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Ren A, Hu J, Qin C, Xia N, Yu M, Xu X, Yang H, Han M, Zhang L, Ma L. Oral administration microrobots for drug delivery. Bioact Mater 2024; 39:163-190. [PMID: 38808156 PMCID: PMC11130999 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral administration is the most simple, noninvasive, convenient treatment. With the increasing demands on the targeted drug delivery, the traditional oral treatment now is facing some challenges: 1) biologics how to implement the oral treatment and ensure the bioavailability is not lower than the subcutaneous injections; 2) How to achieve targeted therapy of some drugs in the gastrointestinal tract? Based on these two issues, drug delivery microrobots have shown great application prospect in oral drug delivery due to their characteristics of flexible locomotion or driven ability. Therefore, this paper summarizes various drug delivery microrobots developed in recent years and divides them into four categories according to different driving modes: magnetic-controlled drug delivery microrobots, anchored drug delivery microrobots, self-propelled drug delivery microrobots and biohybrid drug delivery microrobots. As oral drug delivery microrobots involve disciplines such as materials science, mechanical engineering, medicine, and control systems, this paper begins by introducing the gastrointestinal barriers that oral drug delivery must overcome. Subsequently, it provides an overview of typical materials involved in the design process of oral drug delivery microrobots. To enhance readers' understanding of the working principles and design process of oral drug delivery microrobots, we present a guideline for designing such microrobots. Furthermore, the current development status of various types of oral drug delivery microrobots is reviewed, summarizing their respective advantages and limitations. Finally, considering the significant concerns regarding safety and clinical translation, we discuss the challenges and prospections of clinical translation for various oral drug delivery microrobots presented in this paper, providing corresponding suggestions for addressing some existing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiarui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Changwei Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Neng Xia
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mengfei Yu
- The Affiliated Stomatologic Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Civil Engineering Materials of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of D&A for Metal-Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804 China
| | - Huayong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Min Han
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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2
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Chen T, Cai Y, Ren B, Sánchez BJ, Dong R. Intelligent micro/nanorobots based on biotemplates. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:2772-2801. [PMID: 38597188 DOI: 10.1039/d4mh00114a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Intelligent micro/nanorobots based on natural materials as biotemplates are considered to be some of the most promising robots in the future in the microscopic field. Due to the advantages of biotemplates such as unique structure, abundant resources, environmental friendliness, easy removal, low price, easy access, and renewability, intelligent micro/nanorobots based on biotemplates can be endowed with both excellent biomaterial activity and unique structural morphology through biotemplates themselves and specific functions through artificial micro/nanotechnology. Thus, intelligent micro/nanorobots show excellent application potential in various fields from biomedical applications to environmental remediation. In this review, we introduce the advantages of using natural biological materials as biotemplates to build intelligent micro/nanorobots, and then, classify the micro/nanorobots according to different types of biotemplates, systematically detail their preparation strategies and summarize their application prospects. Finally, in order to further advance the development of intelligent micro/nanorobots, we discuss the current challenges and future prospects of biotemplates. Intelligent micro/nanorobots based on biotemplates are a perfect combination of natural biotemplates and micro/nanotechnology, which is an important trend for the future development of micro/nanorobots. We hope this review can provide useful references for developing more intelligent, efficient and safe micro/nanorobots in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Yuepeng Cai
- School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Biye Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Beatriz Jurado Sánchez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering Universidad de Alcala, Alcala de Henares, E-28802 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Renfeng Dong
- School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
- 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
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3
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Li W, Yin Y, Zhou H, Fan Y, Yang Y, Gao Q, Li P, Gao G, Li J. Recent Advances in Electrospinning Techniques for Precise Medicine. CYBORG AND BIONIC SYSTEMS 2024; 5:0101. [PMID: 38778878 PMCID: PMC11109596 DOI: 10.34133/cbsystems.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the realm of precise medicine, the advancement of manufacturing technologies is vital for enhancing the capabilities of medical devices such as nano/microrobots, wearable/implantable biosensors, and organ-on-chip systems, which serve to accurately acquire and analyze patients' physiopathological information and to perform patient-specific therapy. Electrospinning holds great promise in engineering materials and components for advanced medical devices, due to the demonstrated ability to advance the development of nanomaterial science. Nevertheless, challenges such as limited composition variety, uncontrollable fiber orientation, difficulties in incorporating fragile molecules and cells, and low production effectiveness hindered its further application. To overcome these challenges, advanced electrospinning techniques have been explored to manufacture functional composites, orchestrated structures, living constructs, and scale-up fabrication. This review delves into the recent advances of electrospinning techniques and underscores their potential in revolutionizing the field of precise medicine, upon introducing the fundamental information of conventional electrospinning techniques, as well as discussing the current challenges and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- School of Medical Technology,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yue Yin
- School of Medical Technology,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
- Zhengzhou Academy of Intelligent Technology,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhengzhou 450040, China
| | - Huaijuan Zhou
- Zhengzhou Academy of Intelligent Technology,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhengzhou 450040, China
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Sciences,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yingwei Fan
- School of Medical Technology,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yingting Yang
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Sciences,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qiqi Gao
- School of Medical Technology,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Pei Li
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine,
Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ge Gao
- School of Medical Technology,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
