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Bujalance-Fernández J, Jurado-Sánchez B, Escarpa A. Molecular Memory Micromotors for Fast Snake Venom Toxin Dynamic Detection. Anal Chem 2024. [PMID: 38914924 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The analysis and detection of snake venom toxins are a matter of great importance in clinical diagnosis for fast treatment and the discovery of new pharmaceutical products. Current detection methods have high associated costs and require the use of sophisticated bioreceptors, which in some cases are difficult to obtain. Herein, we report the synthesis of template-based molecularly imprinted micromotors for dynamic detection of α-bungarotoxin as a model toxin present in the venom of many-banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus). The specific recognition sites are built-in in the micromotors by incubation of the membrane template with the target toxin, followed by a controlled electrodeposition of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) polymeric layer, a magnetic Ni layer to promote magnetic guidance and facilitate washing steps, and a Pt layer for autonomous propulsion in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The enhanced fluid mixing and autonomous propulsion increase the likelihood of interactions with the target analyte as compared with static counterparts, retaining the tetramethylrhodamine-labeled α-bungarotoxin on the micromotor surface with extremely fast dynamic sensor response (after just 20 s navigation) in only 3 μL of water, urine, or serum samples. The sensitivity achieved meets the clinically relevant concentration postsnakebite (from 0.1 to 100 μg/mL), illustrating the feasibility of the approach for practical applications. The selectivity of the protocol is very high, as illustrated by the absence of fluorescence in the micromotor surface in the presence of α-cobratoxin as a representative toxin with a size and structure similar to those of α-bungarotoxin. Recoveries higher than 95% are obtained in the analysis of urine- and serum-fortified samples. The new strategy holds considerable promise for fast, inexpensive, and even onsite detection of several toxins using multiple molecularly imprinted micromotors with tailored recognition abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Bujalance-Fernández
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcala, Alcala de Henares, E-28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Jurado-Sánchez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcala, Alcala de Henares, E-28805 Madrid, Spain
- Chemical Research Institute "Andres M. del Rio", Universidad de Alcala, E-28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Escarpa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcala, Alcala de Henares, E-28805 Madrid, Spain
- Chemical Research Institute "Andres M. del Rio", Universidad de Alcala, E-28805 Madrid, Spain
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Wang W. Open Questions of Chemically Powered Nano- and Micromotors. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:27185-27197. [PMID: 38063192 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Chemically powered nano- and micromotors are microscopic devices that convert chemical energy into motion. Interest in these motors has grown over the past 20 years because they exhibit interesting collective behaviors and have found potential uses in biomedical and environmental applications. Understanding how these motors operate both individually and collectively and how environments affect their operation is of both fundamental and applied significance. However, there are still significant gaps in our knowledge. This Perspective highlights several open questions regarding the propulsion mechanisms of, interactions among, and impact of confinements on nano- and micromotors driven by self-generated chemical gradients. These questions are based on my own experience as an experimentalist. For each open question, I describe the problem and its significance, analyze the status-quo, identify the bottleneck problem, and propose potential solutions. An underlying theme for these questions is the interplay among reaction kinetics, physicochemical distributions, and fluid flows. Unraveling this interplay requires careful measurements as well as a close collaboration between experimentalists and theoreticians/numerical experts. The interdisciplinary nature of these challenges suggests that their solutions could bring new revelations and opportunities across disciplines such as colloidal sciences, material sciences, soft matter physics, robotics, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518055
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Wang Y, Qin B, Gao S, Wang X, Zhang H, Wu Z. Recent advancements in Mg-based micromotors for biomedical and environmental applications. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:11483-11495. [PMID: 38054245 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02339g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic micro/nanomotors have attracted considerable attention due to their promising potential in the field of biomedicine. Despite their great potential, major micromotors require chemical fuels or complex devices to generate external physical fields for propulsion. Therefore, for future practical medical and environmental applications, Mg-based micromotors that exhibit water-powered movement and thus eliminate the need for toxic fuels, and that display optimal biocompatibility and biodegradability, are attracting attention. In this review, we summarized the recent microarchitectural design of Mg-based micromotors for biomedical applications. We also highlight the mechanism for realizing their water-powered motility. Furthermore, recent biomedical and environmental applications of Mg-based micromotors are introduced. We envision that advanced Mg-based micromotors will have a profound impact in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Boyu Qin
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.
| | - Sihan Gao
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Xuanchun Wang
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Hongyue Zhang
- Laboratory for Space Environment and Physical Sciences, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Zhiguang Wu
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
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Wang Q, Yang S, Zhang L. Untethered Micro/Nanorobots for Remote Sensing: Toward Intelligent Platform. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2023; 16:40. [PMID: 38032461 PMCID: PMC10689342 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01261-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Untethered micro/nanorobots that can wirelessly control their motion and deformation state have gained enormous interest in remote sensing applications due to their unique motion characteristics in various media and diverse functionalities. Researchers are developing micro/nanorobots as innovative tools to improve sensing performance and miniaturize sensing systems, enabling in situ detection of substances that traditional sensing methods struggle to achieve. Over the past decade of development, significant research progress has been made in designing sensing strategies based on micro/nanorobots, employing various coordinated control and sensing approaches. This review summarizes the latest developments on micro/nanorobots for remote sensing applications by utilizing the self-generated signals of the robots, robot behavior, microrobotic manipulation, and robot-environment interactions. Providing recent studies and relevant applications in remote sensing, we also discuss the challenges and future perspectives facing micro/nanorobots-based intelligent sensing platforms to achieve sensing in complex environments, translating lab research achievements into widespread real applications.
