Inherently Fluorescent Peanut-Shaped Polymersomes for Active Cargo Transportation

Nanomotors have been extensively explored for various applications in nanomedicine, especially in cargo transportation. Motile properties enable them to deliver pharmaceutical ingredients more efficiently to the targeted site. However, it still remains a challenge to design motor systems that are therapeutically active and can also be effectively traced when taken up by cells. Here, we designed a nanomotor with integrated fluorescence and therapeutic potential based on biodegradable polymersomes equipped with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) agents. The AIE segments provided the polymersomes with autofluorescence, facilitating the visualization of cell uptake. Furthermore, the membrane structure enabled the reshaping of the AIE polymersomes into asymmetric, peanut-shaped polymersomes. Upon laser irradiation, these peanut polymersomes not only displayed fluorescence, but also produced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Because of their specific shape, the ROS gradient induced motility in these particles. As ROS is also used for cancer cell treatment, the peanut polymersomes not only acted as delivery vehicles but also as therapeutic agents. As an integrated platform, these peanut polymersomes therefore represent an interesting delivery system with biomedical potential.

Modelling and Analysis of the Positioning Accuracy in the Loading Systems of Mobile Cranes

In this work, the authors analyse the influence of the order and range of sequential movements of a crane's working members on the accuracy of the final cargo positioning. The analysis was conducted on the basis of a specially developed method in which the authors proposed the introduction of a geometrical indicator of positioning the load in the intermediate positions (after completing each movement sequence) and in the target position, depending on the adopted control strategy and the accuracy of kinematic input of the working mechanisms (powered mechanisms). A mathematical model was presented to enable the accuracy of unidirectional positioning of the crane's working members when conducting sequential movements controlled through the rotation of the crane column, inner and outer boom, and retractable stages of the six-section telescopic boom. Sample results of the numerical simulations showing the influence of the assumed kinematic inputs of the crane members on the accuracy of unidirectional angular and linear positioning and, consequently, on the accuracy of the final positioning of the transported cargo, were presented. Moreover, an indicator of the cargo positioning accuracy dependent on the location of an operator or a video camera and the trajectory of the cargo was developed, allowing the formulation of application conclusions.

Cargo Transportation and Methylene Blue Degradation by Using Fuel-Powered Micromotors

In the past two decades, micromotors have experienced rapid development, especially in environmental remediation, the biomedical field, and in cargo delivery. In this study micromotors have been synthesized from a variety of materials. Different functional layers and catalytic layers are formed through template electrodeposition (the bottom-up method). At the same time, the article analyzes the influence of hydrogen peroxide concentration, surfactant type and concentration on the speed of the micromotors. Cargo transportation through tubular micromotors has always been a problem that people are eager to solve. In this article, we electrodeposit a layer of Ni in the microtubes, which effectively guides the microtubular motors to complete the cargo transportation. The potential applications of micromotors are also being explored. We added the prepared micromotors to the methylene blue solution to effectively enhance the degradation.

Integration of Context Awareness in Smart Service Provision System Based on Wireless Sensor Networks for Sustainable Cargo Transportation

Smart service provision systems can assist in the management of cargo transportation. The development of these systems faces a number of issues that relate to the analysis of numerous factors, which are influenced by the properties of such complex and dynamic systems. The aim of this research was the development of an adaptable smart service provision system that is able to recognize a wide spectrum of contextual information, which is obtained from different services and heterogeneous devices of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). To ensure that the smart service provision system can assist with the analysis of specific cases of unforeseen and unwanted situations during the cargo transportation process, the system must have additional adaptability. To address the adequate provision of contextual data, we examined the problems of multi-dimensional definitions of contextual data and the choice of appropriate artificial intelligence (AI) methods for recognition of contextual information. The objectives relate to prioritizing potential service provision by ensuring the optimal quality of data supply channels and avoiding the flooding of wireless communication channels. The proposed methodology is based on methods of smart system architecture development that integrate the identification of context-aware data, conceptual structures of data warehouses, and algorithms for the recognition of transportation situations based on AI methods. Experimental research is outlined to illustrate the algorithmic analysis of the prototype system using an appropriate simulation environment.

Self-Propelled Micro/Nanomotors for On-Demand Biomedical Cargo Transportation

Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) are miniaturized machines that can perform assigned tasks at the micro/nanoscale. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in the design, preparation, and applications of MNMs that are powered by converting different sources of energy into mechanical force, to realize active movement and fulfill on-demand tasks. MNMs can be navigated to desired locations with precise controllability based on different guidance mechanisms. A considerable research effort has gone into demonstrating that MNMs possess the potential of biomedical cargo loading, transportation, and targeted release to achieve therapeutic functions. Herein, the recent advances of self-propelled MNMs for on-demand biomedical cargo transportation, including their self-propulsion mechanisms, guidance strategies, as well as proof-of-concept studies for biological applications are presented. In addition, some of the major challenges and possible opportunities of MNMs are identified for future biomedical applications in the hope that it may inspire future research.

Artificial Asymmetric Cilia Array of Dielectric Elastomer for Cargo Transportation

Inspired by natural ciliary movement, artificial cilia systems have recently been developed to transport microparticles and target biomolecules by the external stimuli-induced bend and twist. However, the directional transportation of cargo meets a major challenge. Here, we present an artificial asymmetric cilia array of dielectric elastomer and realize the cargo directional transportation under alternating-current (ac) electric field. Such a dielectric elastomer is composed of elastomer matrix and dielectric barium titanate (BaTiO₃) nanoparticles, which can be polarized under an ac electric field and results in the swinging of artificial elastomer cilia. The asymmetry of the cilia endows themselves with the capability of asymmetric recovery stroke, which is essential for directional transportation of cargo. Transporting performance is also optimized by adjusting the applied frequencies and voltages. This study may provide a new clue to construct functional "smart" devices in electromechanical systems and biomedicine.