- Zhengzhou Academy of Intelligent Technology,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhengzhou 450040, China
| | - Jinhua Li
- School of Medical Technology,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
- Zhengzhou Academy of Intelligent Technology,
Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhengzhou 450040, China
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4
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Tsompanas MA, Balaz I. Outline of an evolutionary morphology generator towards the modular design of a biohybrid catheter. Front Robot AI 2024; 11:1337722. [PMID: 38680619 PMCID: PMC11045906 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2024.1337722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Biohybrid machines (BHMs) are an amalgam of actuators composed of living cells with synthetic materials. They are engineered in order to improve autonomy, adaptability and energy efficiency beyond what conventional robots can offer. However, designing these machines is no trivial task for humans, provided the field's short history and, thus, the limited experience and expertise on designing and controlling similar entities, such as soft robots. To unveil the advantages of BHMs, we propose to overcome the hindrances of their design process by developing a modular modeling and simulation framework for the digital design of BHMs that incorporates Artificial Intelligence powered algorithms. Here, we present the initial workings of the first module in an exemplar framework, namely, an evolutionary morphology generator. As proof-of-principle for this project, we use the scenario of developing a biohybrid catheter as a medical device capable of arriving to hard-to-reach regions of the human body to release drugs. We study the automatically generated morphology of actuators that will enable the functionality of that catheter. The primary results presented here enforced the update of the methodology used, in order to better depict the problem under study, while also provided insights for the future versions of the software module.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail-Antisthenis Tsompanas
- School of Computing and Creative Technologies, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Unconventional Computing Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Igor Balaz
- Laboratory for Meteorology, Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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5
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Ji Y, Bai X, Sun H, Wang L, Gan C, Jia L, Xu J, Zhang W, Wang L, Xu Y, Hou Y, Wang Y, Hui H, Feng L. Biocompatible Ferrofluid-Based Millirobot for Tumor Photothermal Therapy in Near-Infrared-II Window. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302395. [PMID: 37947303 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302395] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Ferrofluidic robots with excellent deformability and controllability have been intensively studied recently. However, most of these studies are in vitro and the use of ferrofluids for in vivo medicinal applications remains a big challenge. The application of ferrofluidic robots to the body requires the solution of many key problems. In this study, biocompatibility, controllability, and tumor-killing efficacy are considered when creating a ferrofluid-based millirobot for in vivo tumor-targeted therapy. For biocompatibility problems, corn oil is used specifically for the ferrofluid robot. In addition, a control system is built that enables a 3D magnetic drive to be implemented in complex biological media. Using the photothermal conversion property of 1064 nm, the ferrofluid robot can kill tumor cells in vitro; inhibit tumor volume, destroy the tumor interstitium, increase tumor cell apoptosis, and inhibit tumor cell proliferation in vivo. This study provides a reference for ferrofluid-based millirobots to achieve targeted therapies in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Ji
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xue Bai
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chunyuan Gan
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lina Jia
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yingchen Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yaxin Hou
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yinyan Wang
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hui Hui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, The State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Lin Feng
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
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6
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Liao J, Majidi C, Sitti M. Liquid Metal Actuators: A Comparative Analysis of Surface Tension Controlled Actuation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2300560. [PMID: 37358049 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metals, with their unique combination of electrical and mechanical properties, offer great opportunities for actuation based on surface tension modulation. Thanks to the scaling laws of surface tension, which can be electrochemically controlled at low voltages, liquid metal actuators stand out from other soft actuators for their remarkable characteristics such as high contractile strain rates and higher work densities at smaller length scales. This review summarizes the principles of liquid metal actuators and discusses their performance as well as theoretical pathways toward higher performances. The objective is to provide a comparative analysis of the ongoing development of liquid metal actuators. The design principles of the liquid metal actuators are analyzed, including low-level elemental principles (kinematics and electrochemistry), mid-level structural principles (reversibility, integrity, and scalability), and high-level functionalities. A wide range of practical use cases of liquid metal actuators from robotic locomotion and object manipulation to logic and computation is reviewed. From an energy perspective, strategies are compared for coupling the liquid metal actuators with an energy source toward fully untethered robots. The review concludes by offering a roadmap of future research directions of liquid metal actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahe Liao
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Heisenbergstr. 3, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Robotics Institute, Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Heisenbergstr. 3, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, College of Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, 34450, Turkey
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7
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Wang Q, Jermyn S, Quashie D, Gatti SE, Katuri J, Ali J. Magnetically actuated swimming and rolling erythrocyte-based biohybrid micromotors. RSC Adv 2023; 13:30951-30958. [PMID: 37876656 PMCID: PMC10591291 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05844a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythrocytes are natural multifunctional biomaterials that can be engineered for use as micro robotic vectors for therapeutic applications. Erythrocyte based micromotors offer several advantages over existing bio-hybrid micromotors, but current control mechanisms are often complex, utilizing multiple external signals, such as tandem magnetic and acoustic fields to achieve both actuation and directional control. Further, existing actuation methods rely on proximity to a substrate to achieve effective propulsion through symmetry breaking. Alternatively, control mechanisms only requiring the use of a single control input may aid in the translational use of these devices. Here, we report a simple scalable technique for fabricating erythrocyte-based magnetic biohybrid micromotors and demonstrate the ability to control two modes of motion, surface rolling and bulk swimming, using a single uniform rotating magnetic field. While rolling exploits symmetry breaking from the proximity of a surface, bulk swimming relies on naturally occurring shape asymmetry of erythrocytes. We characterize swimming and rolling kinematics, including step-out frequencies, propulsion velocity, and steerability in aqueous solutions using open-loop control. The observed dynamics may enable the development of future erythrocyte micromotor designs and control strategies for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU Collee of Engineering Tallahassee Florida 32310 USA
