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Mestre R, Astobiza AM, Webster-Wood VA, Ryan M, Saif MTA. Ethics and responsibility in biohybrid robotics research. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310458121. [PMID: 39042690 PMCID: PMC11294997 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310458121] [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] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The industrial revolution of the 19th century marked the onset of an era of machines and robots that transformed societies. Since the beginning of the 21st century, a new generation of robots envisions similar societal transformation. These robots are biohybrid: part living and part engineered. They may self-assemble and emerge from complex interactions between living cells. While this new era of living robots presents unprecedented opportunities for positive societal impact, it also poses a host of ethical challenges. A systematic, nuanced examination of these ethical issues is of paramount importance to guide the evolution of this nascent field. Multidisciplinary fields face the challenge that inertia around collective action to address ethical boundaries may result in unexpected consequences for researchers and societies alike. In this Perspective, we i) clarify the ethical challenges associated with biohybrid robotics, ii) discuss the need for and elements of a potential governance framework tailored to this technology; and iii) propose tangible steps toward ethical compliance and policy formation in the field of biohybrid robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mestre
- Agents, Interaction and Complexity Group, School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Politics and International Relations Department, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Centre for Democratic Futures, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Centre for Robotics, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Aníbal M. Astobiza
- Department of Public Law, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Donostia20018, Spain
| | - Victoria A. Webster-Wood
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh15213, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh15213, Pennsylvania
- The Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh15213, Pennsylvania
- The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh15213, Pennsylvania
| | - Matt Ryan
- Politics and International Relations Department, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Centre for Democratic Futures, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Democratic Innovations Research Unit, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main60323, Germany
| | - M. Taher A. Saif
- Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana61801, Illinois
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2
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Yu Y, Liang L, Sun T, Lu H, Yang P, Li J, Pang Q, Zeng J, Shi P, Li J, Lu Y. Micro/Nanomotor-Driven Intelligent Targeted Delivery Systems: Dynamics Sources and Frontier Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400163. [PMID: 39075811 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400163] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors represent a promising class of drug delivery carriers capable of converting surrounding chemical or external energy into mechanical power, enabling autonomous movement. Their distinct autonomous propulsive force distinguishes them from other carriers, offering significant potential for enhancing drug penetration across cellular and tissue barriers. A comprehensive understanding of micro/nanomotor dynamics with various power sources is crucial to facilitate their transition from proof-of-concept to clinical application. In this review, micro/nanomotors are categorized into three classes based on their energy sources: endogenously stimulated, exogenously stimulated, and live cell-driven. The review summarizes the mechanisms governing micro/nanomotor movements under these energy sources and explores factors influencing autonomous motion. Furthermore, it discusses methods for controlling micro/nanomotor movement, encompassing aspects related to their structure, composition, and environmental factors. The remarkable propulsive force exhibited by micro/nanomotors makes them valuable for significant biomedical applications, including tumor therapy, bio-detection, bacterial infection therapy, inflammation therapy, gastrointestinal disease therapy, and environmental remediation. Finally, the review addresses the challenges and prospects for the application of micro/nanomotors. Overall, this review emphasizes the transformative potential of micro/nanomotors in overcoming biological barriers and enhancing therapeutic efficacy, highlighting their promising clinical applications across various biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yu
- Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, 628000, P. R. China
| | - Ling Liang
- Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, 628000, P. R. China
| | - Ting Sun
- Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, 628000, P. R. China
| | - Haiying Lu
- Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, 628000, P. R. China
| | - Pushan Yang
- Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, 628000, P. R. China
| | - Jinrong Li
- Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, 628000, P. R. China
| | - Qinjiao Pang
- Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, 628000, P. R. China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, 628000, P. R. China
| | - Ping Shi
- Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, 628000, P. R. China
| | - Jianshu Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yongping Lu
- Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, 628000, P. R. China
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3
