovoltaic Rotation and Transportation of a Fragile Fluorescent Microrod Toward Assembling a Tunable Light-Source System. ACS NANO 2024; 18:18743-18757. [PMID: 38951720 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c06418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Continuous rotation of a fragile, photosensitive microrod in a safe, flexible way remains challenging in spite of its importance to microelectro-mechanical systems. We propose a photovoltaic strategy to continuously rotate a fragile, fluorescent microrod on a LiNbO3/Fe (LN/Fe) substrate using a continuous wave visible (473 nm) laser beam with an ultralow power (few tens of μW) and a simple structure (Gaussian profile). This strategy does not require the laser spot to cover the entire microrod nor does it result in a sharp temperature rise on the microrod. Both experiments and simulation reveal that the strongest photovoltaic field generated beside the laser spot firmly traps one corner of the microrod and the axisymmetric photovoltaic field exerts an electrostatic torque on the microrod driving it to rotate continuously around the laser spot. The dependence of the rotation rate on the laser power indicates contributions from both deep and shallow photovoltaic centers. This rotation mode, combined with the transportation mode, enables the controllable movement of an individual microrod along any complex trajectory with any specific orientation. The tuning of the end-emitting spectrum and the photothermal cutting of the fluorescent microrod are also realized by properly configuring the laser illumination. By taking a microrod as the emitter and a polystyrene microsphere as the focusing lens, we demonstrate the photovoltaic assembly of a microscale light-source system with both spectrum and divergence-angle tunabilities, which are realized by adjusting the photoexcitation position along the microrod and the geometry relationship in the system, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
- Hebei Engineering Laboratory of Photoelectronic Functional Crystals, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Zuoxuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
- Hebei Engineering Laboratory of Photoelectronic Functional Crystals, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Lihong Shi
- Department of Physics, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Mengtong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
- Hebei Engineering Laboratory of Photoelectronic Functional Crystals, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Xiaohu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
- Hebei Engineering Laboratory of Photoelectronic Functional Crystals, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Chenyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
- Hebei Engineering Laboratory of Photoelectronic Functional Crystals, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Zechao Huai
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
- Hebei Engineering Laboratory of Photoelectronic Functional Crystals, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
- Hebei Engineering Laboratory of Photoelectronic Functional Crystals, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
- Hebei Engineering Laboratory of Photoelectronic Functional Crystals, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
- Hebei Engineering Laboratory of Photoelectronic Functional Crystals, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Wenbo Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
- Hebei Engineering Laboratory of Photoelectronic Functional Crystals, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
He T, Yang Y, Chen XB. Propulsion mechanisms of micro/nanorobots: a review. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:12696-12734. [PMID: 38940742 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01776e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) are intelligent, efficient and promising micro/nanorobots (MNR) that can respond to external stimuli (e.g., chemical energy, temperature, light, pH, ultrasound, magnetic, biosignals, ions) and perform specific tasks. The MNR can adapt to different external stimuli and transform into various functional forms to match different application scenarios. So far, MNR have found extensive application in targeted therapy, drug delivery, tissue engineering, environmental remediation, and other fields. Despite the promise of MNR, there are few reviews that focus on them. To shed new light on the further development of the field, it is necessary to provide an overview of the current state of development of these MNR. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress of MNR in terms of propulsion mechanisms, and points out the pros and cons of different stimulus types. Finally, this paper highlights the current challenges faced by MNR and proposes possible solutions to facilitate the practical application of MNR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao He
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China.
| | - Yonghui Yang
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China.
| | - Xue-Bo Chen
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Serra-Casablancas M, Di Carlo V, Esporrín-Ubieto D, Prado-Morales C, Bakenecker AC, Sánchez S. Catalase-Powered Nanobots for Overcoming the Mucus Barrier. ACS NANO 2024; 18:16701-16714. [PMID: 38885185 PMCID: PMC11223492 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c01760] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Biological barriers present a significant obstacle to treatment, especially when drugs are administered locally to increase their concentrations at the target site while minimizing unintended off-target effects. Among these barriers, mucus presents a challenge, as it serves as a protective layer in the respiratory, urogenital, and gastrointestinal tracts. Its role is to shield the underlying epithelial cells from pathogens and toxic compounds but also impedes the efficient delivery of drugs. Despite the exploration of mucolytic agents to improve drug delivery, overcoming this protective barrier remains a significant hurdle. In our study, we investigate an alternative approach involving the use of catalase-powered nanobots. We use an in vitro model that simulates intestinal mucus secretion to demonstrate the dual functionality of our nanobots. This includes their ability to disrupt mucus, which we confirmed through in vitro and ex vivo validation, as well as their self-propulsion to overcome the mucus barrier, resulting in a 60-fold increase compared with passive nanoparticles. Therefore, our findings highlight the potential utility of catalase-powered nanobots as carriers for therapeutic agents since they could enhance drug delivery efficiency by penetrating the mucus barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Serra-Casablancas
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri i Reixac, 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat
de Barcelona, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Av. de Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valerio Di Carlo
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri i Reixac, 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Esporrín-Ubieto
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri i Reixac, 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Prado-Morales
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri i Reixac, 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat
de Barcelona, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Av. de Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna C. Bakenecker
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri i Reixac, 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri i Reixac, 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució
Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys,
23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Agarwal R, Mohamad A. Gallium-based liquid metals as smart responsive materials: Morphological forms and stimuli characterization. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 329:103183. [PMID: 38788305 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103183] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Gallium-based liquid metals (GaLMs) have garnered monumental attention from the scientific community due to their diverse actuation characteristics. These metals possess remarkable characteristics, including high surface tension, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, phase transformation behaviour, minimal viscosity and vapour pressure, lack of toxicity, and biocompatibility. In addition, GaLMs have melting points that are either lower or near room temperature, making them incredibly beneficial when compared to solid metals since they can be easily deformed. Thus, there has been significant progress in developing multifunctional devices using GaLMs, including bio-devices, flexible and self-healing circuits, and actuators. Despite numerous reports on these liquid metals (LMs), there is an urgent need for consolidated and coherent literature regarding their actuation principles linked to the targeted application. This will ensure that the reader gets the flavour of physics behind the actuation mechanism and how it can be utilized in diverse fields. Moreover, the actuation mechanism has been scattered in the literature, and thus, the primary motive of this review is to provide a one-stop solution for the actuation mechanism and the associated dynamics while directing the readers to specialized literature. Thus, addressing this issue, we thoroughly examine and present a detailed account of the actuation mechanisms of GaLMs while highlighting the science behind them. We also discuss the various morphologies of GaLMs and their crucial physical characteristics which decide their targeted application. Furthermore, we also delve into commonly held beliefs about GaLMs in the literature, such as their toxicity and antibacterial properties, to offer readers a more accurate understanding. Finally, we have explored several key unanswered aspects of the LM that should be explored in future research. The core strength of this review lies in its simplistic approach in offering a starting point for researchers venturing this innovative field, while we make use of existing literature to develop a comprehensive understanding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Agarwal
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Abdulmajeed Mohamad
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huang Y, Peng F. Micro/nanomotors for neuromodulation. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:11019-11027. [PMID: 38804105 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00008k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Micro-nanomotors (MNMs) are micro/nanoscale intelligent devices with vast potential in the fields of drug delivery, precision medicine, biosensing, and environmental remediation. Their primary advantage lies in their ability to convert various forms of external energy (such as magnetic, ultrasonic, and light energy) into their own propulsive force. Additionally, MNMs offer high controllability and modifiability, enabling them to navigate in the microscopic world. Importantly, recent research has harnessed the unique advantages of MNMs to synergize their capabilities in neuromodulation. This mini-review presents the significant progress and pioneering achievements in the use of MNMs for neuromodulation, with the aim of inspiring readers to explore the broader biomedical applications of these MNMs. Through continuous innovation and diligent exploration, MNMs show promise to have a profound impact on the field of biomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Fei Peng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang W, Fu R, Gao R, Luo L, Wang Z, Xue Y, Sun J, Pan M, Hong M, Qiao L, Qiao W, Mei Q, Wu J, Wang Y, Zhong Y, Liu J, Tong F. H 2S-Powered Nanomotors for Active Therapy of Tumors by Inducing Ferroptosis and Lactate-Pyruvate Axis Disorders. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3994-4008. [PMID: 38736179 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01665] [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: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Disruption of the symbiosis of extra/intratumoral metabolism is a good strategy for treating tumors that shuttle resources from the tumor microenvironment. Here, we report a precision treatment strategy for enhancing pyruvic acid and intratumoral acidosis to destroy tumoral metabolic symbiosis to eliminate tumors; this approach is based on PEGylated gold and lactate oxidase-modified aminated dendritic mesoporous silica with lonidamine and ferrous sulfide loading (PEG-Au@DMSNs/FeS/LND@LOX). In the tumor microenvironment, LOX oxidizes lactic acid to produce pyruvate, which represses tumor cell proliferation by inhibiting histone gene expression and induces ferroptosis by partial histone monoubiquitination. In acidic tumor conditions, the nanoparticles release H2S gas and Fe2+ ions, which can inhibit catalase activity to promote the Fenton reaction of Fe2+, resulting in massive ·OH production and ferroptosis via Fe3+. More interestingly, the combination of H2S and LND (a monocarboxylic acid transporter inhibitor) can cause intracellular acidosis by lactate, and protons overaccumulate in cells. Multiple intracellular acidosis is caused by lactate-pyruvate axis disorders. Moreover, H2S provides motive power to intensify the shuttling of nanoparticles in the tumor region. The findings confirm that this nanomedicine system can enable precise antitumor effects by disrupting extra/intratumoral metabolic symbiosis and inducing ferroptosis and represents a promising active drug delivery system candidate for tumor treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weixin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Renquan Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education and One Health Institute, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Lei Luo
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhongchao Wang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, PR China
| | - Yingli Xue
- Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710000, PR China