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Tallahassee Florida 32310 USA
| | - Sophie Jermyn
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU Collee of Engineering Tallahassee Florida 32310 USA
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Tallahassee Florida 32310 USA
| | - David Quashie
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU Collee of Engineering Tallahassee Florida 32310 USA
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Tallahassee Florida 32310 USA
| | - Sarah Elizabeth Gatti
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Tallahassee Florida 32310 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University College of Engineering Nashville Tennessee 37235 USA
| | - Jaideep Katuri
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU Collee of Engineering Tallahassee Florida 32310 USA
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Tallahassee Florida 32310 USA
| | - Jamel Ali
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU Collee of Engineering Tallahassee Florida 32310 USA
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Tallahassee Florida 32310 USA
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Chen H, Zhou T, Li S, Feng J, Li W, Li L, Zhou X, Wang M, Li F, Zhao X, Ren L. Living Magnetotactic Microrobots Based on Bacteria with a Surface-Displayed CRISPR/Cas12a System for Penaeus Viruses Detection. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:47930-47938. [PMID: 37811735 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09690] [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: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial microrobots are an emerging living material in the field of diagnostics. However, it is an important challenge to make bacterial microrobots with both controlled motility and specific functions. Herein, magnetically driven diagnostic bacterial microrobots are prepared by standardized and modular synthetic biology methods. To ensure mobility, the Mms6 protein is displayed on the surface of bacteria and is exploited for magnetic biomineralization. This gives the bacterial microrobot the ability to cruise flexibly and rapidly with a magnetization intensity up to about 18.65 emu g-1. To achieve the diagnostic function, the Cas12a protein is displayed on the bacterial surface and is used for aquatic pathogen nucleic acid detection. This allows the bacterial microrobot to achieve sensitive, rapid, and accurate on-site nucleic acid detection, with detection limits of 8 copies μL-1 for decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1) and 7 copies μL-1 for white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). In particular, the diagnostic results based on the bacterial microrobots remained consistent with the gold standard test results when tested on shrimp tissue. This approach is a flexible and customizable strategy for building bacterial microrobots, providing a reliable and versatile solution for the design of bacterial microrobots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxiang Chen
- Department of Biomaterials, The Higher Educational Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province, Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Biomaterials, The Higher Educational Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province, Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Shuo Li
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China
| | - Junya Feng
- Department of Biomaterials, The Higher Educational Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province, Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Wenlong Li
- Department of Biomaterials, The Higher Educational Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province, Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Lihuang Li
- Department of Biomaterials, The Higher Educational Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province, Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xi Zhou
- Department of Biomaterials, The Higher Educational Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province, Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Biomaterials, The Higher Educational Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province, Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Fang Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xueqin Zhao
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Biomaterials, The Higher Educational Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province, Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
- State Key Lab of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
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Xiong Y, Yuan H, Olvera de la Cruz M. Janus magnetoelastic membrane swimmers. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:6721-6730. [PMID: 37622382 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00788j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Soft swimming microrobots have attracted considerable attention due to their potential applications in diverse fields ranging from biomedicines to environmental remediation. The locomotion control is of importance to the research of micromachines and microrobots. Inspired by the motility strategies of living microorganisms, such as flagella, cilia, and euglenoids, we focus on propulsion mechanisms with a design of Janus magnetoelastic crystalline membrane microswimmers actuated by time-varying magnetic fields. Such a Janus swimmer consists of a ferromagnetic cap completed by a magnetoelastic membrane body, where superparamagnetic particles are uniformly distributed on the surface. Under the influence of external magnetic fields, the swimmer undergoes complex shape transitions due to the interplay between the magnetic dipole-dipole interactions, the elasticity of the magnetoelastic membranes, and also the hydrodynamics of surrounding fluids. We show that those shape changes are nonreciprocal, which can generate locomotion such that the propulsion speed can be optimized by tailoring the membrane elastic properties. Besides, we also demonstrate that the Janus swimmer can be magnetically guided in a spiral trajectory. With such adequate control of locomotion in both speed and direction via non-invasive magnetic fields, this study provides another promising candidate design for the future development of microswimmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xiong
- Center for Computation & Theory of Soft Materials, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
| | - Hang Yuan
- Applied Physics Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Monica Olvera de la Cruz
- Center for Computation & Theory of Soft Materials, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
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10