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Georgopoulou A, Filippi M, Stefani L, Drescher F, Balciunaite A, Scherberich A, Katzschmann R, Clemens F. Bioprinting of Stable Bionic Interfaces Using Piezoresistive Hydrogel Organoelectronics. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400051. [PMID: 38666593 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400051] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Bionic tissues offer an exciting frontier in biomedical research by integrating biological cells with artificial electronics, such as sensors. One critical hurdle is the development of artificial electronics that can mechanically harmonize with biological tissues, ensuring a robust interface for effective strain transfer and local deformation sensing. In this study, a highly tissue-integrative, soft mechanical sensor fabricated from a composite piezoresistive hydrogel. The composite not only exhibits exceptional mechanical properties, with elongation at the point of fracture reaching up to 680%, but also maintains excellent biocompatibility across multiple cell types. Furthermore, the material exhibits bioadhesive qualities, facilitating stable cell adhesion to its surface. A unique advantage of the formulation is the compatibility with 3D bioprinting, an essential technique for fabricating stable interfaces. A multimaterial sensorized 3D bionic construct is successfully bioprinted, and it is compared to structures produced via hydrogel casting. In contrast to cast constructs, the bioprinted ones display a high (87%) cell viability, preserve differentiation ability, and structural integrity of the sensor-tissue interface throughout the tissue development duration of 10 d. With easy fabrication and effective soft tissue integration, this composite holds significant promise for various biomedical applications, including implantable electronics and organ-on-a-chip technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Georgopoulou
- High Performance Ceramics Laboratory, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Dübendorf, 8600, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Filippi
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Stefani
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
| | - Felix Drescher
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Aiste Balciunaite
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Scherberich
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
| | - Robert Katzschmann
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Frank Clemens
- High Performance Ceramics Laboratory, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Dübendorf, 8600, Switzerland
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4
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Al Harraq A, Feng M, Gauri HM, Devireddy R, Gupta A, Sun Q, Bharti B. Magnetic Control of Nonmagnetic Living Organisms. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:17339-17346. [PMID: 38531044 PMCID: PMC11009914 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02325] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Living organisms inspire the design of microrobots, but their functionality is unmatched. Next-generation microrobots aim to leverage the sensing and communication abilities of organisms through magnetic hybridization, attaching magnetic particles to them for external control. However, the protocols used for magnetic hybridization are morphology specific and are not generalizable. We propose an alternative approach that leverages the principles of negative magnetostatics and magnetophoresis to control nonmagnetic organisms with external magnetic fields. To do this, we disperse model organisms in dispersions of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and expose them to either uniform or gradient magnetic fields. In uniform magnetic fields, living organisms align with the field due to external torque, while gradient magnetic fields generate a negative magnetophoretic force, pushing objects away from external magnets. The magnetic fields enable controlling the position and orientation of Caenorhabditis elegans larvae and flagellated bacteria through directional interactions and magnitude. This control is diminished in live spermatozoa and adult C. elegans due to stronger internal biological activity, i.e., force/torque. Our study presents a method for spatiotemporal organization of living organisms without requiring magnetic hybridization, opening the way for the development of controllable living microbiorobots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Al Harraq
- Cain
Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana
State University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Min Feng
- McFerrin
Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Hashir M. Gauri
- Cain
Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana
State University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Ram Devireddy
- Department
of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Ankur Gupta
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Qing Sun
- McFerrin
Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Bhuvnesh Bharti
- Cain
Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana
State University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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5
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Madadi M, Khoee S, Layegh H. Experimental and Molecular Docking Studies on Enzyme-Driven Biohybrid-Inspired Micromotors Based on Amylose- b-(PEG- co-PBA) Inclusion Complexes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:5214-5227. [PMID: 38469650 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Amylose is a linear polysaccharide with a unique ability to form helical inclusion complexes with the appropriate guest components. Numerous studies have been conducted on encapsulation of bioactive compounds for various applications. In the biomedical field, biohybrid micro/nanomotors (MNMs) have emerged as innovative candidates due to their excellent biocompatible and biodegradable properties. This study was inspired by the biohybrid- and enzymatic-propelled MNMs and explored the potential of amylose inclusion complexes (ICs) in creating these MNMs. The study developed a new type of micromotor made from (PEG-co-PBA)-b-amylose. Nanoprecipitation, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and ultrasound-treated methods were employed to create spherical, thick crystalline, and rod-bacterial-like morphologies, respectively. Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) was used as the catalytic fuel to induce the motion by the enzymatic degradation of ester linkages in the polymeric segment. Optical microscopy was utilized to observe the motion of the motors following incubation with enzyme concentrations of 5, 10, and 20% (w/w). The results demonstrated that the velocity of the motors increased proportionally with the percentage of added enzyme. Additionally, a comprehensive molecular docking evaluation with PyRx software provided insight into the interaction of the CALB enzyme with polymeric moieties and demonstrated a good affinity between the enzyme and polymer in the binding site. This study provides novel insight into the design and development of enzymatically driven polymeric micromotors and nanomotors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhdeh Madadi
- Polymer Laboratory, School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 141556455, Tehran 14155-6455, Iran
| | - Sepideh Khoee
- Polymer Laboratory, School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 141556455, Tehran 14155-6455, Iran
| | - Hesam Layegh
- Polymer Laboratory, School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 141556455, Tehran 14155-6455, Iran
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6
