Micro‐ and Nanorobots Meet DNA

Abstract

DNA, the well‐known molecule that carries the genetic information of almost all forms of life, represents a pivotal element in formulating intelligent and versatile micro/nanorobotic systems. DNA‐functionalized micro/nanorobots have opened new and exciting opportunities in many research areas due to the synergistic combination of self‐propulsion at the micro/nanoscale and the high specificity and programmability of DNA interactions. Here, their designs and applications are critically reviewed, which span from the use of DNA as the fuel to chemotactically power nanorobots toward cancer cells to DNA as the main building block for sophisticated phototactic biorobots, DNA nanodevices to self‐monitor microrobots’ activity status, DNA and RNA sensing, nucleic acids isolation, gene therapy, and water purification. The perspective on future directions of the field is also shared, envisioning DNA‐mediated reconfigurable assemblies of nanorobotic swarms.

Hybrid Enzymatic/Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotics via Morphologically Programmable Light‐Driven ZnO Microrobots

“…The motion of ZnO‐Au microrobots leads to a higher mass transfer in the solution, which significantly enhances OTC adsorption and degradation. [ 42–44 ] The experiments conducted with nonmotile ZnO particles (Figure S12, Supporting Information) support this claim by demonstrating a lower OTC removal capacity than motile ZnO‐Au microrobots. Moreover, the control experiments (Figure S13, Supporting Information) highlight that OTC removal mechanisms observed in laccase‐immobilized ZnO‐Au microrobots can be further improved by precisely adjusting pH and temperature of OTC solutions.…”

Self-Propelled Collagenase-Powered Nano/Micromotors

“…In contrast, 4 PS Coll only exhibited minimal locomotion in FN1 (average velocity ∼ 3 μm s −1 ), suggesting that the size of these motors was too large to navigate in the denser environments (Figure S5a and Movie S4). The microscopy images supported this hypothesis (Figure S5b).…”

“…Self-propelled particles (often referred to as motors or swimmers) are widely explored as an alternative to their passive counterparts with envisioned applications in environmental monitoring, biosensing or as the next-generation drug carriers. Motors in all kinds of shapes and sizes have been explored, which could employ a large variety of sources to gain kinetic energy as recently reviewed in detail, − with a focus on their interaction with cells and tissue, , toward their use in therapeutics. , …”

Light‐Propelled Nanorobots for Facial Titanium Implants Biofilms Removal

“…They are autonomous machines at the small scale that can be propelled converting several energy sources such as chemical fuels, magnetic field, acoustic field, and light into mechanical energy. [ 11–17 ] Self‐propelled nanorobots are aimed to succeed where conventional nanomedicine fails. For example, micro‐ and nanorobots can provide real‐time diseases detection, [ 18,19 ] monitoring, [ 20,21 ] and treatment, or on‐demand release of drugs, reactive species, and bactericidal agents [ 23–28 ] They can serve as miniaturized surgery to repair damaged cells and their scaled‐down size allow working operation in remotes areas without losing their physicochemical characteristics and functionalities.…”