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Wang Y, Chen J, Su G, Mei J, Li J. A Review of Single-Cell Microrobots: Classification, Driving Methods and Applications. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1710. [PMID: 37763873 PMCID: PMC10537272 DOI: 10.3390/mi14091710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell microrobots are new microartificial devices that use a combination of single cells and artificial devices, with the advantages of small size, easy degradation and ease of manufacture. With externally driven strategies such as light fields, sound fields and magnetic fields, microrobots are able to carry out precise micromanipulations and movements in complex microenvironments. Therefore, single-cell microrobots have received more and more attention and have been greatly developed in recent years. In this paper, we review the main classifications, control methods and recent advances in the field of single-cell microrobot applications. First, different types of robots, such as cell-based microrobots, bacteria-based microrobots, algae-based microrobots, etc., and their design strategies and fabrication processes are discussed separately. Next, three types of external field-driven technologies, optical, acoustic and magnetic, are presented and operations realized in vivo and in vitro by applying these three technologies are described. Subsequently, the results achieved by these robots in the fields of precise delivery, minimally invasive therapy are analyzed. Finally, a short summary is given and current challenges and future work on microbial-based robotics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Junyang Li
- School of Electronic Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China; (Y.W.); (J.C.); (G.S.); (J.M.)
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11
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Zheng L, Hart N, Zeng Y. Micro-/nanoscale robotics for chemical and biological sensing. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:3741-3767. [PMID: 37496448 PMCID: PMC10530003 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00404j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The field of micro-/nanorobotics has attracted extensive interest from a variety of research communities and witnessed enormous progress in a broad array of applications ranging from basic research to global healthcare and to environmental remediation and protection. In particular, micro-/nanoscale robots provide an enabling platform for the development of next-generation chemical and biological sensing modalities, owing to their unique advantages as programmable, self-sustainable, and/or autonomous mobile carriers to accommodate and promote physical and chemical processes. In this review, we intend to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art development in this area and share our perspective in the future trend. This review starts with a general introduction of micro-/nanorobotics and the commonly used methods for propulsion of micro-/nanorobots in solution, along with the commonly used methods in their fabrication. Next, we comprehensively summarize the current status of the micro/nanorobotic research in relevance to chemical and biological sensing (e.g., motion-based sensing, optical sensing, and electrochemical sensing). Following that, we provide an overview of the primary challenges currently faced in the micro-/nanorobotic research. Finally, we conclude this review by providing our perspective detailing the future application of soft robotics in chemical and biological sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuzheng Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA.
| | - Nathan Hart
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA.
| | - Yong Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA.
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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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13
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Weymann A, Foroughi J, Vardanyan R, Punjabi PP, Schmack B, Aloko S, Spinks GM, Wang CH, Arjomandi Rad A, Ruhparwar A. Artificial Muscles and Soft Robotic Devices for Treatment of End-Stage Heart Failure. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207390. [PMID: 36269015 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Medical soft robotics constitutes a rapidly developing field in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, with a promising future for millions of patients suffering from heart failure worldwide. Herein, the present state and future direction of artificial muscle-based soft robotic biomedical devices in supporting the inotropic function of the heart are reviewed, focusing on the emerging electrothermally artificial heart muscles (AHMs). Artificial muscle powered soft robotic devices can mimic the action of complex biological systems such as heart compression and twisting. These artificial muscles possess the ability to undergo complex deformations, aiding cardiac function while maintaining a limited weight and use of space. Two very promising candidates for artificial muscles are electrothermally actuated AHMs and biohybrid actuators using living cells or tissue embedded with artificial structures. Electrothermally actuated AHMs have demonstrated superior force generation while creating the prospect for fully soft robotic actuated ventricular assist devices. This review will critically analyze the limitations of currently available devices and discuss opportunities and directions for future research. Last, the properties of the cardiac muscle are reviewed and compared with those of different materials suitable for mechanical cardiac compression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Weymann
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Javad Foroughi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Library Rd, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Robert Vardanyan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Prakash P Punjabi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Bastian Schmack
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Sinmisola Aloko
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Geoffrey M Spinks
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Chun H Wang
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Library Rd, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Arian Arjomandi Rad
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Arjang Ruhparwar
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
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14
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Zhang D, Gorochowski TE, Marucci L, Lee HT, Gil B, Li B, Hauert S, Yeatman E. Advanced medical micro-robotics for early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Front Robot AI 2023; 9:1086043. [PMID: 36704240 PMCID: PMC9871318 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2022.1086043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent technological advances in micro-robotics have demonstrated their immense potential for biomedical applications. Emerging micro-robots have versatile sensing systems, flexible locomotion and dexterous manipulation capabilities that can significantly contribute to the healthcare system. Despite the appreciated and tangible benefits of medical micro-robotics, many challenges still remain. Here, we review the major challenges, current trends and significant achievements for developing versatile and intelligent micro-robotics with a focus on applications in early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. We also consider some recent emerging micro-robotic technologies that employ synthetic biology to support a new generation of living micro-robots. We expect to inspire future development of micro-robots toward clinical translation by identifying the roadblocks that need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhang
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom,Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Bristol, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Dandan Zhang ,
| | - Thomas E. Gorochowski
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom,BrisEngBio, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia Marucci