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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, 211189, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shihao Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- Chow Yuk Ho Technology Centre for Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- T Stone Robotics Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
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Lu X, Bao J, Wei Y, Zhang S, Liu W, Wu J. Emerging Roles of Microrobots for Enhancing the Sensitivity of Biosensors. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2902. [PMID: 37947746 PMCID: PMC10650336 DOI: 10.3390/nano13212902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
To meet the increasing needs of point-of-care testing in clinical diagnosis and daily health monitoring, numerous cutting-edge techniques have emerged to upgrade current portable biosensors with higher sensitivity, smaller size, and better intelligence. In particular, due to the controlled locomotion characteristics in the micro/nano scale, microrobots can effectively enhance the sensitivity of biosensors by disrupting conventional passive diffusion into an active enrichment during the test. In addition, microrobots are ideal to create biosensors with functions of on-demand delivery, transportation, and multi-objective detections with the capability of actively controlled motion. In this review, five types of portable biosensors and their integration with microrobots are critically introduced. Microrobots can enhance the detection signal in fluorescence intensity and surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection via the active enrichment. The existence and quantity of detection substances also affect the motion state of microrobots for the locomotion-based detection. In addition, microrobots realize the indirect detection of the bio-molecules by functionalizing their surfaces in the electrochemical current and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy detections. We pay a special focus on the roles of microrobots with active locomotion to enhance the detection performance of portable sensors. At last, perspectives and future trends of microrobots in biosensing are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Aerospace Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China; (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.Z.)
- Biomedical Engineering Fusion Laboratory, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Jinhui Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Aerospace Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China; (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.Z.)
- Biomedical Engineering Fusion Laboratory, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Ying Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Aerospace Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China; (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.Z.)
- Biomedical Engineering Fusion Laboratory, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Shuting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Aerospace Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China; (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.Z.)
| | - Wenjuan Liu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China;
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Jiang L, Liu X, Zhao D, Guo J, Ma X, Wang Y. Intelligent sensing based on active micro/nanomotors. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8897-8915. [PMID: 37667977 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01163a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
In the microscopic world, synthetic micro/nanomotors (MNMs) can convert a variety of energy sources into driving forces to help humans perform a number of complex tasks with greater ease and efficiency. These tiny machines have attracted tremendous attention in the field of drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, in vivo sampling, and environmental management. By modifying their surface materials and functionalizing them with bioactive agents, these MNMs can also be transformed into dynamic micro/nano-biosensors that can detect biomolecules in real-time with high sensitivity. The extensive range of operations and uses combined with their minuscule size have opened up new avenues for tackling intricate analytical difficulties. Here, in this review, various driving methods are briefly introduced, followed by a focus on intelligent detection techniques based on MNMs. And we discuss the distinctive advantages, current issues, and challenges associated with MNM-based intelligent detection. It is believed that the future advancements of MNMs will greatly impact the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Dongfang Zhao
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jinhong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Ma
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Bujalance-Fernández J, Jurado-Sánchez B, Escarpa A. The rise of metal-organic framework based micromotors. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:10464-10475. [PMID: 37580970 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02775a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Micromotors (MMs) are micro and nanoscale devices capable of converting energy into autonomous motion. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline materials that display exceptional properties such as high porosity, internal surface areas, and high biocompatibility. As such, MOFs have been used as active materials or building blocks for MMs. In this highlight, we describe the evolution of MOF-based MMs, focusing on the last 3 years. First, we covered the main propulsion mechanisms and designs, from catalytic to fuel-free MOF-based MMs. Secondly, we discuss recent applications of new fuel-free MOFs MM to give a critical overview of the current challenges of this blooming research field. The advantages and challenges discussed provide a useful guide for the design of the next generation MOF MMs toward real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Bujalance-Fernández
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, E-28871, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Jurado-Sánchez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, E-28871, Spain.
- Chemical Research Institute "Andres M. del Rio", University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, E-28871, Spain
| | - Alberto Escarpa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, E-28871, Spain.
- Chemical Research Institute "Andres M. del Rio", University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, E-28871, Spain
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Cai L, Wang Y, Luo Z, Wang J, Ren H, Zhao Y. Designing self-triggered micro/milli devices for gastrointestinal tract drug delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1415-1425. [PMID: 37817636 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2269092] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-triggered micro-/milli-devices (STMDs), which are artificial devices capable of responding to the surrounding environment and transferring external energy into kinetic energy, thus realizing autonomous movement, have come to the forefront as a powerful tool in cargo delivery via gastrointestinal tract. Urgent needs have been raised to overview the development of this area. AREAS COVERED We summarize the advancement of designing STMDs for delivery via gastrointestinal tract. We first give a brief overview on the opportunities and challenges of delivery via gastrointestinal tract involving gastric barriers and intestinal barriers. Then, emphasis is laid on the design and applications of STMDs for delivery via gastrointestinal tract. We focus on their morphological characteristics and function design, expounding their working mechanisms in the complex gastrointestinal tract. EXPERT OPINION Although with much progress in STMDs, there is still a huge gap between laboratory researches and clinical applications due to some limitations including latent digestive burden, sophisticated fabrication, unstable delivery, and so on. We give a discussion on the potential, challenges, and prospects of developing STMDs for delivery via gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Zhiqiang Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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