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Zhang F, Li Z, Chen C, Luan H, Fang RH, Zhang L, Wang J. Biohybrid Microalgae Robots: Design, Fabrication, Materials, and Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303714. [PMID: 37471001 PMCID: PMC10799182 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303714] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The integration of microorganisms and engineered artificial components has shown considerable promise for creating biohybrid microrobots. The unique features of microalgae make them attractive candidates as natural actuation materials for the design of biohybrid microrobotic systems. In this review, microalgae-based biohybrid microrobots are introduced for diverse biomedical and environmental applications. The distinct propulsion and phototaxis behaviors of green microalgae, as well as important properties from other photosynthetic microalga systems (blue-green algae and diatom) that are crucial to constructing powerful biohybrid microrobots, will be described first. Then the focus is on chemical and physical routes for functionalizing the algae surface with diverse reactive materials toward the fabrication of advanced biohybrid microalgae robots. Finally, representative applications of such algae-driven microrobots are presented, including drug delivery, imaging, and water decontamination, highlighting the distinct advantages of these active biohybrid robots, along with future prospects and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyu Zhang
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhengxing Li
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chuanrui Chen
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hao Luan
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ronnie H. Fang
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Liangfang Zhang
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joseph Wang
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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7
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Blackiston D, Kriegman S, Bongard J, Levin M. Biological Robots: Perspectives on an Emerging Interdisciplinary Field. Soft Robot 2023; 10:674-686. [PMID: 37083430 PMCID: PMC10442684 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2022.0142] [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] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in science and engineering often reveal the limitations of classical approaches initially used to understand, predict, and control phenomena. With progress, conceptual categories must often be re-evaluated to better track recently discovered invariants across disciplines. It is essential to refine frameworks and resolve conflicting boundaries between disciplines such that they better facilitate, not restrict, experimental approaches and capabilities. In this essay, we address specific questions and critiques which have arisen in response to our research program, which lies at the intersection of developmental biology, computer science, and robotics. In the context of biological machines and robots, we explore changes across concepts and previously distinct fields that are driven by recent advances in materials, information, and life sciences. Herein, each author provides their own perspective on the subject, framed by their own disciplinary training. We argue that as with computation, certain aspects of developmental biology and robotics are not tied to specific materials; rather, the consilience of these fields can help to shed light on issues of multiscale control, self-assembly, and relationships between form and function. We hope new fields can emerge as boundaries arising from technological limitations are overcome, furthering practical applications from regenerative medicine to useful synthetic living machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Blackiston
- Department of Biology, Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute for Computationally Designed Organisms, Massachusetts and Vermont, USA
| | - Sam Kriegman
- Institute for Computationally Designed Organisms, Massachusetts and Vermont, USA
- Center for Robotics and Biosystems, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Josh Bongard
- Institute for Computationally Designed Organisms, Massachusetts and Vermont, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology, Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute for Computationally Designed Organisms, Massachusetts and Vermont, USA
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8
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Lv Y, Pu R, Tao Y, Yang X, Mu H, Wang H, Sun W. Applications and Future Prospects of Micro/Nanorobots Utilizing Diverse Biological Carriers. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:mi14050983. [PMID: 37241607 DOI: 10.3390/mi14050983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Targeted drug delivery using micro-nano robots (MNRs) is a rapidly advancing and promising field in biomedical research. MNRs enable precise delivery of drugs, addressing a wide range of healthcare needs. However, the application of MNRs in vivo is limited by power issues and specificity in different scenarios. Additionally, the controllability and biological safety of MNRs must be considered. To overcome these challenges, researchers have developed bio-hybrid micro-nano motors that offer improved accuracy, effectiveness, and safety for targeted therapies. These bio-hybrid micro-nano motors/robots (BMNRs) use a variety of biological carriers, blending the benefits of artificial materials with the unique features of different biological carriers to create tailored functions for specific needs. This review aims to give an overview of the current progress and application of MNRs with various biocarriers, while exploring the characteristics, advantages, and potential hurdles for future development of these bio-carrier MNRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lv
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Ruochen Pu
- College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yining Tao
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Xiyu Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Haoran Mu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Hongsheng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
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9