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom,School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom,BrisEngBio, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Hyun-Taek Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Bruno Gil
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bing Li
- The Institute for Materials Discovery, University College London, London, United Kingdom,Department of Brain Science, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,Care Research & Technology Centre, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sabine Hauert
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom,Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Bristol, United Kingdom,BrisEngBio, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Yeatman
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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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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16
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Wang L, Shi Y, Jiang J, Li C, Zhang H, Zhang X, Jiang T, Wang L, Wang Y, Feng L. Micro-Nanocarriers Based Drug Delivery Technology for Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing and Brain Tumor Targeting Therapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2203678. [PMID: 36103614 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202203678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The greatest obstacle to using drugs to treat brain tumors is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), making it difficult for conventional drug molecules to enter the brain. Therefore, how to safely and effectively penetrate the BBB to achieve targeted drug delivery to brain tumors has been a challenging research problem. With the intensive research in micro- and nanotechnology in recent years, nano drug-targeted delivery technologies have shown great potential to overcome this challenge, such as inorganic nanocarriers, organic polymer-carriers, liposomes, and biobased carriers, which can be designed in different sizes, shapes, and surface functional groups to enhance their ability to penetrate the BBB and targeted drug delivery for brain tumors. In this review, the composition and overcoming patterns of the BBB are detailed, and then the hot research topics of drug delivery carriers for brain tumors in recent years are summarized, and their mechanisms of action on the BBB and the factors affecting drug delivery are described in detail, and the effectiveness of targeted therapy for brain tumors is evaluated. Finally, the challenges and dilemmas in developing brain tumor drug delivery systems are discussed, which will be promising in the future for targeted drug delivery to brain tumors based on micro-nanocarriers technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Youyuan Shi
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jingzhen Jiang
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Chan Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hengrui Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xinhui Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yinyan Wang
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Lin Feng
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
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17
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18
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Wang J, Wang Y, Kim Y, Yu T, Bashir R. Multi-actuator light-controlled biological robots. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:036103. [PMID: 36035771 PMCID: PMC9417571 DOI: 10.1063/5.0091507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biohybrid robots, composed of cellular actuators and synthetic scaffolds, have garnered much attention in recent years owing to the advantages provided by their biological components. In recent years, various forms of biohybrid robots have been developed that are capable of life-like movements, such as walking, swimming, and gripping. Specifically, for walking or crawling biorobots, there is a need for complex functionality and versatile and robust fabrication processes. Here, we designed and fabricated multi-actuator biohybrid walkers with multi-directional walking capabilities in response to noninvasive optical stimulation through a scalable modular biofabrication process. Our new fabrication approach provides a constant mechanical strain throughout the cellular differentiation and maturation process. This maximizes the myotube formation and alignment, limits passive bending, and produces higher active forces. These demonstrations of the new fabrication process and bioactuator designs can pave the way for advanced multi-cellular biohybrid robots and enhance our understanding of the emergent behaviors of these multi-cellular engineered living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tianqi Yu
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61820, USA
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19
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Zhang C, Zhang Y, Wang W, Xi N, Liu L. A Manta Ray-Inspired Biosyncretic Robot with Stable Controllability by Dynamic Electric Stimulation. CYBORG AND BIONIC SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.34133/2022/9891380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Biosyncretic robots, which are new nature-based robots in addition to bionic robots, that utilize biological materials to realize their core function, have been supposed to further promote the progress in robotics. Actuation as the main operation mechanism relates to the robotic overall performance. Therefore, biosyncretic robots actuated by living biological actuators have attracted increasing attention. However, innovative propelling modes and control methods are still necessary for the further development of controllable motion performance of biosyncretic robots. In this work, a muscle tissue-based biosyncretic swimmer with a manta ray-inspired propelling mode has been developed. What is more, to improve the stable controllability of the biosyncretic swimmer, a dynamic control method based on circularly distributed multiple electrodes (CDME) has been proposed. In this method, the direction of the electric field generated by the CDME could be real-time controlled to be parallel with the actuation tissue of the dynamic swimmer. Therefore, the instability of the tissue actuation induced by the dynamic included angle between the tissue axis and electric field direction could be eliminated. Finally, the biosyncretic robot has demonstrated stable, controllable, and effective swimming, by adjusting the electric stimulation pulse direction, amplitude, and frequency. This work may be beneficial for not only the development of biosyncretic robots but also other related studies including bionic design of soft robots and muscle tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- School of Automation and Electrical Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang 110159, China
| | - Wenxue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Ning Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- Emerging Technologies Institute, Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
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20
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Tanaka Y, Ma D, Amaya S, Aishan Y, Shen Y, Funano SI, Tang T, Hosokawa Y, Gusev O, Okuda T, Kikawada T, Yalikun Y. Anhydrobiotic chironomid larval motion-based multi-sensing microdevice for the exploration of survivable locations. iScience 2022; 25:104639. [PMID: 36039361 PMCID: PMC9418600 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
