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He T, Yang Y, Chen XB. Propulsion mechanisms of micro/nanorobots: a review. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:12696-12734. [PMID: 38940742 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01776e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) are intelligent, efficient and promising micro/nanorobots (MNR) that can respond to external stimuli (e.g., chemical energy, temperature, light, pH, ultrasound, magnetic, biosignals, ions) and perform specific tasks. The MNR can adapt to different external stimuli and transform into various functional forms to match different application scenarios. So far, MNR have found extensive application in targeted therapy, drug delivery, tissue engineering, environmental remediation, and other fields. Despite the promise of MNR, there are few reviews that focus on them. To shed new light on the further development of the field, it is necessary to provide an overview of the current state of development of these MNR. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress of MNR in terms of propulsion mechanisms, and points out the pros and cons of different stimulus types. Finally, this paper highlights the current challenges faced by MNR and proposes possible solutions to facilitate the practical application of MNR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao He
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China.
| | - Yonghui Yang
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China.
| | - Xue-Bo Chen
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China.
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Lin J, Cong Q, Zhang D. Magnetic Microrobots for In Vivo Cargo Delivery: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:664. [PMID: 38793237 PMCID: PMC11123378 DOI: 10.3390/mi15050664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Magnetic microrobots, with their small size and agile maneuverability, are well-suited for navigating the intricate and confined spaces within the human body. In vivo cargo delivery within the context of microrobotics involves the use of microrobots to transport and administer drugs and cells directly to the targeted regions within a living organism. The principal aim is to enhance the precision, efficiency, and safety of therapeutic interventions. Despite their potential, there is a shortage of comprehensive reviews on the use of magnetic microrobots for in vivo cargo delivery from both research and engineering perspectives, particularly those published after 2019. This review addresses this gap by disentangling recent advancements in magnetic microrobots for in vivo cargo delivery. It summarizes their actuation platforms, structural designs, cargo loading and release methods, tracking methods, navigation algorithms, and degradation and retrieval methods. Finally, it highlights potential research directions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current landscape of magnetic microrobot technologies for in vivo cargo delivery. It highlights their present implementation methods, capabilities, and prospective research directions. The review also examines significant innovations and inherent challenges in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.L.); (Q.C.)
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Cao HX, Nguyen VD, Park JO, Choi E, Kang B. Acoustic Actuators for the Manipulation of Micro/Nanorobots: State-of-the-Art and Future Outlooks. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:186. [PMID: 38398914 PMCID: PMC10890471 DOI: 10.3390/mi15020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Compared to other actuating methods, acoustic actuators offer the distinctive capability of the contactless manipulation of small objects, such as microscale and nanoscale robots. Furthermore, they have the ability to penetrate the skin, allowing for the trapping and manipulation of micro/nanorobots that carry therapeutic agents in diverse media. In this review, we summarize the current progress in using acoustic actuators for the manipulation of micro/nanorobots used in various biomedical applications. First, we introduce the actuating method of using acoustic waves to manipulate objects, including the principle of operation and different types of acoustic actuators that are usually employed. Then, applications involving manipulating different types of devices are reviewed, including bubble-based microrobots, bubble-free robots, biohybrid microrobots, and nanorobots. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives for the development of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiep Xuan Cao
- Robot Research Initiative, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; (H.X.C.); (E.C.)
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics, Gwangju 61011, Republic of Korea;
| | - Van Du Nguyen
- Robot Research Initiative, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; (H.X.C.); (E.C.)
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics, Gwangju 61011, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jong-Oh Park
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics, Gwangju 61011, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eunpyo Choi
- Robot Research Initiative, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; (H.X.C.); (E.C.)
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungjeon Kang
- Robot Research Initiative, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; (H.X.C.); (E.C.)
- Graduate School of Data Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
- College of AI Convergence, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
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Alzoubi L, Aljabali AAA, Tambuwala MM. Empowering Precision Medicine: The Impact of 3D Printing on Personalized Therapeutic. AAPS PharmSciTech 2023; 24:228. [PMID: 37964180 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-023-02682-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This review explores recent advancements and applications of 3D printing in healthcare, with a focus on personalized medicine, tissue engineering, and medical device production. It also assesses economic, environmental, and ethical considerations. In our review of the literature, we employed a comprehensive search strategy, utilizing well-known databases like PubMed and Google Scholar. Our chosen keywords encompassed essential topics, including 3D printing, personalized medicine, nanotechnology, and related areas. We first screened article titles and abstracts and then conducted a detailed examination of selected articles without imposing any date limitations. The articles selected for inclusion, comprising research studies, clinical investigations, and expert opinions, underwent a meticulous quality assessment. This methodology ensured the incorporation of high-quality sources, contributing to a robust exploration of the role of 3D printing in the realm of healthcare. The review highlights 3D printing's potential in healthcare, including customized drug delivery systems, patient-specific implants, prosthetics, and biofabrication of organs. These innovations have significantly improved patient outcomes. Integration of nanotechnology has enhanced drug delivery precision and biocompatibility. 3D printing also demonstrates cost-effectiveness and sustainability through optimized material usage and recycling. The healthcare sector has witnessed remarkable progress through 3D printing, promoting a patient-centric approach. From personalized implants to radiation shielding and drug delivery systems, 3D printing offers tailored solutions. Its transformative applications, coupled with economic viability and sustainability, have the potential to revolutionize healthcare. Addressing material biocompatibility, standardization, and ethical concerns is essential for responsible adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorca Alzoubi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid, 21163, Jordan
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid, 21163, Jordan.