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Smart micro- and nanorobots for water purification. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:236-251. [PMID: 37064655 PMCID: PMC9901418 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Less than 1% of Earth's freshwater reserves is accessible. Industrialization, population growth and climate change are further exacerbating clean water shortage. Current water-remediation treatments fail to remove most pollutants completely or release toxic by-products into the environment. The use of self-propelled programmable micro- and nanoscale synthetic robots is a promising alternative way to improve water monitoring and remediation by overcoming diffusion-limited reactions and promoting interactions with target pollutants, including nano- and microplastics, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, oils and pathogenic microorganisms. This Review introduces the evolution of passive micro- and nanomaterials through active micro- and nanomotors and into advanced intelligent micro- and nanorobots in terms of motion ability, multifunctionality, adaptive response, swarming and mutual communication. After describing removal and degradation strategies, we present the most relevant improvements in water treatment, highlighting the design aspects necessary to improve remediation efficiency for specific contaminants. Finally, open challenges and future directions are discussed for the real-world application of smart micro- and nanorobots.
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Tripathi AK, Tlusty T. Gauging Nanoswimmer Dynamics via the Motion of Large Bodies. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 129:254502. [PMID: 36608228 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.254502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Nanoswimmers are ubiquitous in biotechnology and nanotechnology but are extremely challenging to measure due to their minute size and driving forces. A simple method is proposed for detecting the elusive physical features of nanoswimmers by observing how they affect the motion of much larger, easily traceable particles. Modeling the swimmers as hydrodynamic force dipoles, we find direct, easy-to-calibrate relations between the observable power spectrum and diffusivity of the tracers and the dynamic characteristics of the swimmers-their force dipole moment and correlation times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani Kr Tripathi
- Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Tsvi Tlusty
- Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physics, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
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Webster-Wood VA, Guix M, Xu NW, Behkam B, Sato H, Sarkar D, Sanchez S, Shimizu M, Parker KK. Biohybrid robots: recent progress, challenges, and perspectives. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2022; 18:015001. [PMID: 36265472 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac9c3b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The past ten years have seen the rapid expansion of the field of biohybrid robotics. By combining engineered, synthetic components with living biological materials, new robotics solutions have been developed that harness the adaptability of living muscles, the sensitivity of living sensory cells, and even the computational abilities of living neurons. Biohybrid robotics has taken the popular and scientific media by storm with advances in the field, moving biohybrid robotics out of science fiction and into real science and engineering. So how did we get here, and where should the field of biohybrid robotics go next? In this perspective, we first provide the historical context of crucial subareas of biohybrid robotics by reviewing the past 10+ years of advances in microorganism-bots and sperm-bots, cyborgs, and tissue-based robots. We then present critical challenges facing the field and provide our perspectives on the vital future steps toward creating autonomous living machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Webster-Wood
- Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering (by courtesy), McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15116, United States of America
| | - Maria Guix
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri-Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciència dels Materials i Química Física, Institut de Química Teòrica i Computacional Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicole W Xu
- Laboratories for Computational Physics and Fluid Dynamics, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Code 6041, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Bahareh Behkam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States of America
| | - Hirotaka Sato
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 65 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637460, Singapore
| | - Deblina Sarkar
- MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - Samuel Sanchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri-Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Avda. Lluis Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Masahiro Shimizu
- Department of Systems Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-machi, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kevin Kit Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
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12
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Biocompatible micromotors for biosensing. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:7035-7049. [PMID: 36044082 PMCID: PMC9428376 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04287-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors are nanoscale devices that have been explored in various fields, such as drug delivery, environmental remediation, or biosensing and diagnosis. The use of micro/nanomotors has grown considerably over the past few years, partially because of the advantages that they offer in the development of new conceptual avenues in biosensing. This is due to their propulsion and intermixing in solution compared with their respective static forms, which enables motion-based detection methods and/or decreases bioassay time. This review focuses on the impacts of micro/nanomotors on biosensing research in the last 2 years. An overview of designs for bioreceptor attachment to micro/nanomotors is given. Recent developments have focused on chemically propelled micromotors using external fuels, commonly hydrogen peroxide. However, the associated fuel toxicity and inconvenience of use in relevant biological samples such as blood have prompted researchers to explore new micro/nanomotor biosensing approaches based on biocompatible propulsion sources such as magnetic or ultrasound fields. The main advances in biocompatible propulsion sources for micro/nanomotors as novel biosensing platforms are discussed and grouped by their propulsion-driven forces. The relevant analytical applications are discussed and representatively illustrated. Moreover, envisioning future biosensing applications, the principal advantages of micro/nanomotor synthesis using biocompatible and biodegradable materials are given. The review concludes with a realistic drawing on the present and future perspectives.