African chironomid (Polypedilum vanderplanki) larvae can suspend their metabolism by undergoing severe desiccation and then resume this activity by simple rehydration. We present a microdevice using interdigital comb electrodes to detect the larval motion using the natural surface charge of the living larvae in water. The larvae were most active 2 h after soaking them in water at 30°C; they exhibited motions with 2 Hz frequency. This was comparable to the signal obtained from the microdevice via fast Fourier transform (FFT) processing. The amplitude of the voltage and current were 0.11 mV and 730 nA, respectively. They would be enough to be detected by a low power consumption microcomputer. Temperature and pH sensing were demonstrated by detecting the vital motions of the revived larvae under different conditions. This multi-functional biosensor will be a useful microdevice to search for survivable locations under extreme environmental conditions like those on other planets. A biosensor using anhydrobiotic chironomid larva was created Interdigital comb electrodes were fabricated to detect the larvae motion Multi-parameters such as temperature or pH can be detected The device can search survivable locations under extreme environmental conditions
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Tanaka
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Corresponding author
| | - Doudou Ma
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoshi Amaya
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yusufu Aishan
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yigang Shen
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shun-ichi Funano
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tao Tang
- Graduate School of Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayamacho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Yoichiroh Hosokawa
- Graduate School of Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayamacho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Oleg Gusev
- RIKEN Cluster for Science, Technology and Innovation Hub (RCSTI), RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takashi Okuda
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kikawada
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Yaxiaer Yalikun
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayamacho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
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21
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Bai X, Xue Y, Xu Y, Shang J, Luo Z, Yang J. Bio-Inspired New Hydraulic Actuator Imitating the Human Muscles for Mobile Robots. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:923383. [PMID: 35832409 PMCID: PMC9271615 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.923383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited load capacity is the bottleneck for the practical application of mobile multi-joint legged robots. And improving the efficiency of the drive system is a key factor in improving the load capacity. To improve the efficiency of mobile robots, in this paper, a new kind of actuator that imitates the driving mechanism of human muscles is innovatively designed and validated through experiments. The proposed actuator consists of a single power source and multiple plunger pistons, and imitates the configuration of a human muscle, to improve the efficiency and load capacities. The design proposed here represents a new class of driving methods. The actuator selects the most appropriate combination of the effective areas of plunger pistons like the human muscles, to ensure that the maximal output force aligns with the load force. To validate that the new actuator can improve the efficiency of hydraulic systems of mobile robots, a robotic arm incorporating a prototype of the new actuator was designed. The proposed system was validated through a series of experiments. The experiments show that the bionic actuator can adjust the flow rate of the system input by adjusting the number and size of the motion units involved in the work, and with the change in load force, it changes the output force by recruiting different motion units, which indicates good controllability. The results reported herein reveal that the application of bionics to the design of robotic actuator can significantly improve the efficiency and overall performance of the robots, and this biomimetic approach can be applied to a variety of robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjuan Bai
- College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Xue
- Beijing Special Engineering Design Institution, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Xue, ; Jianzhong Shang,
| | - Yuze Xu
- College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Jianzhong Shang
- College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Xue, ; Jianzhong Shang,
| | - Zirong Luo
- College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
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22
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Garello F, Svenskaya Y, Parakhonskiy B, Filippi M. Micro/Nanosystems for Magnetic Targeted Delivery of Bioagents. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061132. [PMID: 35745705 PMCID: PMC9230665 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals is promising for efficient disease treatment and reduction in adverse effects. Nano or microstructured magnetic materials with strong magnetic momentum can be noninvasively controlled via magnetic forces within living beings. These magnetic carriers open perspectives in controlling the delivery of different types of bioagents in humans, including small molecules, nucleic acids, and cells. In the present review, we describe different types of magnetic carriers that can serve as drug delivery platforms, and we show different ways to apply them to magnetic targeted delivery of bioagents. We discuss the magnetic guidance of nano/microsystems or labeled cells upon injection into the systemic circulation or in the tissue; we then highlight emergent applications in tissue engineering, and finally, we show how magnetic targeting can integrate with imaging technologies that serve to assist drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Garello
- Molecular and Preclinical Imaging Centers, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Yulia Svenskaya
- Science Medical Center, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia;
| | - Bogdan Parakhonskiy
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Miriam Filippi
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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23
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Bio-actuated microvalve in microfluidics using sensing and actuating function of Mimosa pudica. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7653. [PMID: 35606389 PMCID: PMC9126872 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11637-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bio-actuators and sensors are increasingly employed in microscale devices for numerous applications. Unlike other artificial devices actuated by living cells or tissues, here we introduce a microvalve system actuated by the stimuli-responsive action plant, Mimosa pudica (sleepy plant). This system realizes the control of the valve to open and close by dropping and recovering responses of Mimosa pudica branch upon external physical stimulations. The results showed that one matured single uncut Mimosa pudica branch produced average force of 15.82 ± 0.7 mN. This force was sufficient for actuating and keeping the valve open for 8.46 ± 1.33 min in a stimulation-recovering cycle of 30 min. Additionally, two separately cut Mimosa pudica branches were able to keep the valve open for 2.28 ± 0.63 min in a stimulating-recovering cycle of 20min. The pressure resistance and the response time of the valve were 4.2 kPa and 1.4 s, respectively. This demonstration of plant-microfluidics integration encourages exploiting more applications of microfluidic platforms that involve plant science and plant energy harvesting.