| | - Jiahui Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Miaofang Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Lingyan Qiao
- Clinical Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Weiwei Qiao
- Clinical Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Qibing Mei
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Luzhou; Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jianming Wu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Luzhou; Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yini Wang
- Clinical Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Yali Zhong
- Southwest University of Science and Technology, 621000 Mianyang, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education and One Health Institute, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Fei Tong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Luzhou; Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310000 Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shukla AK, Bhandari S, Mitra S, Kim B, Dey KK. Buoyancy-Driven Micro/-Nanomotors: From Fundamentals to Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2308580. [PMID: 38225699 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The progression of self-powered micro/-nanomotors (MNMs) has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, showing applications in various fields such as nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, microfluidics, environmental science, and energy harvesting. Miniaturized MNMs transduce chemical/biochemical energies into mechanical motion for navigating through complex fluidic environments with directional control via external forces fields such as magnetic, photonic, and electric stimuli. Among various propulsion mechanisms, buoyancy-driven MNMs have received noteworthy recognition due to their simplicity, efficiency, and versatility. Buoyancy force-driven motors harness the principles of density variation-mediated force to overcome fluidic resistance to navigate through complex environments. Restricting the propulsion in one direction helps to control directional movement, making it more efficient in isotropic solutions. The changes in pH, ionic strength, chemical concentration, solute gradients, or the presence of specific molecules can influence the motion of buoyancy-driven MNMs as evidenced by earlier reports. This review aims to provide a fundamental and detailed analysis of the current state-of-the-art in buoyancy-driven MNMs, aiming to inspire further research and innovation in this promising field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kumar Shukla
- Laboratory of Soft and Living Materials, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382055, India
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan, Chungnam, 31253, Republic of Korea
| | - Satyapriya Bhandari
- Department of Chemistry, Kandi Raj College, University of Kalyani, Murshidabad, Kandi, West Bengal, 742137, India
| | - Shirsendu Mitra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382007, India
| | - Byungki Kim
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan, Chungnam, 31253, Republic of Korea
- Future Convergence Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan, Chungnam, 31253, Republic of Korea
| | - Krishna Kanti Dey
- Laboratory of Soft and Living Materials, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382055, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gao R, Beladi-Mousavi M, Salinas G, Zhang L, Kuhn A. Synthesis of Multi-Functional Graphene Monolayers via Bipolar Electrochemistry. Chemphyschem 2024:e202400257. [PMID: 38757220 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202400257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Graphene has gained substantial research interest in many fields due to its remarkable properties among many other two-dimensional materials. In this study, we propose a wireless electrochemical approach, bipolar electrochemistry, for the precise modification of single layers of graphene at predefined locations, such as distinct edges or corners, with a variety of metals or polymers, thus enabling the elaboration of multi-functional monolayer graphene sheets. We illustrate the concept e. g. by depositing multiple metals, or platinum and a catalyst-containing porous polymer on the same graphene sheet, but at separate corners. This configuration allows activating chemiluminescence on the polymer spot, and simultaneously generates the driving force for autonomous motion on the Pt side through the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen bubbles. This integration of different chemical features on the same object, exemplified by these proof-of-principle experiments, enhances the functionality of two-dimensional materials, paving the way for the use of these hybrid materials for a variety of applications, ranging from sensing and catalysis to targeted delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruchao Gao
- Henan University, Engineering Research Center for Nanomaterials, 475000, Kaifeng, China
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, 33607, Pessac, France
| | | | - Gerardo Salinas
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, 33607, Pessac, France
| | - Lin Zhang
- Henan University, Engineering Research Center for Nanomaterials, 475000, Kaifeng, China
| | - Alexander Kuhn
- Henan University, Engineering Research Center for Nanomaterials, 475000, Kaifeng, China
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, 33607, Pessac, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Patiño Padial T, Del Grosso E, Gentile S, Baranda Pellejero L, Mestre R, Paffen LJMM, Sánchez S, Ricci F. Synthetic DNA-based Swimmers Driven by Enzyme Catalysis. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12664-12671. [PMID: 38587543 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02094] [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: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Here, we report DNA-based synthetic nanostructures decorated with enzymes (hereafter referred to as DNA-enzyme swimmers) that self-propel by converting the enzymatic substrate to the product in solution. The DNA-enzyme swimmers are obtained from tubular DNA structures that self-assemble spontaneously by the hybridization of DNA tiles. We functionalize these DNA structures with two different enzymes, urease and catalase, and show that they exhibit concentration-dependent movement and enhanced diffusion upon addition of the enzymatic substrate (i.e., urea and H2O2). To demonstrate the programmability of such DNA-based swimmers, we also engineer DNA strands that displace the enzyme from the DNA scaffold, thus acting as molecular "brakes" on the DNA swimmers. These results serve as a first proof of principle for the development of synthetic DNA-based enzyme-powered swimmers that can self-propel in fluids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Patiño Padial
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Erica Del Grosso
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Gentile
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Baranda Pellejero
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Rafael Mestre
- School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS), University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Lars J M M Paffen
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Simó C, Serra-Casablancas M, Hortelao AC, Di Carlo V, Guallar-Garrido S, Plaza-García S, Rabanal RM, Ramos-Cabrer P, Yagüe B, Aguado L, Bardia L, Tosi S, Gómez-Vallejo V, Martín A, Patiño T, Julián E, Colombelli J, Llop J, Sánchez S. Urease-powered nanobots for radionuclide bladder cancer therapy. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:554-564. [PMID: 38225356 PMCID: PMC11026160 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01577-y] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer treatment via intravesical drug administration achieves reasonable survival rates but suffers from low therapeutic efficacy. To address the latter, self-propelled nanoparticles or nanobots have been proposed, taking advantage of their enhanced diffusion and mixing capabilities in urine when compared with conventional drugs or passive nanoparticles. However, the translational capabilities of nanobots in treating bladder cancer are underexplored. Here, we tested radiolabelled mesoporous silica-based urease-powered nanobots in an orthotopic mouse model of bladder cancer. In vivo and ex vivo results demonstrated enhanced nanobot accumulation at the tumour site, with an eightfold increase revealed by positron emission tomography in vivo. Label-free optical contrast based on polarization-dependent scattered light-sheet microscopy of cleared bladders confirmed tumour penetration by nanobots ex vivo. Treating tumour-bearing mice with intravesically administered radio-iodinated nanobots for radionuclide therapy resulted in a tumour size reduction of about 90%, positioning nanobots as efficient delivery nanosystems for bladder cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Simó
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Radiology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Meritxell Serra-Casablancas
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana C Hortelao
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valerio Di Carlo
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Guallar-Garrido
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Plaza-García
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Rosa Maria Rabanal
- Unitat de Patologia Murina i Comparada, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Ramos-Cabrer
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Balbino Yagüe
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Laura Aguado
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Biomarkers of Inflammation, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Lídia Bardia
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sébastien Tosi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty Of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vanessa Gómez-Vallejo
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Abraham Martín
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Biomarkers of Inflammation, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Tania Patiño
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Julián
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julien Colombelli
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jordi Llop
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xu R, Xu Q. A Survey of Recent Developments in Magnetic Microrobots for Micro-/Nano-Manipulation. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:468. [PMID: 38675279 PMCID: PMC11052276 DOI: 10.3390/mi15040468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Magnetically actuated microrobots have become a research hotspot in recent years due to their tiny size, untethered control, and rapid response capability. Moreover, an increasing number of researchers are applying them for micro-/nano-manipulation in the biomedical field. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in magnetic microrobots, focusing on materials, propulsion mechanisms, design strategies, fabrication techniques, and diverse micro-/nano-manipulation applications. The exploration of magnetic materials, biosafety considerations, and propulsion methods serves as a foundation for the diverse designs discussed in this review. The paper delves into the design categories, encompassing helical, surface, ciliary, scaffold, and biohybrid microrobots, with each demonstrating unique capabilities. Furthermore, various fabrication techniques, including direct laser writing, glancing angle deposition, biotemplating synthesis, template-assisted electrochemical deposition, and magnetic self-assembly, are examined owing to their contributions to the realization of magnetic microrobots. The potential impact of magnetic microrobots across multidisciplinary domains is presented through various application areas, such as drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, cell manipulation, and environmental remediation. This review highlights a comprehensive summary of the current challenges, hurdles to overcome, and future directions in magnetic microrobot research across different fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Qingsong Xu
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tang D, Peng X, Wu S, Tang S. Autonomous Nanorobots as Miniaturized Surgeons for Intracellular Applications. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:595. [PMID: 38607129 PMCID: PMC11013175 DOI: 10.3390/nano14070595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Artificial nanorobots have emerged as promising tools for a wide range of biomedical applications, including biosensing, detoxification, and drug delivery. Their unique ability to navigate confined spaces with precise control extends their operational scope to the cellular or subcellular level. By combining tailored surface functionality and propulsion mechanisms, nanorobots demonstrate rapid penetration of cell membranes and efficient internalization, enhancing intracellular delivery capabilities. Moreover, their robust motion within cells enables targeted interactions with intracellular components, such as proteins, molecules, and organelles, leading to superior performance in intracellular biosensing and organelle-targeted cargo delivery. Consequently, nanorobots hold significant potential as miniaturized surgeons capable of directly modulating cellular dynamics and combating metastasis, thereby maximizing therapeutic outcomes for precision therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the propulsion modes of nanorobots and discuss essential factors to harness propulsive energy from the local environment or external power sources, including structure, material, and engine selection. We then discuss key advancements in nanorobot technology for various intracellular applications. Finally, we address important considerations for future nanorobot design to facilitate their translation into clinical practice and unlock their full potential in biomedical research and healthcare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daitian Tang
- Luohu Clinical Institute, School of Medicine, Shantou University, Shantou 515000, China; (D.T.); (X.P.)
