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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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2
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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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3
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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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4
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Yamazoe H. Multifunctional Micromachines Constructed by Combining Multiple Protein-Based Components with Different Functions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:59145-59154. [PMID: 38078429 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Untethered mobile micromachines have considerable potential to realize more effective and minimally invasive medicine. Although diverse medical micromachines have been reported over the past few decades, these machines were developed for performing only specific tasks and the functions imparted to them were limited to a few. Hence, the methodologies for imparting a wide variety of functions to machines have not been fully explored. In this study, a novel construction strategy for the multifunctional micromachines is presented, where a specific function can be added to the machine in one step by directly combining the protein-based component, possessing the biological function of constituent proteins, to an arbitrary position of the machine by using an inkjet printing technique. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, various types of machines were constructed by combining multiple components with different functions. These constructed machines successfully performed functions as diverse as enzyme-powered self-propulsion, collection of target objects, including the bilirubin and living cells, enzyme-mediated conversion of substrate molecules to different ones, magnetic guidance, and release of anti-inflammatory drug diapocynin. The study's progressive approach as well as multifunctional and biocompatible machines composed of proteins will profoundly impact the development of intelligent machines equipped with multiplex sophisticated functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Yamazoe
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-8-31 Midorigaoka, Ikeda, Osaka 563-8577, Japan
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5
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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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6
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Li Z, Wang K, Hou C, Li C, Zhang F, Ren W, Dong L, Zhao J. Self-sensing intelligent microrobots for noninvasive and wireless monitoring systems. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:102. [PMID: 37565051 PMCID: PMC10409863 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Microrobots have garnered tremendous attention due to their small size, flexible movement, and potential for various in situ treatments. However, functional modification of microrobots has become crucial for their interaction with the environment, except for precise motion control. Here, a novel artificial intelligence (AI) microrobot is designed that can respond to changes in the external environment without an onboard energy supply and transmit signals wirelessly in real time. The AI microrobot can cooperate with external electromagnetic imaging equipment and enhance the local radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field to achieve a large penetration sensing depth and a high spatial resolution. The working ranges are determined by the structure of the sensor circuit, and the corresponding enhancement effect can be modulated by the conductivity and permittivity of the surrounding environment, reaching ~560 times at most. Under the control of an external magnetic field, the magnetic tail can actuate the microrobotic agent to move accurately, with great potential to realize in situ monitoring in different places in the human body, almost noninvasively, especially around potential diseases, which is of great significance for early disease discovery and accurate diagnosis. In addition, the compatible fabrication process can produce swarms of functional microrobots. The findings highlight the feasibility of the self-sensing AI microrobots for the development of in situ diagnosis or even treatment according to sensing signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyi Li
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Chaojian Hou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Chunyang Li
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Fanqing Zhang
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Wu Ren
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Jing Zhao
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
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7
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Wang Y, Shen J, Handschuh-Wang S, Qiu M, Du S, Wang B. Microrobots for Targeted Delivery and Therapy in Digestive System. ACS NANO 2023; 17:27-50. [PMID: 36534488 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Untethered miniature robots enable targeted delivery and therapy deep inside the gastrointestinal tract in a minimally invasive manner. By combining actuation systems and imaging tools, significant progress has been made toward the development of functional microrobots. These robots can be actuated by external fields and fuels while featuring real-time tracking feedback toward certain regions and can perform the therapeutic process by rational exertion of the local environment of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., pH, enzyme). Compared with conventional surgical tools, such as endoscopic devices and catheters, miniature robots feature minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment, multifunctionality, high safety and adaptivity, embodied intelligence, and easy access to tortuous and narrow lumens. In addition, the active motion of microrobots enhances local penetration and retention of drugs in tissues compared to common passive oral drug delivery. Based on the dissimilar microenvironments in the various sections of the gastrointestinal tract, this review introduces the advances of miniature robots for minimally invasive targeted delivery and therapy of diseases along the gastrointestinal tract. The imaging modalities for the tracking and their application scenarios are also discussed. We finally evaluate the challenges and barriers that retard their applications and hint on future research directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518055, P.R. China
| | - Jie Shen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Spine Surgery, Department of Spine Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen518036, P.R. China
| | - Stephan Handschuh-Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518055, P.R. China
| | - Ming Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518111, P.R. China
| | - Shiwei Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518111, P.R. China
| | - Ben Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518055, P.R. China
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8
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Wang Q. Imaging-Guided Micromachines: Towards Intelligent Systems. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:2016. [PMID: 36422444 PMCID: PMC9697467 DOI: 10.3390/mi13112016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Micromachines with controllable motion, deformation, and collective behaviors provide advanced methods for performing tasks that traditional machines have difficulty completing thanks to the development of small-scale robotics, nanotechnology, biocompatible materials, and imaging techniques [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211000, China
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9
