Emerging Micro/Nanomotor‐Based Platforms for Biomedical Therapy

Abstract

Highly efficient and versatile natural motors play a pivotal role in biological processes. Inspired by these biological motors, researchers developed their synthetic counterparts that can convert various energies into locomotion. With the potential to revolutionize the biomedical treatment process, these micro/ nanomotors have been attracting a booming research enthusiasm since the birth of the first micro/nanomotor 15 years ago (since 2004). First, typical motion mechanisms are elucidated and a detailed comparison is provided regarding their efficiency in a biological context. Next, cutting-edge proof-of-concept biomedical applications of the motors are overviewed, including on-demand drug dispensing, cell transporting, and precise microsurgery. Current achievements and remaining bottlenecks are discussed, to spur more collaboration among chemistry, nanoengineering, and the biomedical fields. With increasing attention and continuing innovation of the field, clinical translation of micro/nanomotors is possible in the next 15 years.

Medical Micro/Nanorobots in Precision Medicine

“…Untethered mobile microrobots have leveraged minimally invasive theragnostic functions precisely and efficiently in hardto-reach, confined, and delicate inner body sites. [193] The use of 3D printed magnetically powered soft biodegradable micro/nanorobot structures with near-infrared triggered tunable doxorubicin delivery were reported. The microstructure was composed of chitosan functionalized photocleavable linkers to load doxorubicin.…”

General Thermodynamic-Controlled Coating Method to Prepare Janus Mesoporous Nanomotors for Improving Tumor Penetration

“…Due to the platinum asymmetrically embedded (as shown in Figure a–e) in the JMN, the O 2 produced appears to have a gradient distribution along the Janus nanostructure. According to previously reported studies, , that with the gradient external-field substances (including light, thermal, and chemical productions) surrounding a nanoparticle is essential for the propelling motions of nanomotors. Thus, JMN in this work was hypothesized to possess active migrating ability ignited with O 2 -driven propulsion during the JMN catalytic process of H 2 O 2 , as shown in Figure a (2).…”

“…Recently, artificial nanomotors have been undergoing significant developments in several biomedical application areas. These include drug delivery, − image-guided therapy, − and diagnostics, − due to their enhanced cellular uptake efficiency, , improved penetration in lesions areas, , and enhanced therapeutic effect by their active migratory behavior.…”

Janus Micro/Nanorobots in Biomedical Applications

“…[19] Furthermore, Janus micro/nanorobots are playing great roles in disease therapy. [85] Not limited by the loaded drugs previously described, the composition of Janus micro/nanorobots with unique optical, magnetic, and thermal properties, show excellent photothermal/photodynamic effects, enhancing biofilm penetration and lysis toward disease therapy. [25c,86]…”