| | - Xiqi Peng
- Luohu Clinical Institute, School of Medicine, Shantou University, Shantou 515000, China; (D.T.); (X.P.)
| | - Song Wu
- Luohu Clinical Institute, School of Medicine, Shantou University, Shantou 515000, China; (D.T.); (X.P.)
| | - Songsong Tang
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhou D, Yue H, Chang X, Mo Y, Liu Y, Chang H, Li L. Mimicking Motor Proteins: Wall-Guided Self-Navigation of Microwheels. ACS NANO 2024; 18:8853-8862. [PMID: 38470259 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Untethered micro/nanorobots (MNRs) show great promise in biomedicine. However, high-precision targeted in vivo navigation of MNRs into both deep and tiny microtube networks comes with big challenges because the present medical imaging cannot simultaneously meet the requirements of high resolution, high penetration depth, and high real-time performance. Inspired by intracellular motor proteins that transport cargo along cytoskeletal tracks, this study proposed a microtube inwall-guided targeted self-navigation strategy of magnetic microwheels (μ-wheels) that relies only on interactions with a microtube inwall, compared to conventional techniques that rely on real-time imaging and tracking of MNRs. By presetting the direction of the rotating magnetic field, the μ-wheel realized targeted navigation along the inwall. The propulsion principles behind it are elaborated. The targeted self-navigation of the μ-wheels in three-dimensional microtube networks, a spiral microtube, and an intrahepatic bile duct of a pig was conducted. Lastly, based on the strategy, a practical tumor early detection method was proposed and verified by means of magnetic resonance imaging. The microtube inwall-guided targeted self-navigation strategy reduces the dependence of in vivo targeted navigation of MNRs on the real-time performance of medical imaging technology and greatly contributes to the development of MNRs in biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dekai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-Structures Manufacturing, Harbin Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
| | - Honger Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-Structures Manufacturing, Harbin Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaocong Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-Structures Manufacturing, Harbin Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
| | - Yi Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-Structures Manufacturing, Harbin Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
| | - Ying Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
| | - Hongjie Chang
- Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
| | - Longqiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-Structures Manufacturing, Harbin Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chen S, Prado-Morales C, Sánchez-deAlcázar D, Sánchez S. Enzymatic micro/nanomotors in biomedicine: from single motors to swarms. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:2711-2719. [PMID: 38239179 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02457a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) have evolved from single self-propelled entities to versatile systems capable of performing one or multiple biomedical tasks. When single MNMs self-assemble into coordinated swarms, either under external control or triggered by chemical reactions, they offer advantages that individual MNMs cannot achieve. These benefits include intelligent multitasking and adaptability to changes in the surrounding environment. Here, we provide our perspective on the evolution of MNMs, beginning with the development of enzymatic MNMs since the first theoretical model was proposed in 2005. These enzymatic MNMs hold immense promise in biomedicine due to their advantages in biocompatibility and fuel availability. Subsequently, we introduce the design and application of single motors in biomedicine, followed by the control of MNM swarms and their biomedical applications. In the end, we propose viable solutions for advancing the development of MNM swarms and anticipate valuable insights into the creation of more intelligent and controllable MNM swarms for biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Chen
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carles Prado-Morales
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Daniel Sánchez-deAlcázar
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Psg. Lluís Companys, 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ferreira VRA, Azenha MA. Recent Advances in Light-Driven Semiconductor-Based Micro/Nanomotors: Optimization Strategies and Emerging Applications. Molecules 2024; 29:1154. [PMID: 38474666 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051154] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors represent a burgeoning field of research featuring small devices capable of autonomous movement in liquid environments through catalytic reactions and/or external stimuli. This review delves into recent advancements in light-driven semiconductor-based micro/nanomotors (LDSM), focusing on optimized syntheses, enhanced motion mechanisms, and emerging applications in the environmental and biomedical domains. The survey commences with a theoretical introduction to micromotors and their propulsion mechanisms, followed by an exploration of commonly studied LDSM, emphasizing their advantages. Critical properties affecting propulsion, such as surface features, morphology, and size, are presented alongside discussions on external conditions related to light sources and intensity, which are crucial for optimizing the propulsion speed. Each property is accompanied by a theoretical background and conclusions drawn up to 2018. The review further investigates recent adaptations of LDSM, uncovering underlying mechanisms and associated benefits. A brief discussion is included on potential synergistic effects between different external conditions, aiming to enhance efficiency-a relatively underexplored topic. In conclusion, the review outlines emerging applications in biomedicine and environmental monitoring/remediation resulting from recent LDSM research, highlighting the growing significance of this field. The comprehensive exploration of LDSM advancements provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners seeking to leverage these innovative micro/nanomotors in diverse applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa R A Ferreira
- CIQUP-Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel A Azenha
- CIQUP-Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Khatri N, Kapral R. Clustering of chemically propelled nanomotors in chemically active environments. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2024; 34:033103. [PMID: 38427933 DOI: 10.1063/5.0188624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic nanomotors powered by chemical reactions have been designed to act as vehicles for active cargo transport, drug delivery, and a variety of other uses. Collections of such motors, acting in consort, can self-assemble to form swarms or clusters, providing opportunities for applications on various length scales. While such collective behavior has been studied when the motors move in a chemically inactive fluid environment, when the medium in which they move is a chemical network that supports complex spatial and temporal patterns, through simulation and theoretical analysis we show that collective behavior changes. Spatial patterns in the environment can guide and control motor collective states, and interactions of the motors with their environment can give rise to distinctive spatiotemporal motor patterns. The results are illustrated by studies of the motor dynamics in systems that support Turing patterns and spiral waves. This work is relevant for potential applications that involve many active nanomotors moving in complex chemical or biological environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Narender Khatri
- Chemical Physics Theory Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Raymond Kapral
- Chemical Physics Theory Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhou H, Zhang S, Liu Z, Chi B, Li J, Wang Y. Untethered Microgrippers for Precision Medicine. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305805. [PMID: 37941516 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305805] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Microgrippers, a branch of micro/nanorobots, refer to motile miniaturized machines that are of a size in the range of several to hundreds of micrometers. Compared with tethered grippers or other microscopic diagnostic and surgical equipment, untethered microgrippers play an indispensable role in biomedical applications because of their characteristics such as miniaturized size, dexterous shape tranformation, and controllable motion, which enables the microgrippers to enter hard-to-reach regions to execute specific medical tasks for disease diagnosis and treatment. To date, numerous medical microgrippers are developed, and their potential in cell manipulation, targeted drug delivery, biopsy, and minimally invasive surgery are explored. To achieve controlled locomotion and efficient target-oriented actions, the materials, size, microarchitecture, and morphology of microgrippers shall be deliberately designed. In this review, the authors summarizes the latest progress in untethered micrometer-scale grippers. The working mechanisms of shape-morphing and actuation methods for effective movement are first introduced. Then, the design principle and state-of-the-art fabrication techniques of microgrippers are discussed. Finally, their applications in the precise medicine are highlighted, followed by offering future perspectives for the development of untethered medical microgrippers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huaijuan Zhou
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Shengchang Zhang
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zijian Liu
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Bowen Chi
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Jinhua Li
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yilong Wang
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Patiño T, Llacer-Wintle J, Pujals S, Albertazzi L, Sánchez S. Unveiling protein corona formation around self-propelled enzyme nanomotors by nanoscopy. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:2904-2912. [PMID: 38054755 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr03749e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of nanoparticles with biological media is a topic of general interest for drug delivery systems and among those for active nanoparticles, also called nanomotors. Herein, we report the use of super resolution microscopy, in particular, stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), to characterize the formation of a protein corona around active enzyme-powered nanomotors. First, we characterized the distribution and number of enzymes on nano-sized particles and characterized their motion capabilities. Then, we incubated the nanomotors with fluorescently labelled serum proteins. Interestingly, we observed a significant decrease of protein corona formation (20%) and different composition, which was studied by proteomic analysis. Moreover, motion was not hindered, as nanomotors displayed enhanced diffusion regardless of the protein corona. Elucidating how active particles interact with biological media and maintain their self-propulsion after protein corona formation will pave the way for the use of these systems in complex biological fluids in biomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Patiño
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems. Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Joaquin Llacer-Wintle
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Sílvia Pujals
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Lorenzo Albertazzi
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems. Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fraxedas J, Reguera D, Esplandiu MJ. Collective motion of Nafion-based micromotors in water. Faraday Discuss 2024; 249:424-439. [PMID: 37779462 DOI: 10.1039/d3fd00098b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Ion exchange is one of the most interesting processes occurring at the interface between aqueous solutions and polymers, such as the well-known Nafion. If the exchanged ions have different diffusion coefficients, this interchange generates local electric fields which can be harnessed to drive fluid motion. In this work, we show how it is possible to design and fabricate self-propelling microswimmers based on Nafion, driven by ion-exchange, and fueled by innocuous salts. These Nafion micromotors are made using colloidal lithography by micro/nanostructuring Nafion in the form of asymmetric rods. These microswimmers exhibit fascinating collective motion in water driven by the interplay of their self-generated chemical/electric fields and their capability to pump matter nearby towards the collective motile structure. The pumping activity of the microswimmers induces the formation of growing mobile clusters, whose velocity increases with size. Such dynamic structures are able to trap nearby micro/nano-objects while purifying the liquid, which acts both as the transport media and as fuel. Such phenomenology opens the door to potential applications in water remediation that are currently under development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Fraxedas
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Reguera
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada and Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), Universitat de Barcelona, C/Martí i Franquès 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María José Esplandiu