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13
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Piskunen P, Huusela M, Linko V. Nanoswimmers Based on Capped Janus Nanospheres. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15134442. [PMID: 35806570 PMCID: PMC9267829 DOI: 10.3390/ma15134442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nanoswimmers are synthetic nanoscale objects that convert the available surrounding free energy to a directed motion. For example, bacteria with various flagella types serve as textbook examples of the minuscule swimmers found in nature. Along these lines, a plethora of artificial hybrid and non-hybrid nanoswimmers have been introduced, and they could find many uses, e.g., for targeted drug delivery systems (TDDSs) and controlled drug treatments. Here, we discuss a certain class of nanoparticles, i.e., functional, capped Janus nanospheres that can be employed as nanoswimmers, their subclasses and properties, as well as their various implementations. A brief outlook is given on different fabrication and synthesis methods, as well as on the diverse compositions used to prepare nanoswimmers, with a focus on the particle types and materials suitable for biomedical applications. Several recent studies have shown remarkable success in achieving temporally and spatially controlled drug delivery in vitro using Janus-particle-based TDDSs. We believe that this review will serve as a concise introductory synopsis for the interested readers. Therefore, we hope that it will deepen the general understanding of nanoparticle behavior in biological matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petteri Piskunen
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 00076 Aalto, Finland; (P.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Martina Huusela
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 00076 Aalto, Finland; (P.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Veikko Linko
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 00076 Aalto, Finland; (P.P.); (M.H.)
- LIBER Center of Excellence, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 00076 Aalto, Finland
- Correspondence:
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Huska D, Mayorga-Martinez CC, Zelinka R, Pumera M. Magnetic Biohybrid Robots as Efficient Drug Carrier to Generate Plant Cell Clones. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2200208. [PMID: 35535470 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202200208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanorobots represent a new generation of micromachines that can accomplish various tasks, such as loading and transporting specific targets or pharmaceuticals for a given application. Biohybrid robots consisting of biological cells (bacteria, sperm, and microalgae) combined with inorganic particles to control or propel their movement are of particular interest. The skeleton of these biohybrid robots can be used to load biomolecules. In this work, the authors create biohybrid robots based on tomato plants by coculturing ferromagnetic nanoparticles (Fe3 O4 ) with tomato callus cells. The tomato-based biohybrid robots (Tomato-Biobots) containing Fe3 O4 nanoparticles are driven by a transversely rotating magnetic field. In addition, biohybrid robots are used to load vitamin C, to generate clones of tomato cells. It is shown that the presence of Fe3 O4 does not affect the growth of tomato callus. This study opens a wide range of possibilities for the use of biohybrid robots@Fe3 O4 to deliver conventional agrochemicals, including fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, and allows for a gradual and sustained release of nutrients and agrochemicals, leading to precise dosing that reduces the amount of agrochemicals used. This conceptually new type of micromachine with application to plants and agronomy shall find broad use in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalibor Huska
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague, 166 28, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic
| | - Carmen C Mayorga-Martinez
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague, 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Zelinka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague, 166 28, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
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Kichatov B, Korshunov A, Sudakov V, Petrov O, Gubernov V, Korshunova E, Kolobov A, Kiverin A. Magnetic Nanomotors in Emulsions for Locomotion of Microdroplets. