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Rivkin B, Akbar F, Otto M, Beyer L, Paul B, Kosiba K, Gustmann T, Hufenbach J, Medina-Sánchez M. Remotely Controlled Electrochemical Degradation of Metallic Implants. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2307742. [PMID: 38326101 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable medical implants promise to benefit patients by eliminating risks and discomfort associated with permanent implantation or surgical removal. The time until full resorption is largely determined by the implant's material composition, geometric design, and surface properties. Implants with a fixed residence time, however, cannot account for the needs of individual patients, thereby imposing limits on personalization. Here, an active Fe-based implant system is reported whose biodegradation is controlled remotely and in situ. This is achieved by incorporating a galvanic cell within the implant. An external and wireless signal is used to activate the on-board electronic circuit that controls the corrosion current between the implant body and an integrated counter electrode. This configuration leads to the accelerated degradation of the implant and allows to harvest electrochemical energy that is naturally released by corrosion. In this study, the electrochemical properties of the Fe-30Mn-1C/Pt galvanic cell model system is first investigated and high-resolution X-ray microcomputed tomography is used to evaluate the galvanic degradation of stent structures. Subsequently, a centimeter-sized active implant prototype is assembled with conventional electronic components and the remotely controlled corrosion is tested in vitro. Furthermore, strategies toward the miniaturization and full biodegradability of this system are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Rivkin
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW), 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Farzin Akbar
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW), 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Otto
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW), 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Materials Science, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, 09599, Freiberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Beyer
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW), 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Materials Science, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, 09599, Freiberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Paul
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW), 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Konrad Kosiba
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW), 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tobias Gustmann
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW), 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Hufenbach
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW), 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Materials Science, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, 09599, Freiberg, Germany
| | - Mariana Medina-Sánchez
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW), 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Molecular Bioengineering (B CUBE), Chair of Micro- and Nano Systems, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- CIC nanoGUNE-BRTA, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20018, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48013, Spain
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2
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Li J, Yu J. Biodegradable Microrobots and Their Biomedical Applications: A Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13101590. [PMID: 37242005 DOI: 10.3390/nano13101590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
During recent years, microrobots have drawn extensive attention owing to their good controllability and great potential in biomedicine. Powered by external physical fields or chemical reactions, these untethered microdevices are promising candidates for in vivo complex tasks, such as targeted delivery, imaging and sensing, tissue engineering, hyperthermia, and assisted fertilization, among others. However, in clinical use, the biodegradability of microrobots is significant for avoiding toxic residue in the human body. The selection of biodegradable materials and the corresponding in vivo environment needed for degradation are increasingly receiving attention in this regard. This review aims at analyzing different types of biodegradable microrobots by critically discussing their advantages and limitations. The chemical degradation mechanisms behind biodegradable microrobots and their typical applications are also thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, we examine their feasibility and deal with the in vivo suitability of different biodegradable microrobots in terms of their degradation mechanisms; pathological environments; and corresponding biomedical applications, especially targeted delivery. Ultimately, we highlight the prevailing obstacles and perspective solutions, ranging from their manufacturing methods, control of movement, and degradation rate to insufficient and limited in vivo tests, that could be of benefit to forthcoming clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Li
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Jiangfan Yu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen 518172, China
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3
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Wu R, Zhu Y, Cai X, Wu S, Xu L, Yu T. Recent Process in Microrobots: From Propulsion to Swarming for Biomedical Applications. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1473. [PMID: 36144096 PMCID: PMC9503943 DOI: 10.3390/mi13091473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recently, robots have assisted and contributed to the biomedical field. Scaling down the size of robots to micro/nanoscale can increase the accuracy of targeted medications and decrease the danger of invasive operations in human surgery. Inspired by the motion pattern and collective behaviors of the tiny biological motors in nature, various kinds of sophisticated and programmable microrobots are fabricated with the ability for cargo delivery, bio-imaging, precise operation, etc. In this review, four types of propulsion-magnetically, acoustically, chemically/optically and hybrid driven-and their corresponding features have been outlined and categorized. In particular, the locomotion of these micro/nanorobots, as well as the requirement of biocompatibility, transportation efficiency, and controllable motion for applications in the complex human body environment should be considered. We discuss applications of different propulsion mechanisms in the biomedical field, list their individual benefits, and suggest their potential growth paths.