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Amiri Z, Hasani A, Abedini F, Malek M, Madaah Hosseini HR. Urease-Powered Black TiO 2 Micromotors for Photothermal Therapy of Bladder Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:3019-3030. [PMID: 38217858 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Urease-powered nano/micromotors can move at physiological urea concentrations, making them useful for biomedical applications, such as treating bladder cancer. However, their movement in biological environments is still challenging. Herein, Janus micromotors based on black TiO2 with urease asymmetric catalytic coating were designed to take benefit of the optical properties of black TiO2 under near-infrared light and the movement capability in simulated bladder environments (urea). The black TiO2 microspheres were half-coated with a thin layer of Au, and l-Cysteine was utilized to attach the urease enzyme to the Au surface using its thiol group. Biocatalytic hydrolysis of urea through urease at biologically relevant concentrations provided the driving force for micromotors. A variety of parameters, such as urea fuel concentration, viscosity, and ionic character of the environment, were used to investigate how micromotors moved in different concentrations of urea in water, PBS, NaCl, and urine. The results indicate that micromotors are propelled through ionic self-diffusiophoresis caused by urea enzymatic catalysis. Due to their low toxicity and in vitro anticancer effect, micromotors are effective agents for photothermal therapy, which can help kill bladder cancer cells. These promising results suggest that biocompatible micromotors hold great potential for improving cancer treatment and facilitating diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Amiri
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, P. C. 1458889694 Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Hasani
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, P. C. 1458889694 Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abedini
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Hormozgan, P. C. 7916193145 Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mahrooz Malek
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Imam Khomeini Hospital, P. C. 1416634793 Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Madaah Hosseini
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, P. C. 1458889694 Tehran, Iran
- Institute for Convergence Science and Technology (ICST), Sharif University of Technology, P. C. 1458889694 Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kichatov B, Korshunov A, Sudakov V, Golubkov A, Smovzh D, Sakhapov S, Skirda M. The role of self-diffusiophoresis and reactive force during the propulsion of manganese-based catalytic micromotors. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:1612-1615. [PMID: 38165667 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04689c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The movement of catalytic micromotors is often accompanied by gas generation. Currently, the prevailing view is that bubbles play a significant role in their movement. Analyzing the movements of catalytic manganese-based micromotors in a solution of hydrogen peroxide, we found that the reactive force cannot play a significant role in their movement, and the main mechanism occurs due to self-diffusiophoresis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kichatov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Alexey Korshunov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Vladimir Sudakov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Alexandr Golubkov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Dmitriy Smovzh
- Kutateladze Institute of Thermophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Salavat Sakhapov
- Kutateladze Institute of Thermophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
| | - Mikhail Skirda
- Kutateladze Institute of Thermophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sun J, Wu J, Ju H. Effects of Size and Asymmetry on Catalase-Powered Silica Micro/nanomotors. Chem Asian J 2024; 19:e202300900. [PMID: 37990785 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors that can autonomously move in biological environment are attractive in the fields of biology and biomedicine. The fabrication of enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors normally focuses on constructing Janus structures of micro/nanomaterials, based on the intuition that the Janus coating of enzymes can generate driving force from asymmetric catalytic reactions. Here, in the fabrication of catalase-powered silica micro/nanomotors (C-MNMs), an archetypical model of enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors, we find the silica size rather than asymmetric coating of catalase determines the motion ability of C-MNMs. The effects of size and asymmetry have been investigated by a series of C-MNMs at various sizes (0.5, 2, 5 and 10 μm) and asymmetric levels (full-, half- and most-coated with catalase). The motion performance indicates that 500 nm and 2 μm C-MNMs show obvious increases (varying from 134% to 618%) of diffusion coefficient, but C-MNMs bigger than 5 μm have no self-propulsion behaviour at all, regardless of asymmetric levels. In addition, although asymmetry facilitates enhanced diffusion of C-MNMs, only 2 μm C-MNMs are sensitive to asymmetric level. This work elucidates the primary and secondary roles of size and asymmetry in the preparation of C-MNMs, paving the way to fabricate enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors with high motion performance in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Huangxian Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Robertson B, Schofield J, Kapral R. Microscopic theory of a Janus motor in a non-equilibrium fluid: Surface hydrodynamics and boundary conditions. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:014502. [PMID: 38165093 DOI: 10.1063/5.0185361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a derivation from the first principles of the coupled equations of motion of an active self-diffusiophoretic Janus motor and the hydrodynamic densities of its fluid environment that are nonlinearly displaced from equilibrium. The derivation makes use of time-dependent projection operator techniques defined in terms of slowly varying coarse-grained microscopic densities of the fluid species number, total momentum, and energy. The exact equations of motion are simplified using time scale arguments, resulting in Markovian equations for the Janus motor linear and angular velocities with average forces and torques that depend on the fluid densities. For a large colloid, the fluid equations are separated into bulk and interfacial contributions, and the conditions under which the dynamics of the fluid densities can be accurately represented by bulk hydrodynamic equations subject to boundary conditions on the colloid are determined. We show how the results for boundary conditions based on continuum theory can be obtained from the molecular description and provide Green-Kubo expressions for all transport coefficients, including the diffusiophoretic coupling and the slip coefficient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Robertson
- Chemical Physics Theory Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Jeremy Schofield
- Chemical Physics Theory Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Raymond Kapral
- Chemical Physics Theory Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen B, Sun H, Zhang J, Xu J, Song Z, Zhan G, Bai X, Feng L. Cell-Based Micro/Nano-Robots for Biomedical Applications: A Review. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304607. [PMID: 37653591 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304607] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nano-robots are powerful tools for biomedical applications and are applied in disease diagnosis, tumor imaging, drug delivery, and targeted therapy. Among the various types of micro-robots, cell-based micro-robots exhibit unique properties because of their different cell sources. In combination with various actuation methods, particularly externally propelled methods, cell-based microrobots have enormous potential for biomedical applications. This review introduces recent progress and applications of cell-based micro/nano-robots. Different actuation methods for micro/nano-robots are summarized, and cell-based micro-robots with different cell templates are introduced. Furthermore, the review focuses on the combination of cell-based micro/nano-robots with precise control using different external fields. Potential challenges, further prospects, and clinical translations are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zeyu Song
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guangdong Zhan
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xue Bai
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lin Feng
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhao Y, Yuan M, Yang H, Li J, Ying Y, Li J, Wang W, Wang S. Versatile Multi-Wavelength Light-Responsive Metal-Organic Frameworks Micromotor through Porphyrin Metalation for Water Sterilization. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305189. [PMID: 37667455 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Traditional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based micro/nanomotors (MOFtors) can achieve three-dimensional (3D) motion mainly depending on noble metal (e.g., Pt), toxic fuels (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), and surfactants, or under external magnetic fields. In this study, light-driven MOFtors are constructed based on PCN-224(H) and regulated their photothermal and photochemical properties responding to the light of different wavelengths through porphyrin metalation. The resulting PCN-224(Fe) MOFtors presented a strong 3D motion at a maximum speed of 1234.9 ± 367.5 µm s-1 under visible light due to the various gradient fields by the photothermal and photochemical effects. Such MOFtors exhibit excellent water sterilization performance. Under optimal conditions, the PCN-224(Cu) MOFtors presented the best antibacterial performance of 99.4%, which improved by 23.4% compared to its static counterpart and 43.7% compared to static PCN-224(H). The underlying mechanism demonstrates that metal doping could increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and result in a more positive surface charge under light, which are short-distance effective sterilizing ingredients. Furthermore, the motion of MOFtors appears very important to extend the short-distance effective sterilization and thus synergistically improve the antibacterial performance. This work provides a new idea for preparing and developing light-driven MOFtors with multi-responsive properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, P. R. China
| | - Mengge Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, P. R. China
| | - Haowei Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, P. R. China
| | - Jie Li
- Intelligent Network Research Institute, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, 311100, P. R. China
| | - Yulong Ying
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, P. R. China
| | - Jinhua Li
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Weihao Wang
- Intelligent Network Research Institute, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, 311100, P. R. China
| | - Sheng Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yurdabak Karaca G, Bulbul YE, Oksuz AU. Gold-hyaluranic acid micromotors and cold atmospheric plasma for enhanced drug delivery and therapeutic applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127075. [PMID: 37769768 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127075] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors have emerged as promising platforms for various applications, including drug delivery and controlled release. These tiny machines, built from nanoscale materials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal nanoparticles, or nanowires, can convert different forms of energy into mechanical motion. In the field of medicine, nanomotors offer potential for targeted drug delivery and diagnostic applications, revolutionizing areas such as cancer treatment and lab-on-a-chip devices. One prominent material used in drug delivery is hyaluronic acid (HA), known for its biocompatibility and non-immunogenicity. HA-based drug delivery systems have shown promise in improving the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin (DOX). Additionally, micro/nanomotors controlled by external stimuli enable precise drug delivery to specific areas of the body. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has also emerged as a promising technology for drug delivery, utilizing low-temperature plasma to enhance drug release and bioavailability. CAP offers advantages such as localized delivery and compatibility with various drug types. However, further research is needed to optimize CAP drug delivery systems and understand their mechanisms. In this study, gold-hyaluronic acid (Au-HA) micromotors were synthesized for the first time, utilizing acoustic force for self-motion. The release profile of DOX, a widely used anticancer drug, was investigated in pH-dependent conditions, and the effect of CAP on drug release from the micromotors was examined. Following exposure to the CAP jet for 1 min, the micromotors released approximately 29 μg mL-1 of DOX into the PBS (pH 5), which is significantly higher than the 17 μg mL-1 released without CAP. The research aims to minimize side effects, increase drug loading and release efficiency, and highlight the potential of HA-based micromotors in cancer therapy. This study contributes to the advancement of micro-motor technology and provides insights into the utilization of pH and cold plasma technology for enhancing drug delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Yurdabak Karaca
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Isparta Health Services Vocational School, Suleyman Demirel University, 32260 Isparta, Turkey.
