Self‐Propelled Nanomotors for Thermomechanically Percolating Cell Membranes

Abstract

We report a near-infrared (NIR) light-powered Janus mesoporous silica nanomotor (JMSNM) with macrophage cell membrane (MPCM) cloaking that can actively seek cancer cells and thermomechanically percolate cell membrane. Upon exposure to NIR light, a heat gradient across the Janus boundary of the JMSNMs is generated by the photothermal effect of the Au half-shells, resulting in a self-thermophoretic force that propels the JMSNMs. In biological medium, the MPCM camouflaging can not only prevent dissociative biological blocks from adhering to JMSNMs but also improve the seeking sensitivity of the nanomotors by specifically recognizing cancer cells. The biofriendly propulsion and recognition capability enable JMSNMs to achieve the active seeking and bind to the membrane of cancer cells. Subsequent illumination with NIR then triggers the photothermal effect of MPCM@JMSNMs to thermomechanically perforate the cytomembranes for guest molecular injection. This approach integrates the functions of active seeking, cytomembranes perforating, and thermomechanical therapy in nanomotors, which may pave the way to apply self-propelled motors in biomedical fields.

Fabrication of Self‐Propelled Micro‐ and Nanomotors Based on Janus Structures

“…[16,56] In general, SiO 2 microparticles were dispersed on the pretreated wafer to form am onolayer and dried under vacuum. AuÀSiO 2 Janus micromotors have been studied widely.…”

“…AuÀSiO 2 Janus micromotors have been studied widely. [16] After light illumination,t he nanomotor could perforate the cytomembranes through ap hotothermal effect. The Au layer was half-coated throughc onventional PVD, followed by ultrasonic treatment and centrifugation.…”

“…AuÀSiO 2 Janus micromotors have been studied widely. [16,56] In general, SiO 2 microparticles were dispersed on the pretreated wafer to form am onolayer and dried under vacuum. The Au layer was half-coated throughc onventional PVD, followed by ultrasonic treatment and centrifugation.…”

“…[56c] Furthermore, the synergistic effect of self-thermophoresis and active targeting of cancer cells by coating the macrophage cell membrane (MPCM) on the AuÀSiO 2 Janus nanomotorsw as reported ( Figure 3A). [16] After light illumination,t he nanomotor could perforate the cytomembranes through ap hotothermal effect. This multifunctional self-propelled nanomotor showed potential for in vivo applications.…”

Microrobots Derived from Variety Plant Pollen Grains for Efficient Environmental Clean Up and as an Anti‐Cancer Drug Carrier

“…[ 1,2 ] Self‐propelling autonomous nano/microrobots have garnered significant interest not only in nanotechnology but in other spectra of science also, such as medicine. [ 3–7 ] These self‐propelling miniaturized devices are able to drive by the following mechanisms: self‐electrophoresis, bubbles propulsion, self‐diffusion phoresis, and Marangoni effect. [ 8–10 ] Small size and fast velocities of microrobots have been favorable properties serving as highly efficient platforms for water clean‐up in the removal of heavy metals, [ 11,12 ] oils, [ 13,14 ] dyes, [ 15 ] chemical warfare agents, [ 16 ] phenolic pollutants, [ 17 ] pollutants degradation, [ 1,18 ] and pathogens.…”