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, Brayford Pool Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK.
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Cherukumilli S, Kirmizitas FC, Sokolich M, Valencia A, Karakan MÇ, White AE, Malikopoulos AA, Das S. Programmable Modular Acoustic Microrobots. ... INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MANIPULATION AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS AT SMALL SCALES (MARSS). INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MANIPULATION AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS AT SMALL SCALES 2023; 2023:10.1109/marss58567.2023.10294125. [PMID: 38952454 PMCID: PMC11215786 DOI: 10.1109/marss58567.2023.10294125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Microrobots have emerged as promising tools for biomedical and in vivo applications, leveraging their untethered actuation capabilities and miniature size. Despite extensive research on diversifying multi-actuation modes for single types of robots, these tiny machines tend to have limited versatility while navigating different environments or performing specific tasks. To overcome such limitations, self-assembly microstructures with on-demand reconfiguration capabilities have gained recent attention as the future of biocompatible microrobotics, as they can address drug delivery, microsurgery, and organoid development processes. Reversible modular reconfiguration structures require specific arrangements of particles that can assume several shapes when external fields are applied. We show how magnetic interaction can be used to assemble cylindrical microrobots into modular microstructures with different shapes. The motion actuation of the formed microstructure happens due to an external acoustic field, which generates responsive forces in the air bubbles trapped in the inner cavity of the robots. An external magnetic field can also steer these structures. We illustrate these capabilities by assembling the robots into different shapes that can swim and be steered, showing the potential to perform biomedical applications. Furthermore, we confirm the biocompatibility of the cylindrical microrobot used as the building blocks of our microstructure. Exposing Chinese Hamster Ovary cells to our microrobots for 24 hours demonstrates cell viability when in contact with the microrobot.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatma Ceren Kirmizitas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - Max Sokolich
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - Alejandra Valencia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - M Çağatay Karakan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Alice E White
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, and the departments of Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | | | - Sambeeta Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
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Yang Y, Rivas D, Sokolich M, Das S. Closed Loop Control of Bubble-Propelled Microrobots. ... INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MANIPULATION AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS AT SMALL SCALES (MARSS). INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MANIPULATION AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS AT SMALL SCALES 2023; 2023:10.1109/marss58567.2023.10294166. [PMID: 38962675 PMCID: PMC11221291 DOI: 10.1109/marss58567.2023.10294166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Bubble-propelled microrobots have an advantage of relatively swift movement compared to most other types of microrobots, which makes them well suited for applications such as micromanipulation or movement in flows, but their high speed also poses challenges in precisely controlling their motion. This study proposes automated control of the microrobots using visual feedback and steering with uniform magnetic fields to constrain the microrobot's moving direction. The implementation of a closed-loop control mechanism ensures precise autonomous navigation along prescribed trajectories. Experimental results demonstrate that this approach achieves satisfactory tracking performance, with an average error of 6. 7 μm for a microrobot with a diameter of 24 μm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanda Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - David Rivas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Max Sokolich
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Sambeeta Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
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Zhou Y, Ye M, Hu C, Qian H, Nelson BJ, Wang X. Stimuli-Responsive Functional Micro-/Nanorobots: A Review. ACS NANO 2023; 17:15254-15276. [PMID: 37534824 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive functional micro-/nanorobots (srFM/Ns) are a class of intelligent, efficient, and promising microrobots that can react to external stimuli (such as temperature, light, ultrasound, pH, ion, and magnetic field) and perform designated tasks. Through adaptive transformation into the corresponding functional forms, they can perfectly match the demands depending on different applications, which manifest extremely important roles in targeted therapy, biological detection, tissue engineering, and other fields. Promising as srFM/Ns can be, few reviews have focused on them. It is therefore necessary to provide an overview of the current development of these intelligent srFM/Ns to provide clear inspiration for further development of this field. Hence, this review summarizes the current advances of stimuli-responsive functional microrobots regarding their response mechanism, the achieved functions, and their applications to highlight the pros and cons of different stimuli. Finally, we emphasize the existing challenges of srFM/Ns and propose possible strategies to help accelerate the study of this field and promote srFM/Ns toward actual applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
| | - Min Ye
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
| | - Chengzhi Hu
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huihuan Qian
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Bradley J Nelson
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xiaopu Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
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