| | - Y Emre Bulbul
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Science, Suleyman Demirel University, 32260 Isparta, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Uygun Oksuz
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Science, Suleyman Demirel University, 32260 Isparta, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang W. Open Questions of Chemically Powered Nano- and Micromotors. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:27185-27197. [PMID: 38063192 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Chemically powered nano- and micromotors are microscopic devices that convert chemical energy into motion. Interest in these motors has grown over the past 20 years because they exhibit interesting collective behaviors and have found potential uses in biomedical and environmental applications. Understanding how these motors operate both individually and collectively and how environments affect their operation is of both fundamental and applied significance. However, there are still significant gaps in our knowledge. This Perspective highlights several open questions regarding the propulsion mechanisms of, interactions among, and impact of confinements on nano- and micromotors driven by self-generated chemical gradients. These questions are based on my own experience as an experimentalist. For each open question, I describe the problem and its significance, analyze the status-quo, identify the bottleneck problem, and propose potential solutions. An underlying theme for these questions is the interplay among reaction kinetics, physicochemical distributions, and fluid flows. Unraveling this interplay requires careful measurements as well as a close collaboration between experimentalists and theoreticians/numerical experts. The interdisciplinary nature of these challenges suggests that their solutions could bring new revelations and opportunities across disciplines such as colloidal sciences, material sciences, soft matter physics, robotics, and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518055
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Saito K, Ichiyanagi K, Fukaya R, Haruki R, Nozawa S, Sasaki D, Arai T, Sasaki YC, McGehee K, Saikawa M, Gao M, Wei Z, Kwaria D, Norikane Y. Visualization of the Dynamics of Photoinduced Crawling Motion of 4-(Methylamino)Azobenzene Crystals via Diffracted X-ray Tracking. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17462. [PMID: 38139291 PMCID: PMC10744157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The photoinduced crawling motion of crystals is a continuous motion that azobenzene molecular crystals exhibit under light irradiation. Such motion enables object manipulation at the microscale with a simple setup of fixed LED light sources. Transportation of nano-/micromaterials using photoinduced crawling motion has recently been reported. However, the details of the motion mechanism have not been revealed so far. Herein, we report visualization of the dynamics of fine particles in 4-(methylamino)azobenzene (4-MAAB) crystals under light irradiation via diffracted X-ray tracking (DXT). Continuously repeated melting and recrystallization of 4-MAAB crystals under light irradiation results in the flow of liquid 4-MAAB. Zinc oxide (ZnO) particles were introduced inside the 4-MAAB crystals to detect diffracted X-rays. The ZnO particles rotate with the flow of liquid 4-MAAB. By using white X-rays with a wide energy width, the rotation of each zinc oxide nanoparticle was detected as the movement of a bright spot in the X-ray diffraction pattern. It was clearly shown that the ZnO particles rotated increasingly as the irradiation light intensity increased. Furthermore, we also found anisotropy in the rotational direction of ZnO particles that occurred during the crawling motion of 4-MAAB crystals. It has become clear that the flow perpendicular to the supporting film of 4-MAAB crystals is enhanced inside the crystal during the crawling motion. DXT provides a unique means to elucidate the mechanism of photoinduced crawling motion of crystals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Saito
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan; (D.K.); (Y.N.)
| | - Kouhei Ichiyanagi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI), 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo 679-5198, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Ryo Fukaya
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Tsukuba 305-0801, Ibaraki, Japan; (R.F.); (R.H.); (S.N.)
| | - Rie Haruki
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Tsukuba 305-0801, Ibaraki, Japan; (R.F.); (R.H.); (S.N.)
| | - Shunsuke Nozawa
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Tsukuba 305-0801, Ibaraki, Japan; (R.F.); (R.H.); (S.N.)
| | - Daisuke Sasaki
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8561, Chiba, Japan (T.A.); (Y.C.S.)
| | - Tatsuya Arai
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8561, Chiba, Japan (T.A.); (Y.C.S.)
| | - Yuji C. Sasaki
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8561, Chiba, Japan (T.A.); (Y.C.S.)
| | - Keegan McGehee
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8571, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Makoto Saikawa
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8571, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Minghao Gao
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8571, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Zhichao Wei
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8571, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Dennis Kwaria
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan; (D.K.); (Y.N.)
| | - Yasuo Norikane
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan; (D.K.); (Y.N.)
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8571, Ibaraki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Liu X, Wang Y, Peng Y, Shi J, Chen W, Wang W, Ma X. Urease-Powered Micromotors with Spatially Selective Distribution of Enzymes for Capturing and Sensing Exosomes. ACS NANO 2023; 17:24343-24354. [PMID: 38038995 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Enzyme-catalyzed micro/nanomotors (MNMs) exhibit tremendous potential for biological isolation and sensing, because of their biocompatibility, versatility, and ready access to biofuel. However, flow field generated by enzyme-catalyzed reactions might significantly hinder performance of surface-linked functional moieties, e.g., the binding interaction between MNMs and target cargos. Herein, we develop enzymatic micromotors with spatially selective distribution of urease to enable the independent operation of various modules and facilitate the capture and sensing of exosomes. When urease is modified into the motors' cavity, the flow field from enzyme catalysis has little effect on the exterior surface of the motors. The active motion and encapsulating urease internally result in enhancement of ∼35% and 18% in binding efficiency of target cargos, e.g., exosomes as an example here, compared to their static counterparts and moving micromotors with urease modified externally, respectively. Once exosomes are trapped, they can be transferred to a clean environment by the motors for Raman signal detection and/or identification using the surface Raman enhancement scattering (SERS) effect of coated gold nanoshell. The biocatalytic micromotors, achieving spatial separation between driving module and function module, offer considerable promise for future design of multifunctional MNMs in biomedicine and diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yixin Peng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jinjin Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenjun Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xing Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kou Y, Liu X, Ma X, Xiang Y, Zang J. Learning-based intelligent trajectory planning for auto navigation of magnetic robots. Front Robot AI 2023; 10:1281362. [PMID: 38149059 PMCID: PMC10750377 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2023.1281362] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Electromagnetically controlled small-scale robots show great potential in precise diagnosis, targeted delivery, and minimally invasive surgery. The automatic navigation of such robots could reduce human intervention, as well as the risk and difficulty of surgery. However, it is challenging to build a precise kinematics model for automatic robotic control because the controlling process is affected by various delays and complex environments. Method: Here, we propose a learning-based intelligent trajectory planning strategy for automatic navigation of magnetic robots without kinematics modeling. The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network is employed to establish a global mapping relationship between the current sequence in the electromagnetic actuation system and the trajectory coordinates. Result: We manually control the robot to move on a curved path 50 times to form the training database to train the LSTM network. The trained LSTM network is validated to output the current sequence for automatically controlling the magnetic robot to move on the same curved path and the tortuous and branched new paths in simulated vascular tracks. Discussion: The proposed trajectory planning strategy is expected to impact the clinical applications of robots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanshi Kou
- Laboratory for Soft intelligent Materials and Devices, School of Integrated Circuit, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xurui Liu
- Laboratory for Soft intelligent Materials and Devices, School of Integrated Circuit, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaotian Ma
- Laboratory for Soft intelligent Materials and Devices, School of Integrated Circuit, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanzhuo Xiang
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Integrated Circuit, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianfeng Zang
- Laboratory for Soft intelligent Materials and Devices, School of Integrated Circuit, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Integrated Circuit, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Song YR, Song ZW, Wu JK, Li ZY, Gu XF, Wang C, Wang L, Liang JG. Focus on the performance enhancement of micro/nanomotor-based biosensors. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 241:115686. [PMID: 37729810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) emerge as a vital candidate for biosensing due to its nano-size structure, high surface-to-area ratio, directional mobility, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization, therefore being able to detect objects with high efficiency, precision, and selectivity. The driving mode, nanostructure, materials property, preparation technique, and biosensing applications have been thoroughly discussed in publications. To promote the MNMs-based biosensors from in vitro to in vivo, it is necessary to give a comprehensive discussion from the perspective of sensing performances enhancement. However, until now, there is few reviews dedicated to the systematic discussion on the multiple performance enhancement schemes and the current challenges of MNMs-based biosensors. Bearing it in mind and based on our research experience in this field, we summarized the enhancement methods for biosensing properties such as sensitivity, selectivity, detection time, biocompatibility, simplify system operation, and environmental availability. We hope that this review provides the readers with fundamental understanding on performance enhancement schemes for MNMs-based biosensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ran Song
- Engineering Research Center of IoT Technology Applications (Ministry of Education), Department of Electronic Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Zi-Wei Song
- Department of Microwave Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jia-Kang Wu
- Engineering Research Center of IoT Technology Applications (Ministry of Education), Department of Electronic Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Zhe-Yi Li
- Department of Microwave Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China; State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Gu
- Engineering Research Center of IoT Technology Applications (Ministry of Education), Department of Electronic Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Microwave Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China; State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Jun-Ge Liang