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4
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Soft microswimmers: Material capabilities and biomedical applications. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2022.101609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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5
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Zhou P, Zhang Y, Zhao C. A photo-crosslinkable stomatocyte nanomotor with excellent stability for repeated autonomous motion. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:3308-3312. [PMID: 35416827 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00216g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Herein, an ultrastable and reusable stomatocyte nanomotor using a photo-crosslinkable block copolymer is presented. After photo-crosslinking, the resulting nanomotors equipped with a covalently crosslinked membrane, are able to withstand the destruction of organic solvents, resist the corrosion of strong acidic and alkali solutions, and repeatedly move many times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhou
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Yichen Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Changsheng Zhao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
- College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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6
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Zhang C, Wang Y, Chen Y, Ma X, Chen W. Droplet-Based Microfluidic Preparation of Shape-Variable Alginate Hydrogel Magnetic Micromotors. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 12:115. [PMID: 35010065 PMCID: PMC8796028 DOI: 10.3390/nano12010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This article introduces a facile droplet-based microfluidic method for the preparation of Fe3O4-incorporated alginate hydrogel magnetic micromotors with variable shapes. By using droplet-based microfluidics and water diffusion, monodisperse (quasi-)spherical microparticles of sodium alginate and Fe3O4 (Na-Alg/Fe3O4) are obtained. The diameter varies from 31.9 to 102.7 µm with the initial concentration of Na-Alginate in dispersed fluid ranging from 0.09 to 9 mg/mL. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is used for gelation, immediately transforming Na-Alg/Fe3O4 microparticles into Ca-Alginate hydrogel microparticles incorporating Fe3O4 nanoparticles, i.e., Ca-Alg/Fe3O4 micromotors. Spherical, droplet-like, and worm-like shapes are yielded depending on the concentration of CaCl2, which is explained by crosslinking and anisotropic swelling during the gelation. The locomotion of Ca-Alg/Fe3O4 micromotors is activated by applying external magnetic fields. Under the rotating magnetic field (5 mT, 1-15 Hz), spherical Ca-Alg/Fe3O4 micromotors exhibit an average advancing velocity up to 158.2 ± 8.6 µm/s, whereas worm-like Ca-Alg/Fe3O4 micromotors could be rotated for potential advancing. Under the magnetic field gradient (3 T/m), droplet-like Ca-Alg/Fe3O4 micromotors are pulled forward with the average velocity of 70.7 ± 2.8 µm/s. This article provides an inspiring and timesaving approach for the preparation of shape-variable hydrogel micromotors without using complex patterns or sophisticated facilities, which holds potential for biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xing Ma
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China; (C.Z.); (Y.W.); (Y.C.)
| | - Wenjun Chen
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China; (C.Z.); (Y.W.); (Y.C.)
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7
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Llacer-Wintle J, Rivas-Dapena A, Chen XZ, Pellicer E, Nelson BJ, Puigmartí-Luis J, Pané S. Biodegradable Small-Scale Swimmers for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2102049. [PMID: 34480388 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Most forms of biomatter are ephemeral, which means they transform or deteriorate after a certain time. From this perspective, implantable healthcare devices designed for temporary treatments should exhibit the ability to degrade and either blend in with healthy tissues, or be cleared from the body with minimal disruption after accomplishing their designated tasks. This topic is currently being investigated in the field of biomedical micro- and nanoswimmers. These tiny devices have the ability to move through fluids by converting physical or chemical energy into motion. Several architectures of these devices have been designed to mimic the motion strategies of nature's motile microorganisms and cells. Due to their motion abilities, these devices have been proposed as minimally invasive tools for precision healthcare applications. Hence, a natural progression in this field is to produce motile structures that can adopt, or even surpass, similar transient features as biological systems. The fate of small-scale swimmers after accomplishing their therapeutic mission is critical for the successful translation of small-scale swimmers' technologies into clinical applications. In this review, recent research efforts are summarized on the topic of biodegradable micro- and nanoswimmers for biomedical applications, with a focus on targeted therapeutic delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin Llacer-Wintle
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Zurich, CH-8092, Switzerland
| | - Antón Rivas-Dapena
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Zurich, CH-8092, Switzerland
| | - Xiang-Zhong Chen
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Zurich, CH-8092, Switzerland
| | - Eva Pellicer
- Departament de Física, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Bradley J Nelson
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Zurich, CH-8092, Switzerland
| | - Josep Puigmartí-Luis
- Departament de Ciència dels Materials i Química Física, Institut de Química Teòrica I Computacional, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 0 8010, Spain
| | - Salvador Pané
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Zurich, CH-8092, Switzerland
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8
