Hybrid Biodegradable Nanomotors through Compartmentalized Synthesis

Abstract

Designer particles that are embued with nanomachinery for autonomous motion have great potential for biomedical applications; however, their development is highly demanding with respect to biodegradability/compatibility. Previously, biodegradable propulsive machinery based on enzymes has been presented. However, enzymes are highly susceptible to proteolysis and deactivation in biological milieu. Biodegradable hybrid nanomotors powered by catalytic inorganic nanoparticles provide a proteolytically stable alternative to those based upon enzymes. Herein we describe the assembly of hybrid biodegradable nanomotors capable of transducing chemical energy into motion. Such nanomotors are constructed through a process of compartmentalized synthesis of inorganic MnO 2 nanoparticles (MnPs) within the cavity of organic stomatocytes. We show that the nanomotors remain active in cellular environments and do not compromise cell viability. Effective tumor penetration of hybrid nanomotors is also demonstrated in proof-of-principle experiments. Overall, this work represents a new prospect for engineering of nanomotors that can retain their functionality within biological contexts.

Photoactivated Polymersome Nanomotors: Traversing Biological Barriers

“…By depositing a hemispherical gold coating, a Janus inorganic/organic hybrid construct that is capable of functioning as a photoactivatable nanomotor (PNM) was thus created. Our group has demonstrated the applicability of hybrid nanomotors for biomedical research . Indeed, the combination of organic and inorganic components, with their diverse functional attributes, in a single system is a route towards the development of hybrid materials with improved properties.…”

Medical Micro/Nanorobots in Precision Medicine

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Photoactivated Polymersome Nanomotors: Traversing Biological Barriers

“…Our group has demonstrated the applicability of hybrid nanomotors for biomedical research. [23] Indeed, the combination of organic and inorganic components,w ith their diverse functional attributes,i nas ingle system is ar oute towards the development of hybrid materials with improved properties.…”