- Engineering Research Center of IoT Technology Applications (Ministry of Education), Department of Electronic Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang Q, Yang S, Zhang L. Untethered Micro/Nanorobots for Remote Sensing: Toward Intelligent Platform. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2023; 16:40. [PMID: 38032461 PMCID: PMC10689342 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01261-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Untethered micro/nanorobots that can wirelessly control their motion and deformation state have gained enormous interest in remote sensing applications due to their unique motion characteristics in various media and diverse functionalities. Researchers are developing micro/nanorobots as innovative tools to improve sensing performance and miniaturize sensing systems, enabling in situ detection of substances that traditional sensing methods struggle to achieve. Over the past decade of development, significant research progress has been made in designing sensing strategies based on micro/nanorobots, employing various coordinated control and sensing approaches. This review summarizes the latest developments on micro/nanorobots for remote sensing applications by utilizing the self-generated signals of the robots, robot behavior, microrobotic manipulation, and robot-environment interactions. Providing recent studies and relevant applications in remote sensing, we also discuss the challenges and future perspectives facing micro/nanorobots-based intelligent sensing platforms to achieve sensing in complex environments, translating lab research achievements into widespread real applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shihao Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- Chow Yuk Ho Technology Centre for Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- T Stone Robotics Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ryabov A, Tasinkevych M. Mechanochemical active ratchet. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20572. [PMID: 37996603 PMCID: PMC10667355 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47465-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-propelled nanoparticles moving through liquids offer the possibility of creating advanced applications where such nanoswimmers can operate as artificial molecular-sized motors. Achieving control over the motion of nanoswimmers is a crucial aspect for their reliable functioning. While the directionality of micron-sized swimmers can be controlled with great precision, steering nano-sized active particles poses a real challenge. One of the reasons is the existence of large fluctuations of active velocity at the nanoscale. Here, we describe a mechanism that, in the presence of a ratchet potential, transforms these fluctuations into a net current of active nanoparticles. We demonstrate the effect using a generic model of self-propulsion powered by chemical reactions. The net motion along the easy direction of the ratchet potential arises from the coupling of chemical and mechanical processes and is triggered by a constant, transverse to the ratchet, force. The current magnitude sensitively depends on the amplitude and the periodicity of the ratchet potential and the strength of the transverse force. Our results highlight the importance of thermodynamically consistent modeling of chemical reactions in active matter at the nanoscale and suggest new ways of controlling dynamics in such systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Artem Ryabov
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, V Holešovičkách 2, 18000 , Praha 8, Czech Republic
- Departamento de Física, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Física Teórica e Computacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mykola Tasinkevych
- Departamento de Física, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
- Centro de Física Teórica e Computacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
- SOFT Group, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.
- International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, 739-8511, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nguyen VD, Park JO, Choi E. Macrophage-Based Microrobots for Anticancer Therapy: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:553. [PMID: 37999194 PMCID: PMC10669771 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8070553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages, which are part of the mononuclear phagocytic system, possess sensory receptors that enable them to target cancer cells. In addition, they are able to engulf large amounts of particles through phagocytosis, suggesting a potential "Trojan horse" drug delivery approach to tumors by facilitating the engulfment of drug-hidden particles by macrophages. Recent research has focused on the development of macrophage-based microrobots for anticancer therapy, showing promising results and potential for clinical applications. In this review, we summarize the recent development of macrophage-based microrobot research for anticancer therapy. First, we discuss the types of macrophage cells used in the development of these microrobots, the common payloads they carry, and various targeting strategies utilized to guide the microrobots to cancer sites, such as biological, chemical, acoustic, and magnetic actuations. Subsequently, we analyze the applications of these microrobots in different cancer treatment modalities, including photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and various synergistic combination therapies. Finally, we present future outlooks for the development of macrophage-based microrobots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Van Du Nguyen
- Robot Research Initiative, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics, 43-26, Cheomdangwagi-ro 208-beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Oh Park
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics, 43-26, Cheomdangwagi-ro 208-beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunpyo Choi
- Robot Research Initiative, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics, 43-26, Cheomdangwagi-ro 208-beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Alarcón-Correa M, Kilwing L, Peter F, Liedl T, Fischer P. Platinum-DNA Origami Hybrid Structures in Concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide. Chemphyschem 2023; 24:e202300294. [PMID: 37640688 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The DNA origami technique allows fast and large-scale production of DNA nanostructures that stand out with an accurate addressability of their anchor points. This enables the precise organization of guest molecules on the surfaces and results in diverse functionalities. However, the compatibility of DNA origami structures with catalytically active matter, a promising pathway to realize autonomous DNA machines, has so far been tested only in the context of bio-enzymatic activity, but not in chemically harsh reaction conditions. The latter are often required for catalytic processes involving high-energy fuels. Here, we provide proof-of-concept data showing that DNA origami structures are stable in 5 % hydrogen peroxide solutions over the course of at least three days. We report a protocol to couple these to platinum nanoparticles and show catalytic activity of the hybrid structures. We suggest that the presented hybrid structures are suitable to realize catalytic nanomachines combined with precisely engineered DNA nanostructures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Alarcón-Correa
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstr. 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, INF 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luzia Kilwing
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Peter
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstr. 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, INF 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Liedl
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Munich, Germany
| | - Peer Fischer
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstr. 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, INF 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shah ZH, Sockolich M, Rivas D, Das S. Fabrication and open-loop control of three-lobed nonspherical Janus microrobots. MRS ADVANCES 2023; 8:1028-1032. [PMID: 38384324 PMCID: PMC10881210 DOI: 10.1557/s43580-023-00598-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we propose a simple and efficient method to fabricate three-lobed nonspherical Janus microrobots. These microrobots can be actuated by a harmless magnetic field. Utilizing organosilica as the material of choice, we leverage its versatile silane chemistry to enable various surface modifications and functionalities. The fabricated microrobots demonstrate two distinct modes of motion, making them well-suited for cell transportation and drug delivery tasks. Their unique shape and motion characteristics allow for precise and targeted movement. Integrating these microrobots into therapeutic delivery platforms can revolutionize medical treatments, offering enhanced precision, efficiency, and versatility in delivering therapies to specific sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zameer Hussain Shah
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - Max Sockolich
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - David Rivas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - Sambeeta Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Fujino T, Matsuo M, Pimienta V, Nakata S. Oscillatory Motion of an Organic Droplet Reflecting a Reaction Scheme. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:9279-9284. [PMID: 37815116 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
An organic droplet containing thymol acetate (TA) floating on a sodium dodecyl sulfate aqueous phase was examined to develop a novel self-propelled object based on reaction kinetics. Two types of oscillatory motion, without back-and-forth motion (Osc I) and with back-and-forth motion (Osc II), were observed by varying the pH of the aqueous phase. The oscillation frequency reached its maximum at pH 9.6, coinciding with the occurrence of Osc II. The kinetics of the hydrolysis of TA as a reactant and the acid-base equilibrium between thymol (TOH) and the thymolate ion (TO-) as products were evaluated experimentally. The driving force of motion was discussed on the basis of the interfacial tension. The pH dependence of the oscillation frequency and the selection of Osc I or II were attributed to the equilibrium between the TOH and TO-. These results highlight the possibility of designing self-propulsion systems by considering reaction kinetics and chemical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Fujino
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Muneyuki Matsuo
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Véronique Pimienta
- Laboratoire des IMRCP, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5623, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Satoshi Nakata
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Jain N, Thakur S. Structure and dynamics of chemically active ring polymers: swelling to collapse. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:7358-7369. [PMID: 37740385 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00839h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The ring structures are common in many synthetic or natural systems and experience both local and long-range forces by chemical sensing. This work is an effort to investigate the structural and dynamical properties of a chemically active ring in an explicit solvent bath utilizing hybrid molecular dynamics (MD) and multiparticle collision dynamics (MPCD) simulation techniques. We show that by tuning the chemical properties of the ring, it can be converted from a chemo-attractant to a chemo-repellent, thereby changing the steady state to be either collapsed or swelled as compared to its passive limit. We quantify these observations by comparing the scaling laws, local structures and the dynamics of active and passive rings. Furthermore, we show the impact of varying numbers of active sites by calculating the contact probability of the collapse state that highlights diverse structures. We also analyze the dynamics of the ring by finding the relaxation time and the mean square displacement of the centre of mass. A faster relaxation with enhanced diffusion is observed for the active rings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namita Jain
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal 462066, India.