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Go G, Yoo A, Nguyen KT, Nan M, Darmawan BA, Zheng S, Kang B, Kim CS, Bang D, Lee S, Kim KP, Kang SS, Shim KM, Kim SE, Bang S, Kim DH, Park JO, Choi E. Multifunctional microrobot with real-time visualization and magnetic resonance imaging for chemoembolization therapy of liver cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq8545. [PMID: 36399561 PMCID: PMC9674283 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq8545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Microrobots that can be precisely guided to target lesions have been studied for in vivo medical applications. However, existing microrobots have challenges in vivo such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, actuation module, and intra- and postoperative imaging. This study reports microrobots visualized with real-time x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can be magnetically guided to tumor feeding vessels for transcatheter liver chemoembolization in vivo. The microrobots, composed of a hydrogel-enveloped porous structure and magnetic nanoparticles, enable targeted delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents via magnetic guidance from the actuation module under real-time x-ray imaging. In addition, the microrobots can be tracked using MRI as postoperative imaging and then slowly degrade over time. The in vivo validation of microrobot system-mediated chemoembolization was demonstrated in a rat liver with a tumor model. The proposed microrobot provides an advanced medical robotic platform that can overcome the limitations of existing microrobots and current liver chemoembolization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwangjun Go
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Ami Yoo
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
| | - Kim Tien Nguyen
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
| | - Minghui Nan
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
| | - Bobby Aditya Darmawan
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Shirong Zheng
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Byungjeon Kang
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
- College of AI Convergence, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 34931, Korea
| | - Chang-Sei Kim
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Doyeon Bang
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
- College of AI Convergence, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 34931, Korea
| | - Seonmin Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Kyu-Pyo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Seong Soo Kang
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomaterial R&BD Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Kyung Mi Shim
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomaterial R&BD Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Se Eun Kim
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomaterial R&BD Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Seungmin Bang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jong-Oh Park
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
| | - Eunpyo Choi
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
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Konara M, Mudugamuwa A, Dodampegama S, Roshan U, Amarasinghe R, Dao DV. Formation Techniques Used in Shape-Forming Microrobotic Systems with Multiple Microrobots: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13111987. [PMID: 36422416 PMCID: PMC9699214 DOI: 10.3390/mi13111987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Multiple robots are used in robotic applications to achieve tasks that are impossible to perform as individual robotic modules. At the microscale/nanoscale, controlling multiple robots is difficult due to the limitations of fabrication technologies and the availability of on-board controllers. This highlights the requirement of different approaches compared to macro systems for a group of microrobotic systems. Current microrobotic systems have the capability to form different configurations, either as a collectively actuated swarm or a selectively actuated group of agents. Magnetic, acoustic, electric, optical, and hybrid methods are reviewed under collective formation methods, and surface anchoring, heterogeneous design, and non-uniform control input are significant in the selective formation of microrobotic systems. In addition, actuation principles play an important role in designing microrobotic systems with multiple microrobots, and the various control systems are also reviewed because they affect the development of such systems at the microscale. Reconfigurability, self-adaptable motion, and enhanced imaging due to the aggregation of modules have shown potential applications specifically in the biomedical sector. This review presents the current state of shape formation using microrobots with regard to forming techniques, actuation principles, and control systems. Finally, the future developments of these systems are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menaka Konara
- Centre for Advanced Mechatronics Systems, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda 10400, Sri Lanka
- Correspondence:
| | - Amith Mudugamuwa
- Centre for Advanced Mechatronics Systems, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda 10400, Sri Lanka
| | - Shanuka Dodampegama
- Centre for Advanced Mechatronics Systems, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda 10400, Sri Lanka
| | - Uditha Roshan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda 10400, Sri Lanka
| | - Ranjith Amarasinghe
- Centre for Advanced Mechatronics Systems, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda 10400, Sri Lanka
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda 10400, Sri Lanka
| | - Dzung Viet Dao
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
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11
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Huang CM, Hsu SH. Efficient Path Planning for a Microrobot Passing through Environments with Narrow Passages. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1935. [PMID: 36363956 PMCID: PMC9694047 DOI: 10.3390/mi13111935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents an efficient path-planning algorithm for microrobots attempting to pass through environments with narrow passages. Because of the extremely small size of a microrobot, it is suitable for work in this kind of environment. The rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) algorithm, which uses random sampling points, can quickly explore an entire environment and generate a sub-optimal path for a robot to pass through it; however, the RRT algorithm, when used to plan a path for a microrobot passing through an environment with narrow passages, has the problem of being easily limited to local solutions when it confronts with a narrow passage and is unable to find the final path through it. In light of this, the objectives of the considered path planning problem involve detecting the narrow passages, leading the path toward an approaching narrow passage, passing through a narrow passage, and extending the path search more efficiently. A methodology was proposed based on the bidirectional RRT in which image processing is used to mark narrow passages and their entrances and exits so that the bidirectional RRT can be quickly guided to them and combined with the deterministic algorithm to find paths through them. We designed the methodology such that RRT generates the sampling points for path growth. The multiple importance sampling technique is incorporated with bidirectional RRT, named MIS-BiRRT, to make the path grow faster toward the target point and narrow passages while avoiding obstacles. The proposed algorithm also considers multiple candidate paths simultaneously to expand the search range and then retain the best one as a part of the planning path. After validation from simulation, the proposed algorithm was found to generate efficient path planning results for microrobots to pass through narrow passages.