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Liang Z, Tu Y, Peng F. Polymeric Micro/Nanomotors and Their Biomedical Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100720. [PMID: 34110714 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since their naissance in the 2000s, various micro or nanomotors with powerful functions have been proposed. Among them, polymer-based micro or nanomotors stand out for the easy processing and facile functionalization, holding immense potential for bioapplications. In this review, fabrication of polymer-based micro or nanomotors and their applications in biomedical areas are covered. Classic manufacturing approaches as well as cutting-edge techniques are discussed with representative works highlighted. Current challenges and future prospects are presented in the hope of pointing new research directions to facilitate practical translations of micro/nanomotors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Liang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Sun Yat‐Sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Yingfeng Tu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening Southern Medical University Guangzhou 510515 China
| | - Fei Peng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Sun Yat‐Sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
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9
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Abstract
![]()
Manipulation and navigation of micro
and nanoswimmers in different
fluid environments can be achieved by chemicals, external fields,
or even motile cells. Many researchers have selected magnetic fields
as the active external actuation source based on the advantageous
features of this actuation strategy such as remote and spatiotemporal
control, fuel-free, high degree of reconfigurability, programmability,
recyclability, and versatility. This review introduces fundamental
concepts and advantages of magnetic micro/nanorobots (termed here
as “MagRobots”) as well as basic knowledge of magnetic
fields and magnetic materials, setups for magnetic manipulation, magnetic
field configurations, and symmetry-breaking strategies for effective
movement. These concepts are discussed to describe the interactions
between micro/nanorobots and magnetic fields. Actuation mechanisms
of flagella-inspired MagRobots (i.e., corkscrew-like motion and traveling-wave
locomotion/ciliary stroke motion) and surface walkers (i.e., surface-assisted
motion), applications of magnetic fields in other propulsion approaches,
and magnetic stimulation of micro/nanorobots beyond motion are provided
followed by fabrication techniques for (quasi-)spherical, helical,
flexible, wire-like, and biohybrid MagRobots. Applications of MagRobots
in targeted drug/gene delivery, cell manipulation, minimally invasive
surgery, biopsy, biofilm disruption/eradication, imaging-guided delivery/therapy/surgery,
pollution removal for environmental remediation, and (bio)sensing
are also reviewed. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives
for the development of magnetically powered miniaturized motors are
discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaijuan Zhou
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Carmen C Mayorga-Martinez
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Salvador Pané
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Martin Pumera
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 656/123, Brno CZ-612 00, Czech Republic
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10
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Xu D, Wang Y, Liang C, You Y, Sanchez S, Ma X. Self-Propelled Micro/Nanomotors for On-Demand Biomedical Cargo Transportation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1902464. [PMID: 31464072 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201902464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) are miniaturized machines that can perform assigned tasks at the micro/nanoscale. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in the design, preparation, and applications of MNMs that are powered by converting different sources of energy into mechanical force, to realize active movement and fulfill on-demand tasks. MNMs can be navigated to desired locations with precise controllability based on different guidance mechanisms. A considerable research effort has gone into demonstrating that MNMs possess the potential of biomedical cargo loading, transportation, and targeted release to achieve therapeutic functions. Herein, the recent advances of self-propelled MNMs for on-demand biomedical cargo transportation, including their self-propulsion mechanisms, guidance strategies, as well as proof-of-concept studies for biological applications are presented. In addition, some of the major challenges and possible opportunities of MNMs are identified for future biomedical applications in the hope that it may inspire future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chunyan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yongqiang You
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Samuel Sanchez
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Xing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
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12
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Lin X, Xu B, Zhu H, Liu J, Solovev A, Mei Y. Requirement and Development of Hydrogel Micromotors towards Biomedical Applications. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2020. [PMID: 32728669 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7659749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
With controllable size, biocompatibility, porosity, injectability, responsivity, diffusion time, reaction, separation, permeation, and release of molecular species, hydrogel microparticles achieve multiple advantages over bulk hydrogels for specific biomedical procedures. Moreover, so far studies mostly concentrate on local responses of hydrogels to chemical and/or external stimuli, which significantly limit the scope of their applications. Tetherless micromotors are autonomous microdevices capable of converting local chemical energy or the energy of external fields into motive forces for self-propelled or externally powered/controlled motion. If hydrogels can be integrated with micromotors, their applicability can be significantly extended and can lead to fully controllable responsive chemomechanical biomicromachines. However, to achieve these challenging goals, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and motive mechanisms of hydrogel micromotors need to be simultaneously integrated. This review summarizes recent achievements in the field of micromotors and hydrogels and proposes next steps required for the development of hydrogel micromotors, which become increasingly important for in vivo and in vitro bioapplications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Lin