| | - Snigdha Thakur
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal 462066, India.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Shivalkar S, Roy A, Chaudhary S, Samanta SK, Chowdhary P, Sahoo AK. Strategies in design of self-propelling hybrid micro/nanobots for bioengineering applications. Biomed Mater 2023; 18:062003. [PMID: 37703889 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/acf975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanobots are integrated devices developed from engineered nanomaterials that have evolved significantly over the past decades. They can potentially be pre-programmed to operate robustly at numerous hard-to-reach organ/tissues/cellular sites for multiple bioengineering applications such as early disease diagnosis, precision surgeries, targeted drug delivery, cancer therapeutics, bio-imaging, biomolecules isolation, detoxification, bio-sensing, and clearing up clogged arteries with high soaring effectiveness and minimal exhaustion of power. Several techniques have been introduced in recent years to develop programmable, biocompatible, and energy-efficient micro/nanobots. Therefore, the primary focus of most of these techniques is to develop hybrid micro/nanobots that are an optimized combination of purely synthetic or biodegradable bots suitable for the execution of user-defined tasks more precisely and efficiently. Recent progress has been illustrated here as an overview of a few of the achievable construction principles to be used to make biomedical micro/nanobots and explores the pivotal ventures of nanotechnology-moderated development of catalytic autonomous bots. Furthermore, it is also foregrounding their advancement offering an insight into the recent trends and subsequent prospects, opportunities, and challenges involved in the accomplishments of the effective multifarious bioengineering applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Shivalkar
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, UP, India
| | - Anwesha Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shrutika Chaudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Sintu Kumar Samanta
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, UP, India
| | - Pallabi Chowdhary
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Amaresh Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, UP, India
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Dong C, Ren J. Resonance Light-Scattering Correlation Spectroscopy and Its Application in Analytical Chemistry for Life Science. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:2582-2594. [PMID: 37706459 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00306] [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: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Resonance light-scattering correlation spectroscopy (RLSCS) is a new single-particle detection method with its working principle being like fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). RLSCS is obtained by autocorrelation function analysis on the measured fluctuation of the resonance light scattering (RLS) intensity occurring within a subfemtoliter volume when a single nanoparticle (such as gold nanoparticles (NPs) or silver (SNPs)) freely diffuses through the volume. The RLSCS technique can detect such parameters as concentration, diffusion coefficient (translation and rotation), etc. Compared with the FCS technique, the correlated fluorescence intensity signal in RLSCS is replaced with the RLS signal of the nanoparticles, overcoming some limits of the fluorescent probes such as photobleaching under high-intensity or long-term illumination. In this Account, we showcase RLSCS methods, theoretical models at different optical configurations, and some key applications. First, the RLSCS optical detection system was constructed based on the confocal optics, its theoretical model was proposed, and the diffusion behaviors of the nanoparticles in the solution were studied including the rotational and translational diffusion. And, methods were developed to measure the concentration, size, aspect ratio, and size distribution of the NPs. Second, based on the RLSCS methods, some detection strategies were developed for homogeneous DNA detection, immunoassay, apoptosis assay, self-thermophoresis of the nanomotor, and quantitative assay in single living cells. Meanwhile, a new fluorescence/scattering cross-correlation spectroscopy (FSCCS) method was proposed for monitoring the molecule-particle interaction. This method enriched the conventional fluorescence/fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) method. Third, using the EMCCD with high sensitivity and rapid response as an optical detector, two temporospatially resolved scattering correlation spectroscopy methods and their theoretical models were developed: total internal reflection (TIR) configuration-based spatially resolved scattering correlation spectroscopy (SRSCS) and dark-field illumination-based scattering correlation spectroscopy (DFSCS). These methods extended single-spot confocal RLSCS to imaging RLSCS, which makes RLSCS have the ability for multiple channel detection with temporospatial resolution. The method was successfully used for investigating the dynamic behaviors of gold NPs in live cells and obtained its temporospatial concentration distribution and diffusion behaviors. The final section of this Account outlines future directions in the development of RLSCS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqing Dong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Centre for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jicun Ren
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Centre for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zheng Y, Wang B, Cai Y, Zhou X, Dong R. Five in One: Multi-Engine Highly Integrated Microrobot. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300390. [PMID: 37452173 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300390] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
A multi-engine highly integrated microrobot, which is a Janus hemispherical shell structure composed of Pt and α-Fe2 O3 , is successfully developed. The microrobot can be efficiently driven and flexibly regulated by five stimuli, including an optical field, an acoustic field, magnetic field, an electric field, and chemical fuel. In addition, no matter which way it is driven by, the direction can be effectively controlled through the magnetic field regulation. Furthermore, this microrobot can also utilize magnetic or acoustic fields to achieve excellent aggregation control and swarm movement. Finally, this study demonstrates that the microrobots' propulsion can be effectively synergistically enhanced through the simultaneous action of two driving mechanisms, which can greatly improve the performance of the motor in applications, such as pollutant degradation. This multi-engine, highly integrated microrobot not only can adapt to more complex environments and has a wider application range, better application prospects, but also provides important ideas for designing future advanced micro/nanorobots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Zheng
- School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Bochu Wang
- Department of chemistry and biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
| | - Yuepeng Cai
- School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xiaosong Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Materials, Chemistry of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524048, P. R. China
| | - Renfeng Dong
- School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Shah ZH, Sokolich M, Mallick S, Rivas D, Das S. Fabrication of three-lobed magnetic microrobots for cell transportation. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8926-8932. [PMID: 37435667 PMCID: PMC10538423 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00613a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Mobile microrobots have the potential to transform medical treatments based on therapeutic delivery. Specifically, microrobots are promising candidates for cell transportation in cell-based therapies. Despite recent progress in cellular manipulation by microrobots, there is a significant need to design and fabricate microrobots to advance the field further. In this work, we present a facile approach to manufacturing three-lobed microrobots by a bench-top procedure. The microrobots are actuated by a harmless magnetic field which makes them biofriendly. Chemically, these microrobots are made of organosilica. The microrobots showed equally good control in both the open-loop and closed-loop settings. The three-lobed microrobots have two modes of motion during the open-loop control experiments. We employed these two modes for single-cell transportation. Our results show that the three-lobed microbots are very promising for cell transportation in a fluid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zameer Hussain Shah
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | - Max Sokolich
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | - Sudipta Mallick
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | - David Rivas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | - Sambeeta Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Jiang L, Liu X, Zhao D, Guo J, Ma X, Wang Y. Intelligent sensing based on active micro/nanomotors. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8897-8915. [PMID: 37667977 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01163a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
In the microscopic world, synthetic micro/nanomotors (MNMs) can convert a variety of energy sources into driving forces to help humans perform a number of complex tasks with greater ease and efficiency. These tiny machines have attracted tremendous attention in the field of drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, in vivo sampling, and environmental management. By modifying their surface materials and functionalizing them with bioactive agents, these MNMs can also be transformed into dynamic micro/nano-biosensors that can detect biomolecules in real-time with high sensitivity. The extensive range of operations and uses combined with their minuscule size have opened up new avenues for tackling intricate analytical difficulties. Here, in this review, various driving methods are briefly introduced, followed by a focus on intelligent detection techniques based on MNMs. And we discuss the distinctive advantages, current issues, and challenges associated with MNM-based intelligent detection. It is believed that the future advancements of MNMs will greatly impact the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Dongfang Zhao
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jinhong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Ma
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Gao R, Beladi-Mousavi SM, Salinas G, Garrigue P, Zhang L, Kuhn A. Spatial Precision Tailoring the Catalytic Activity of Graphene Monolayers for Designing Janus Swimmers. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:8180-8185. [PMID: 37642420 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Graphene monolayers have interesting applications in many fields due to their intrinsic physicochemical properties, especially when they can be postmodified with high precision. Herein, we describe the highly site-selective functionalization of freestanding graphene monolayers with platinum (Pt) clusters by bipolar electrochemistry. The deposition of such metal spots leads to catalytically active hybrid two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. Their catalytic functionality is illustrated by the spatially controlled decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, inducing motion at the water/air interface due to oxygen bubble evolution. A series of such 2D Janus structures with Pt deposition at predefined positions (corners and edges) is studied with respect to the generation of autonomous motion. The type and speed of motion can be fine-tuned by controlling the deposition time and location of the Pt clusters. These proof-of-principle experiments indicate that this type of hybrid 2D object opens up interesting perspectives in terms of applications, such as environmental detection or remediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruchao Gao
- Engineering Research Center for Nanomaterials, Henan University, 475000 Kaifeng, China
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, 33607 Pessac, France
| | | | - Gerardo Salinas
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Patrick Garrigue
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Lin Zhang
- Engineering Research Center for Nanomaterials, Henan University, 475000 Kaifeng, China
| | - Alexander Kuhn
- Engineering Research Center for Nanomaterials, Henan University, 475000 Kaifeng, China