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:10976-10986. [PMID: 35179020 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c23910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The locomotion of droplets in emulsions is of practical significance for fields related to medicine and chemical engineering, which can be done with a magnetic field to move droplets containing magnetic materials. Here, we demonstrate a new method of droplet locomotion in the oil-in-water emulsion with the help of a nonuniform magnetic field in the case where magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are dispersed in the continuous phase of the emulsion. The paper analyses the motion of the droplets in a liquid film and in a capillary for various diameters of droplets, their number density, and viscosity of the continuous phase of the emulsion. It is established that the mechanism of droplet locomotion in the emulsion largely depends on the wettability of MNPs. Hydrophobic nanoparticles are adsorbed on the droplet surfaces, forming the agglomerates of MNPs with the droplets. Such agglomerates move at much higher velocities than passive droplets. Hydrophilic nanoparticles are not adsorbed at the surfaces of the droplets but form mobile magnetic clusters dispersed in the continuous phase of the emulsion. Mobile magnetic clusters set the surrounding liquid and droplets in motion. The results obtained in this paper can be used in drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kichatov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Korshunov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Sudakov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg Petrov
- Joint Institute for High Temperatures, Russian Academy of Sciences, 125412 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Gubernov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Korshunova
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei Kolobov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Kiverin
- Joint Institute for High Temperatures, Russian Academy of Sciences, 125412 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow State Technical University by N.E. Bauman, 105005 Moscow, Russia
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Rajewicz W, Romano D, Varughese JC, Vuuren GJV, Campo A, Thenius R, Schmickl T. Freshwater organisms potentially useful as biosensors and power-generation mediators in biohybrid robotics. BIOLOGICAL CYBERNETICS 2021; 115:615-628. [PMID: 34812929 PMCID: PMC8642376 DOI: 10.1007/s00422-021-00902-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Facing the threat of rapidly worsening water quality, there is an urgent need to develop novel approaches of monitoring its global supplies and early detection of environmental fluctuations. Global warming, urban growth and other factors have threatened not only the freshwater supply but also the well-being of many species inhabiting it. Traditionally, laboratory-based studies can be both time and money consuming and so, the development of a real-time, continuous monitoring method has proven necessary. The use of autonomous, self-actualizing entities became an efficient way of monitoring the environment. The Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) will be investigated as an alternative energy source to allow for these entities to self-actualize. This concept has been improved with the use of various lifeforms in the role of biosensors in a structure called "biohybrid" which we aim to develop further within the framework of project Robocoenosis relying on animal-robot interaction. We introduce a novel concept of a fully autonomous biohybrid agent with various lifeforms in the role of biosensors. Herein, we identify most promising organisms in the context of underwater robotics, among others Dreissena polymorpha, Anodonta cygnaea, Daphnia sp. and various algae. Special focus is placed on the "ecosystem hacking" based on their interaction with the electronic parts. This project uses Austrian lakes of various trophic levels (Millstättersee, Hallstättersee and Neusiedlersee) as case studies and as a "proof of concept".
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Rajewicz
- 649 Institute of Biology, Graz, 8010, Austria.
- University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Donato Romano
- The BioRobotics Institute, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera, Pisa, 56025, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, 56127, Italy
| | | | | | - Alexandre Campo
- Unit of Social Ecology, Universit é Libre de Bruxelles, Campus Plaine, Boulevard duTriomphe, CP 231, 1050, Bruxelles, Belgium
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Engineering Active Micro and Nanomotors. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12060687. [PMID: 34208386 PMCID: PMC8231110 DOI: 10.3390/mi12060687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Micro- and nanomotors (MNMs) are micro/nanoparticles that can perform autonomous motion in complex fluids driven by different power sources. They have been attracting increasing attention due to their great potential in a variety of applications ranging from environmental science to biomedical engineering. Over the past decades, this field has evolved rapidly, with many significant innovations contributed by global researchers. In this review, we first briefly overview the methods used to propel motors and then present the main strategies used to design proper MNMs. Next, we highlight recent fascinating applications of MNMs in two examplary fields, water remediation and biomedical microrobots, and conclude this review with a brief discussion of challenges in the field.
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