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Fell CA, Brooks-Richards TL, Woodruff M, Allenby MC. Soft pneumatic actuators for mimicking multi-axial femoropopliteal artery mechanobiology. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35378520 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac63ef] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Tissue biomanufacturing aims to produce lab-grown stem cell grafts and biomimetic drug testing platforms but remains limited in its ability to recapitulate native tissue mechanics. The emerging field of soft robotics aims to emulate dynamic physiological locomotion, representing an ideal approach to recapitulate physiologically complex mechanical stimuli and enhance patient-specific tissue maturation. The kneecap's femoropopliteal artery (FPA) represents a highly flexible tissue across multiple axes during blood flow, walking, standing, and crouching positions, and these complex biomechanics are implicated in the FPA's frequent presentation of peripheral artery disease. We developed a soft pneumatically actuated (SPA) cell culture platform to investigate how patient-specific FPA mechanics affect lab-grown arterial tissues. Silicone hyperelastomers were screened for flexibility and biocompatibility, then additively manufactured into SPAs using a simulation-based design workflow to mimic normal and diseased FPA extensions in radial, angular, and longitudinal dimensions. SPA culture platforms were seeded with mesenchymal stem cells, connected to a pneumatic controller, and provided with 24-hour multi-axial exercise schedules to demonstrate the effect of dynamic conditioning on cell alignment, collagen production, and muscle differentiation without additional growth factors. Soft robotic bioreactors are promising platforms for recapitulating patient-, disease-, and lifestyle-specific mechanobiology for understanding disease, treatment simulations, and lab-grown tissue grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody A Fell
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering; Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4001, AUSTRALIA
| | - Trent L Brooks-Richards
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering; Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4001, AUSTRALIA
| | - Mia Woodruff
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering; Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, AUSTRALIA
| | - Mark Colin Allenby
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Andrew N. Liveris Building, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, AUSTRALIA
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Basharat M, Shah ZH, Ikram M, Ghellab SE, Hassan QU, Ilyas T, Lei L, Lin G, Gao Y. Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Copolymeric Colloids as Multicolor Emission, Fuel-Free, UV- and Visible-Light-Actuated Micropumps. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107621. [PMID: 35142080 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Light-actuated micromachines are of enormous interest due to their ability to harvest light for triggering catalytic reactions to acquire free energy for mechanical work. This work presents an inorganic-organic hybrid copolymeric poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-barbituric acid) colloid, which displays multiwavelength excited emission and catalytic activities, exploiting the unique structural, chemical, and optical features of inorganic heterocyclic ring hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and organic co-monomer barbituric acid. Specifically, this work reveals particle-resolved unusual multicolor emission under excitation with the same or different wavelengths of light using fluorescence microscopy. The result is rationalized by density functional theory studies. In this work, the authors find that emission is coincident with fluorometric measurements, and the photocatalytic properties are anticipated from the overall band structure. This work also demonstrates the use of these colloids as micropumps, which can be remotely activated by UV, blue, and green lights under fuel-free conditions, and ascribe the behavior to ionic diffusiophoresis arising from light-triggered generation of H+ and other charged species. This work offers a new class of polymeric colloids with multiple-wavelength excited emission and catalytic activities, which is expected to open new opportunities in the design of fuel-free, photo-actuated micromachines and active systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Basharat
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Zameer Hussain Shah
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Muhammad Ikram
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Salah Eddine Ghellab
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Qadeer-Ul Hassan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Tayiba Ilyas
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Lijie Lei
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Guanhua Lin
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Yongxiang Gao
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
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26
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Quashie D, Benhal P, Chen Z, Wang Z, Mu X, Song X, Jiang T, Zhong Y, Cheang UK, Ali J. Magnetic bio-hybrid micro actuators. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:4364-4379. [PMID: 35262134 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr00152g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, there has been a growing body of work on wireless devices that can operate on the length scales of biological cells and even smaller. A class of these devices receiving increasing attention are referred to as bio-hybrid actuators: tools that integrate biological cells or subcellular parts with synthetic or inorganic components. These devices are commonly controlled through magnetic manipulation as magnetic fields and gradients can be generated with a high level of control. Recent work has demonstrated that magnetic bio-hybrid actuators can address common challenges in small scale fabrication, control, and localization. Additionally, it is becoming apparent that these magnetically driven bio-hybrid devices can display high efficiency and, in many cases, have the potential for self-repair and even self-replication. Combining these properties with magnetically driven forces and torques, which can be transmitted over significant distances, can be highly controlled, and are biologically safe, gives magnetic bio-hybrid actuators significant advantages over other classes of small scale actuators. In this review, we describe the theory and mechanisms required for magnetic actuation, classify bio-hybrid actuators by their diverse organic components, and discuss their current limitations. Insights into the future of coupling cells and cell-derived components with magnetic materials to fabricate multi-functional actuators are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Quashie
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee, Florida, USA, 32310.