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, 33607 Pessac, France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Stengele P, Lüders A, Nielaba P. Capture and transport of rod-shaped cargo via programmable active particles. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15071. [PMID: 37699952 PMCID: PMC10497632 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We study the influence of the cargo shape on the capture and transport process of colloidal rods via swarms of active particles using Brownian dynamics simulations. Starting at random initial conditions, active particles that interact via the Lennard-Jones potential and possess a tuneable speed are utilised to capture passive rods inside a hexagonal cage of individually addressable units. By adjusting the velocity of the individual active particles, the rod can then be transported. To guarantee a successful capture process (with a strong localisation), we find that specific geometric and energetic constraints have to be met; i.e., the length of the rod must approximately be in the vicinity of an odd multiple of the lattice constant of the hexagonal cage, and the Lennard-Jones interaction strength must be in the range of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. If the cargo aspect ratio gets too large, the subsequent transport of successfully captured rods can fail. For systems where transport is possible, an increase in the cargo aspect ratio decreases the achievable transport velocity. Our work shows that the particle shape must be considered while designing interaction rules to accomplish specific tasks via groups of controllable units.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Stengele
- Statistical and Computational Physics, Department of Physics, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anton Lüders
- Statistical and Computational Physics, Department of Physics, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Peter Nielaba
- Statistical and Computational Physics, Department of Physics, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Huang H, Zhao Y, Yang H, Li J, Ying Y, Li J, Wang S. Light-driven MOF-based micromotors with self-floating characteristics for water sterilization. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:14165-14174. [PMID: 37593810 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02299d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional motion (especially in the Z-axis direction) of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based micromotors (MOFtors) is essential but still in its infancy. Herein, we propose a simple strategy for designing light-driven MOFtors that move in the Z-axis direction and efficiently kill Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The as-prepared polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy NPs) with excellent photothermal properties are combined with ZIF-8 through a simple in situ encapsulation method, resulting in multi-wavelength photothermally-responsive MOFtors (PPy/ZIF-8). Under the irradiation of near-infrared (NIR)/ultraviolet (UV)/blue light, the MOFtors all exhibited negative phototaxis and high-speed motion behaviour with the highest speed of 2215 ± 338 μm s-1. In addition, it is proved that these MOFtors can slowly self-float up in an aqueous environment. The light irradiation will accelerate the upward movement of the MOFtors, and the time required for the MOFtors to move to the top is negatively correlated with the light intensity. Finally, efficient antibacterial performances (up to 98.89% against S. aureus) are achieved with these light-driven MOFtors owing to the boosted Zn2+ release by vigorous stirring motion and physical entrapment by the upward motion under light irradiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Yu Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Haowei Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Jie Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Yulong Ying
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Jinhua Li
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Sheng Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
You M, Mou F, Wang K, Guan J. Tadpole-Like Flexible Microswimmers with the Head and Tail Both Magnetic. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:40855-40863. [PMID: 37584677 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
In analogy to eukaryotic cells that move by beating the flagella, magnetically powered micro/nanorobots with flexible filaments are capable of eluding the limitation of the scallop theorem to generate net displacement in a three-dimensional space, but they are limited by complicated fabrication and low speed. Here, we demonstrate a tadpole-like flexible microswimmer with a head and tail that are both magnetic by developing a magnetically assisted in situ polymerization method. The flexible microswimmer consists of a magnetic-bead head fixed to a nanochain bundle of magnetic nanoparticles (tail), and the tail length and stiffness can be adjusted simply by changing the duration and strength of the applied magnetic field during fabrication, respectively. For the microswimmer under an oscillating magnetic field, the magnetic head generates an undulatory motion, which can be further increased by the flexible magnetic tail. The magnetically induced undulation of the head and tail generates a traveling wave propagating through its flexible tail, resulting in efficient tadpole-like propulsion of the microswimmer. The flexible microswimmer runs at a maximum motion speed when the tail length is ∼5 times the diameter of the magnetic head, corresponding to ∼half the wavelength of the undulatory motion. The flexible microswimmers reported here are promising for active sensing and drug delivery, as the tails can be designed with various responsive hydrogels, and the results are expected to advance flexible micro/nanorobots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming You
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
- Wuhan Institute of Photochemistry and Technology, 7 North Bingang Road, Wuhan 430083, China
| | - Ke Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
- Wuhan Institute of Photochemistry and Technology, 7 North Bingang Road, Wuhan 430083, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Liu C, Chen J, Liang J, Xu T, Zhang X. Advancements in artificial micro/nanomotors for nucleic acid biosensing: a review of recent progress. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:13172-13186. [PMID: 37548348 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02443a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Artificial micro/nanomotors represent a class of well-designed tools that exhibit dynamic motion and remote-control capabilities, endowing them with the capacity to perform complex tasks at the micro/nanoscale. Their utilization in nucleic acid biosensing has been paid significant attention, owing to their ability to facilitate targeted delivery of detection probes to designated sites and enhance hybridization between detection probes and target nucleic acids, thereby improving the sensitivity and specificity of biosensing. Within this comprehensive overview, we elucidate the advancement of nucleic acid biosensing through the integration of micro/nanomotors over the past decade. In particular, we provide an in-depth exploration of the diverse applications of micro/nanomotors in nucleic acid biosensing, including fluorescence recovery-based biosensing, velocity change-based biosensing, and aggregation-enhanced biosensing. Additionally, we outline the remaining challenges that impede the practical application of artificial micro/nanomotors in nucleic acid detection, and offer personal insights into prospective avenues for future development. By overcoming these obstacles, we anticipate that artificial micro/nanomotors will revolutionize conventional nucleic acid detection methodologies, providing enhanced sensitivity and reduced diagnostic timeframes, thereby facilitating more effective disease diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conghui Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
- Guangdong Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy (SZ), Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Jiahui Liang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Tailin Xu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
- Guangdong Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy (SZ), Shenzhen, 518060, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xueji Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
- Guangdong Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy (SZ), Shenzhen, 518060, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Liu S, Xu D, Chen J, Peng N, Ma T, Liang F. Nanozymatic magnetic nanomotors for enhancing photothermal therapy and targeting intracellular SERS sensing. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:12944-12953. [PMID: 37486742 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02739b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Self-propelled micro/nanomotors (MNMs) have emerged as promising tools for biomedical applications owing to their active and controllable movement, which is achieved by converting energy derived from chemical reactions or external physical fields into mechanical forces. However, it remains a challenge to develop all-in-one MNMs that integrate multiple bio-friendly engines and biomedical functions. In this study, we present a nanozymatic magnetic nanomotor capable of self-propulsion, driven by its intrinsic engines, and possessing inherent biomedical functions. The nanomotors with a core-island structure are fabricated by a general scalable chemistry synthesis approach. The core of the nanomotors is magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles, while the surrounding islands consist of Au nanostars. Such components naturally equip the nanomotors with the dual engine of the magnetic core and gold nanozyme. In addition, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of the Au nanostar imparts the nanomotors with favourable photothermal conversion and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties. The nanomotors exhibit glucose concentration-dependent motion behavior of enhanced diffusion, leading to improved endocytosis for enhanced photothermal treatment. When exposed to a magnetic field, the nanomotors demonstrate both directional locomotion towards target cells and up-and-down oscillatory movement, enabling the efficient gathering of intracellular analytes for SERS sensing. To conclude, the as-prepared nanomotors represent an active and controllable nanoplatform with a simple structure and are naturally equipped with dual engines and dual biomedical functions, providing new perspectives to the development of all-in-one biomedical MNMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shimi Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
- Improve-WUST Joint Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Point-of-Care Testing and Precision Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Dandan Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
- Improve-WUST Joint Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Point-of-Care Testing and Precision Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Junling Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
- Improve-WUST Joint Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Point-of-Care Testing and Precision Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Na Peng
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
| | - Tao Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
- Improve-WUST Joint Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Point-of-Care Testing and Precision Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Feng Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
- Improve-WUST Joint Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Point-of-Care Testing and Precision Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Salinas G, Kuhn A, Arnaboldi S. Self-Sustained Rotation of Lorentz Force-Driven Janus Systems. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. C, NANOMATERIALS AND INTERFACES 2023; 127:14704-14710. [PMID: 37554549 PMCID: PMC10405271 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c01597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Rotation is an interesting type of motion that is currently involved in many technological applications. In this frame, different and sophisticated external stimuli to induce rotation have been developed. In this work, we have designed a simple and original self-propelled bimetallic Janus rotor powered by the synergy between a spontaneous electric and ionic current, produced by two coupled redox reactions, and a magnetic field, placed orthogonal to the surface of the device. Such a combination induces a magnetohydrodynamic vortex at each extremity of the rotor arm, which generates an overall driving force able to propel the rotor. Furthermore, the motion of the self-polarized object can be controlled by the direction of the spontaneous electric current or the orientation of the external magnetic field, resulting in a predictable clockwise or anticlockwise motion. In addition, these devices exhibit directional corkscrew-type displacement, when representing their displacement as a function of time, producing time-space specular behavior. The concept can be used to design alternative self-mixing systems for a variety of (micro)fluidic equipment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Salinas
- Université
Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, F-33607 Pessac, France
| | - Alexander Kuhn
- Université
Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, F-33607 Pessac, France
| | - Serena Arnaboldi
- Dipartimento
di Chimica, Universita degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|