Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jianting Zhang, Zhoujiang Chen, Ranjith Kumar Kankala, Shi-Bin Wang, Ai-Zheng Chen
Summary: Self-propelling micro-/nano-motors (MNMs) show enormous potential in various applications, such as drug delivery, by overcoming the challenge of low permeation of biological barriers. Research progress and application of these innovative motor designs are expected to play a crucial role in future clinical practice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ambika Somasundar, Ayusman Sen
Summary: The development of nano and micromotors for actively delivering drugs to disease sites in vivo faces challenges such as safety, biocompatibility, ability to traverse body fluids, and reach cellular targets. Furthermore, scalability and uniformity in production are critical factors.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Reshma Vasantha Ramachandran, Ramray Bhat, Deepak Kumar Saini, Ambarish Ghosh
Summary: The concept of fantastic voyagers performing medical tasks within the human body has been present in popular culture for many decades but faces challenges in real-world application. Researchers are developing technologies such as micro-nanomotors to overcome these challenges, with obstacles including maneuverability, imaging, toxicity, and biodistribution.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Milad Ashrafizadeh, Ali Zarrabi, Hassan Karimi-Maleh, Afshin Taheriazam, Sepideh Mirzaei, Mehrdad Hashemi, Kiavash Hushmandi, Pooyan Makvandi, Ehsan Nazarzadeh Zare, Esmaeel Sharifi, Arul Goel, Lingzhi Wang, Jun Ren, Yavuz Nuri Ertas, Alan Prem Kumar, Yuzhuo Wang, Navid Rabiee, Gautam Sethi, Zhaowu Ma
Summary: Nanomedicine has great potential in the treatment of bladder cancer, including improving drug efficacy, regulating gene expression, providing photodynamic and photothermal therapy, remodeling tumor microenvironment and infiltration of immune cells, timely diagnosis, and targeted therapy for bladder cancer.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zhoujiang Chen, Ranjith Kumar Kankala, Zhiyong Yang, Wei Li, Songzhi Xie, Hanmei Li, Ai-Zheng Chen, Liang Zou
Summary: Antibody-based cancer therapy has emerged as an efficient therapeutic strategy with diverse clinical manifestations and applications. Various drug delivery platforms have been developed to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Antibody-based drug delivery systems play an important role in cancer therapy by addressing the current challenges of antibody application and utilizing advanced drug delivery technologies.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Shuqin Chen, Yuduo Chen, Mingming Fu, Qinghua Cao, Bo Wang, Wenjun Chen, Xing Ma
Summary: Artificial nanomotors have advantages over traditional nanomedicines in biomedical applications. This article summarizes recent developments of nanomotors in targeted drug delivery, biological barrier penetration, and diagnostics and cancer treatment. The challenges and potential solutions for the development of nanomotors in biomedical applications are discussed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fangyu Zhang, Zhengxing Li, Chuanrui Chen, Hao Luan, Ronnie H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang, Joseph Wang
Summary: This review focuses on the integration of microorganisms and artificial components to create biohybrid microrobots, with a specific emphasis on microalgae-based systems. The distinct propulsion and phototaxis behaviors of microalgae, as well as methods for functionalizing their surface, are discussed. Various applications of these biohybrid microrobots in biomedical and environmental fields are presented, highlighting their advantages and challenges.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mengru Cai, Yawen Zeng, Manting Liu, Longtai You, Huating Huang, Yang Hao, Xingbin Yin, Changhai Qu, Jian Ni, Xiaoxv Dong
Summary: This study constructed a functionalized nano-platform for the targeted delivery of the anti-tumor drug triptolide and achieved in vivo fluorescence imaging. The functionalized nanoparticles showed better targeted therapy efficiency and reduced the systemic toxicity of triptolide.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ting Li, Tiantian Chen, Huan Chen, Qi Wang, Zhiyong Liu, Leyi Fang, Mimi Wan, Chun Mao, Jian Shen
Summary: This study successfully constructed engineered platelet micromotors that can achieve specific targeting and deep penetration at tumor sites, providing a new approach for research on engineered cells in disease treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samson N. Dada, Godwin K. Babanyinah, Michael T. Tetteh, Victoria E. Palau, Zachary F. Walls, Koyamangalath Krishnan, Zacary Croft, Assad U. Khan, Guoliang Liu, Thomas E. Wiese, Ellen Glotser, Hua Mei
Summary: In this study, folic acid-conjugated carbon dot nanoparticles were prepared to deliver doxorubicin to cancer cells. These nanoparticles exhibited excellent fluorescence properties and showed promising therapeutic effects.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lu Han, Ke Peng, Li-Ying Qiu, Meng Li, Jing-Hua Ruan, Li-Li He, Zhi-Xiang Yuan
Summary: Cancer vaccines show promise in fighting cancer, but their clinical efficacy is limited by delivery issues and the need for multiple injections. Controlled-release drug delivery systems can address these challenges, improving vaccine safety and effectiveness.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jiawen Niu, Chenlu Liu, Xiaopeng Yang, Wenlong Liang, Yufu Wang
Summary: Micro-nano robots have promising applications in biomedicine and the design of their motor is crucial. Living cells such as bacteria with flagella, sperm, and algal cells are commonly used as motors. Scientists have also developed biomimetic motors with functionalized cell membranes. This paper provides a comprehensive review of micro-nano robots utilizing living cells and functionalized biological cell membranes, discusses their potential practical applications, and addresses potential challenges for future development.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qingtao Song, Xiaoyong Ding, Yilin Liu, Wenjuan Liu, Jing Li, Bohan Wang, Zhongwei Gu
Summary: We designed an active drug combination therapy and responsive drug release for Helicobacter pylori using self-propelled micromotors. These micromotors can penetrate the mucus layer, deliver amoxicillin and clarithromycin, and release them in a pH-responsive manner. The micromotors showed enhanced retention and distribution capability, and significantly improved antimicrobial efficiency compared to single-drug loaded micromotors. The optimized dosage ratio of amoxicillin and clarithromycin on the micromotors was determined to be 2:1.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junqi Wu, Jugal Kishore Sahoo, Yamin Li, Qiaobing L. Xu, David Kaplan
