Fabrication of Magnetically Driven Helical Micro/nanoscale Motors and Their Functionalization for Targeted Drug Delivery

Abstract

With the development and progress of nanotechnology, major advances have been achieved in the micro/nanoscale motors field. Compared with tubular, wire, and sphere nanomotors, magnetically driven helical micro/nanoscale motors show broad prospects of future biomedical applications, especially in targeted drug delivery, due to their excellent movement performance in low Reynolds numbers fluids. In recent years, many fabrication methods of helical micro‐nano motors have been reported. This review set out to provide a summary of the fabrication of helical micro/nanoscale motors. In addition, the design strategies and further functionalization to achieve targeted drug delivery will be introduced as well. With this, we hope to spur further development of novel helical micro/nanomotors and speed up their clinical translation.

Additively manufactured customized microhelix motors' bursting motion in mesoscopic tubes for vessel declogging

“…Microhelix motors are fascinating articial tinny machines. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] They are capable of autonomous motion-powered tasks, [12][13][14][15] such as target drug delivery, 16,17 microsurgery, 18,19 biosensing, [20][21][22] and contaminant degradation. 23,24 In general, motors based on varying materials and structures gain thrust from either chemical reactions or external elds.…”

“…26,27 The fabrication of magnetic microhelix motors is based on the most advanced materials science and engineering technology and combined with multidisciplinary knowledge (bioengineering, computer science, mechanical engineering). [27][28][29][30][31][32][33] Four fabrication methods are mainly employed to make micro and nano helical structures, namely rolled-up, GLAD (Glancing Angle Deposition), DLW (Direct Laser Writing), and TA (Template-Assisted). [34][35][36][37][38][39][40] Huang's team used the Rolled-up method to fabricate recongurable microorigami motors.…”

Light-driven micro/nanomotors in biomedical applications

“…41,42 External field-driven MNMs ( physically driven MNMs) can respond to external physical stimulus energy and convert it into mechanical power, which is a stable and controllable energy source to avoid the side effects of chemical fuels on biological systems. 43 The exploration of external field-driven MNMs mainly focuses on light-driven MNMs, [44][45][46] magnetically-driven MNMs, [47][48][49] ultrasound-driven MNMs, [50][51][52] and electrically-driven MNMs. [53][54][55] In particular, light-driven micro/nano devices hold great promise in precision medicine due to their reversible, simple to control, clean, and efficient properties.…”

Review—Recent Advances of Micro/Nano-Motor-Facilitated Electrochemical Sensor Development

“…5,29,30 Further progress in this field, showcases enzymes, 31 nanobodies, 32 imprinted polymers, 33 and microorganisms 34 as active propeller for achieving diverse biosensing applications. Multiple reports are there where miniaturized MNMs are developed and their motions were guided by magnetic field, [35][36][37][38][39] electric field, 40,41 acoustic field, [42][43][44][45] and photonic fields. [46][47][48][49][50][51][52] In third generation, MNMs brought in multimodality, 5,30,53 and multi-functionality [54][55][56][57][58] into the micromotors.…”