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Borui Xu
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jinrun Liu
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Alexander Solovev
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yongfeng Mei
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Lin X, Xu B, Zhu H, Liu J, Solovev A, Mei Y. Requirement and Development of Hydrogel Micromotors towards Biomedical Applications. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2020; 2020:7659749. [PMID: 32728669 PMCID: PMC7368969 DOI: 10.34133/2020/7659749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
With controllable size, biocompatibility, porosity, injectability, responsivity, diffusion time, reaction, separation, permeation, and release of molecular species, hydrogel microparticles achieve multiple advantages over bulk hydrogels for specific biomedical procedures. Moreover, so far studies mostly concentrate on local responses of hydrogels to chemical and/or external stimuli, which significantly limit the scope of their applications. Tetherless micromotors are autonomous microdevices capable of converting local chemical energy or the energy of external fields into motive forces for self-propelled or externally powered/controlled motion. If hydrogels can be integrated with micromotors, their applicability can be significantly extended and can lead to fully controllable responsive chemomechanical biomicromachines. However, to achieve these challenging goals, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and motive mechanisms of hydrogel micromotors need to be simultaneously integrated. This review summarizes recent achievements in the field of micromotors and hydrogels and proposes next steps required for the development of hydrogel micromotors, which become increasingly important for in vivo and in vitro bioapplications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Lin
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Borui Xu
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jinrun Liu
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Alexander Solovev
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yongfeng Mei
- Department of Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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14
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Yin C, Wei F, Zhan Z, Zheng J, Yao L, Yang W, Li M. Untethered microgripper-the dexterous hand at microscale. Biomed Microdevices 2019; 21:82. [PMID: 31418070 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-019-0430-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Untethered microgrippers that can navigate in hard-to-reach and unpredictable environments are significantly important for biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery, micromanipulation, minimally invasive surgery and in vivo biopsy. Compared with the traditional tethered microgrippers, the wireless microgrippers, due to the exceptional characteristics such as miniaturized size, untethered actuation, dexterous and autonomous motion, are projected to be promising microtools in various future applications. In this review, we categorize the untethered microgrippers into five major classes, i.e. microgrippers responsive to thermal, microgrippers actuated by magnetic fields, microgrippers responsive to chemicals, light-driven microgrippers and hybrid actuated microgrippers. Firstly, the actuation mechanisms of these microgrippers are introduced. The challenges faced by these microgrippers are also covered in this part. With that, the fabrication methods of these microgrippers are summarized. Subsequently, the applications of microgrippers are presented. Additionally, we conduct a comparison among different actuation mechanisms to explore the advantages and potential challenges of various types of microgrippers. In the end of this review, conclusions and outlook of the development and potential applications of the microgrippers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yin
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Fanan Wei
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Ziheng Zhan
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Jianghong Zheng
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Ligang Yao
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Minglin Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
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15
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Wang S, Liu X, Wang Y, Xu D, Liang C, Guo J, Ma X. Biocompatibility of artificial micro/nanomotors for use in biomedicine. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:14099-14112. [PMID: 31214671 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr03393a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The advent of micro/nanomotors (MNMs) has shed light on the innovation of active biomedical systems or devices that might bring revolutionary solutions to traditional biomedical strategies. In spite of development beyond expectation over the last decade with a fair number of proof-of-concept demonstrations, the in vivo practical application of MNMs for clinical use is still in its infancy. The biocompatibility of MNMs is the first consideration before realizing practicality, taking into account the complicated interactions between the self-propelled MNMs and biological systems. Therefore, in this review, we focused on the biocompatibility of MNMs with regard to the fabrication materials and propulsion mechanisms by means of in-depth discussions on the advantages and limitations of MNMs for operating under physiological conditions. The future prospective and suggestions on the development of MNMs toward practical biomedical applications will also be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining (Shenzhen) & Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
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16
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Chen X, Zhou C, Wang W. Colloidal Motors 101: A Beginner's Guide to Colloidal Motor Research. Chem Asian J 2019; 14:2388-2405. [DOI: 10.1002/asia.201900377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringHarbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) G 908, HIT Campus, Xili University Town Shenzhen Guangdong China