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12
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Pane S, Zhang M, Iacovacci V, Zhang L, Menciassi A. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound tracking of helical propellers with acoustic phase analysis and comparison with color Doppler. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:036102. [PMID: 35935094 PMCID: PMC9348897 DOI: 10.1063/5.0097145] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical microrobots (MRs) hold the potential to radically transform several interventional procedures. However, to guarantee therapy success when operating in hard-to-reach body districts, a precise and robust imaging strategy is required for monitoring and controlling MRs in real-time. Ultrasound (US) may represent a powerful technology, but MRs' visibility with US needs to be improved, especially when targeting echogenic tissues. In this context, motions of MRs have been exploited to enhance their contrast, e.g., by Doppler imaging. To exploit a more selective contrast-enhancement mechanism, in this study, we analyze in detail the characteristic motions of one of the most widely adopted MR concepts, i.e., the helical propeller, with a particular focus on its interactions with the backscattered US waves. We combine a kinematic analysis of the propeller 3D motion with an US acoustic phase analysis (APA) performed on the raw radio frequency US data in order to improve imaging and tracking in bio-mimicking environments. We validated our US-APA approach in diverse scenarios, aimed at simulating realistic in vivo conditions, and compared the results to those obtained with standard US Doppler. Overall, our technique provided a precise and stable feedback to visualize and track helical propellers in echogenic tissues (chicken breast), tissue-mimicking phantoms with bifurcated lumina, and in the presence of different motion disturbances (e.g., physiological flows and tissue motions), where standard Doppler showed poor performance. Furthermore, the proposed US-APA technique allowed for real-time estimation of MR velocity, where standard Doppler failed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - L Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Contemporary Tools for the Cure against Pernicious Microorganisms: Micro-/Nanorobots. PROSTHESIS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/prosthesis4030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
One of the most pressing concerns to global public health is the emergence of drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms due to increased unconscious antibiotic usage. With the rising antibiotic resistance, existing antimicrobial agents lose their effectiveness over time. This indicates that newer and more effective antimicrobial agents and methods should be investigated. Many studies have shown that micro-/nanorobots exhibit promise in the treatment of microbial infections with their great properties, such as the intrinsic antimicrobial activities owing to their oxidative stress induction and metal ion release capabilities, and effective and autonomous delivery of antibiotics to the target area. In addition, they have multiple simultaneous mechanisms of action against microbes, which makes them remarkable in antimicrobial activity. This review focuses on the antimicrobial micro-/nanorobots and their strategies to impede biofilm formation, following a brief introduction of the latest advancements in micro-/nanorobots, and their implementations against various bacteria, and other microorganisms.
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Power Losses Models for Magnetic Cores: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13030418. [PMID: 35334709 PMCID: PMC8954854 DOI: 10.3390/mi13030418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In power electronics, magnetic components are fundamental, and, unfortunately, represent one of the greatest challenges for designers because they are some of the components that lead the opposition to miniaturization and the main source of losses (both electrical and thermal). The use of ferromagnetic materials as substitutes for ferrite, in the core of magnetic components, has been proposed as a solution to this problem, and with them, a new perspective and methodology in the calculation of power losses open the way to new design proposals and challenges to overcome. Achieving a core losses model that combines all the parameters (electric, magnetic, thermal) needed in power electronic applications is a challenge. The main objective of this work is to position the reader in state-of-the-art for core losses models. This last provides, in one source, tools and techniques to develop magnetic solutions towards miniaturization applications. Details about new proposals, materials used, design steps, software tools, and miniaturization examples are provided.
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