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida, USA, 32310
| | - Prateek Benhal
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee, Florida, USA, 32310.
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida, USA, 32310
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China, 518055
| | - Zihan Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China, 518055
| | - Xueliang Mu
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China, 518055
| | - Xiaoxia Song
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China, 518055
| | - Teng Jiang
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China, 518055
| | - Yukun Zhong
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China, 518055
| | - U Kei Cheang
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China, 518055
| | - Jamel Ali
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee, Florida, USA, 32310.
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida, USA, 32310
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Auxetic Metamaterials for Biomedical Devices: Current Situation, Main Challenges, and Research Trends. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15041439. [PMID: 35207976 PMCID: PMC8874587 DOI: 10.3390/ma15041439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Auxetic metamaterials are characterized by a negative Poisson ratio (NPR) and display an unexpected property of lateral expansion when stretched and densification when compressed. Auxetic properties can be achieved by designing special microstructures, hence their classification as metamaterials, and can be manufactured with varied raw materials and methods. Since work in this field began, auxetics have been considered for different biomedical applications, as some biological tissues have auxetic-like behaviour due to their lightweight structure and morphing properties, which makes auxetics ideal for interacting with the human body. This research study is developed with the aim of presenting an updated overview of auxetic metamaterials for biomedical devices. It stands out for providing a comprehensive view of medical applications for auxetics, including a focus on prosthetics, orthotics, ergonomic appliances, performance enhancement devices, in vitro medical devices for interacting with cells, and advanced medicinal clinical products, especially tissue engineering scaffolds with living cells. Innovative design and simulation approaches for the engineering of auxetic-based products are covered, and the relevant manufacturing technologies for prototyping and producing auxetics are analysed, taking into consideration those capable of processing biomaterials and enabling multi-scale and multi-material auxetics. An engineering design rational for auxetics-based medical devices is presented with integrative purposes. Finally, key research, development and expected technological breakthroughs are discussed.
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Zhou N, Ma L. Smart bioelectronics and biomedical devices. Biodes Manuf 2022; 5:1-5. [PMID: 35043079 PMCID: PMC8759059 DOI: 10.1007/s42242-021-00179-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nanjia Zhou
- Key Laboratory of 3D Micro/Nano Fabrication and Characterization of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024 China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, 310024 China
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
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Nano/Microrobots Line Up for Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases: Targeted Delivery, Therapy, and Prevention. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15020426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nano/microrobots (NMRs) are tiny devices that can convert energy into motion and operate at nano/microscales.54 Especially in biomedical research, NMRs have received much attention over the past twenty years because of their excellent capabilities and great potential in various applications, including on-demand drug delivery, gene and cell transport, and precise microsurgery. Reports published in recent years show that synthetic nano/microrobots have promising potential to function in the gastrointestinal (GI) region, particularly in terms of drug delivery. These tiny robots were able to be designed in such a way that they propel in their surroundings (biological media) with high speed, load cargo (drug) efficiently, transport it safely, and release upon request successfully. Their propulsion, retention, distribution, and toxicity in the GI tract of mice has been evaluated. The results envisage that such nano/microrobots can be further modified and developed as a new-generation treatment of GI tract diseases. In this minireview, we focus on the functionality of micro/nanorobots as a biomedical treatment system for stomach/intestinal diseases. We review the research progress from the first in vivo report in December 2014 to the latest in August 2021. Then, we discuss the treatment difficulties and challenges in vivo application (in general) and possible future development routes.
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