| | - Chao Zhou
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringHarbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) G 908, HIT Campus, Xili University Town Shenzhen Guangdong China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringHarbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) G 908, HIT Campus, Xili University Town Shenzhen Guangdong China
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17
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Xu D, Zhan C, Sun Y, Dong Z, Wang GP, Ma X. Turn-Number-Dependent Motion Behavior of Catalytic Helical Carbon Micro/Nanomotors. Chem Asian J 2019; 14:2497-2502. [PMID: 30985962 DOI: 10.1002/asia.201900386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Helical micro/nanomotors (MNMs) can be propelled by external fields to swim through highly viscous fluids like complex biological environments, which promises miniaturized robotic tools to perform assigned tasks at small scales. However, the catalytic propulsion method, most widely adopted to drive MNMs, is seldom studied to actuate helical MNMs. Herein, we report catalytic helical carbon MNMs (CHCM) by sputtering Pt onto helical carbon nano-coils (HCNC) that are in bulk prepared by a thermal chemical vapor deposition method. The Pt-triggered H2 O2 decomposition can drive the MNMs by an electrokinetic mechanism. The MNMs demonstrate versatile motion behaviors including both directional propulsion and rotation depending on the turn number of the carbon helix. Besides, due to the ease of surface functionalization on carbon and other properties such as biocompatibility and photothermal effect, the helical carbon MNMs promise multifunctional applications for biomedical or environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China.,Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Centre, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chen Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China.,Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Centre, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yanming Sun
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhijun Dong
- Institute of Technology for Marine Civil Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Guo Ping Wang
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China.,Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Centre, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
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18
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Yu H, Tang W, Mu G, Wang H, Chang X, Dong H, Qi L, Zhang G, Li T. Micro-/Nanorobots Propelled by Oscillating Magnetic Fields. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:E540. [PMID: 30715039 PMCID: PMC6266240 DOI: 10.3390/mi9110540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent strides in micro- and nanomanufacturing technologies have sparked the development of micro-/nanorobots with enhanced power and functionality. Due to the advantages of on-demand motion control, long lifetime, and great biocompatibility, magnetic propelled micro-/nanorobots have exhibited considerable promise in the fields of drug delivery, biosensing, bioimaging, and environmental remediation. The magnetic fields which provide energy for propulsion can be categorized into rotating and oscillating magnetic fields. In this review, recent developments in oscillating magnetic propelled micro-/nanorobot fabrication techniques (such as electrodeposition, self-assembly, electron beam evaporation, and three-dimensional (3D) direct laser writing) are summarized. The motion mechanism of oscillating magnetic propelled micro-/nanorobots are also discussed, including wagging propulsion, surface walker propulsion, and scallop propulsion. With continuous innovation, micro-/nanorobots can become a promising candidate for future applications in the biomedical field. As a step toward designing and building such micro-/nanorobots, several types of common fabrication techniques are briefly introduced. Then, we focus on three propulsion mechanisms of micro-/nanorobots in oscillation magnetic fields: (1) wagging propulsion; (2) surface walker; and (3) scallop propulsion. Finally, a summary table is provided to compare the abilities of different micro-/nanorobots driven by oscillating magnetic fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Wentian Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Guanyu Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Haocheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Xiaocong Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Huijuan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Liqun Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Guangyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Tianlong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
- Department of Analytical, Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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19
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Chen T, Hou K, Ren Q, Chen G, Wei P, Zhu M. Nanoparticle-Polymer Synergies in Nanocomposite Hydrogels: From Design to Application. Macromol Rapid Commun 2018; 39:e1800337. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.201800337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials; College of Materials Science and Engineering; Donghua University; 2999 North Renmin Road Shanghai 201620 P.R. China
| | - Kai Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials; College of Materials Science and Engineering; Donghua University; 2999 North Renmin Road Shanghai 201620 P.R. China
| | - Qianyi Ren
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials; College of Materials Science and Engineering; Donghua University; 2999 North Renmin Road Shanghai 201620 P.R. China
| | - Guoyin Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials; College of Materials Science and Engineering; Donghua University; 2999 North Renmin Road Shanghai 201620 P.R. China
| | - Peiling Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials; College of Materials Science and Engineering; Donghua University; 2999 North Renmin Road Shanghai 201620 P.R. China
| | - Meifang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials; College of Materials Science and Engineering; Donghua University; 2999 North Renmin Road Shanghai 201620 P.R. China
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