Summary: Peptide- and protein-based therapeutics play a crucial role in treating various diseases, but their stability and delivery remain challenging. This review discusses the properties and challenges of these drugs, as well as delivery strategies using synthetic polymers and silk protein-based materials.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rujie Sun, Xin Song, Kun Zhou, Yuyang Zuo, Richard Wang, Omar Rifaie-Graham, David J. Peeler, Ruoxiao Xie, Yixuan Leng, Hongya Geng, Giulia Brachi, Yun Ma, Yutong Liu, Lorna Barron, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: This study presents a versatile platform for fabricating fillable microrobots using microfluidic loading and dip sealing (MLDS), which allows for encapsulating different types of cargoes within hollow microrobots and protecting the cargo integrity. The technique is supported by high-resolution 3D printing and an integrated microfluidic loading system, enabling a highly precise loading process and improved cargo loading capacity. The MLDS platform offers new opportunities for targeted drug delivery, environmental sensing, and chemically powered micromotor applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zuyao Xiao, Audrey Nsamela, Benjamin Garlan, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: The ability of artificial microswimmers to respond to external stimuli and the mechanistical details of their origins are highly disputed challenges in interdisciplinary science. In this study, we used microfluidics gradient generation combined with a pressure feedback loop to precisely control the stop of flows and investigate the mechanistical details of chemotaxis of artificial Janus micromotors. We found that copper Janus particles displayed chemotactic motion along the concentration gradient in both positive and negative directions, and we explained this behavior through the mechanical reaction of the particles to unbalanced drag forces.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Purnesh Chattopadhyay, Linlin Wang, Alexander Eychmueller, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: This experiment aims to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of colloid chemistry and surface science through the preparation and characterization of colloidal LB films. By conducting the experiment, students learn the method of making colloidal LB films and gain further knowledge of their surface properties, thereby broadening their knowledge in chemistry and materials science.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Priyanka Sharan, Zuyao Xiao, Viviana Mancuso, William E. Uspal, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: Fluid flow is common in microorganism habitats, and both biological and artificial microswimmers respond to flows influenced by chemical and physical factors. This study introduces Cu@SiO2 micromotors and investigates their behavior under externally applied flows. The micromotors exhibit puller-type characteristics and display jumping behavior at high flow speeds.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ian P. Madden, Linlin Wang, Juliane Simmchen, Erik Luijten
Summary: This study examines how active particles induce organization in multi-component systems and reveals that even a small fraction of active particles can cause reorganization of passive components. Experimental observations combined with large-scale simulations demonstrate that the observed phenomena cannot be explained by conventional molecular dynamics simulations or phoretic attractions. These findings offer insight into the organization of active-passive mixtures and provide new avenues for controlling the behavior of passive building blocks.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Audrey Nsamela, Aidee Itandehui Garcia Zintzun, Thomas D. Montenegro-Johnson, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: This article reviews the recent development of biomimicking behaviors in active colloids, focusing on the swimming mechanisms and mechanosensory response parameters of both biological and artificial microswimmers. The comparison of these two classes of microswimmers provides analogies in terms of fuel dependence, interaction with boundaries, and stimuli-induced motion.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sandra Heckel, Clemens Bilsing, Martin Wittmann, Thomas Gemming, Lars Buettner, Juergen Czarske, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: This research introduces single crystalline BiVO4 microswimmers that rely on a strict inherent asymmetry of charge-carrier distribution under illumination. The origin of the asymmetrical flow pattern is elucidated with high spatial resolution flow field measurements. The results show that self-shadowing and surface defects disrupt the symmetry of the flow fields and impact the photocatalytic activity of the microswimmers.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kaixuan Zhang, Anke Klingner, Yohan Le Gars, Sarthak Misra, Veronika Magdanz, Islam S. M. Khalil
Summary: This study investigates the locomotion of spermatozoa during the transition from individual cells to bundles of two cells. The research reveals three consecutive dynamic behaviors: hydrodynamic attraction/repulsion, alignment, and synchronization. The findings provide insights into the formation of sperm bundles and the mechanisms behind the enhanced swimming efficiency of spermatozoa.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin Wittmann, Maximilian Voigtmann, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: Artificial active matter often self-propels by creating gradients of one or more species or quantities. In this study, the effects of the depletion of metal ions in a solution during the photodeposition reaction on the active motion of artificial micro swimmers are investigated. The influences of different metal ions and counter ions on the motion are also compared.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Linlin Wang, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: Non-equilibrium dynamic assembly has attracted significant attention for its potential to form diverse structures and functional materials. This study focuses on understanding the driving forces behind light-driven Au@TiO2 micromotors and the implications for interactions between active and passive particles. Precision experimental measurements of the photochemical reaction rate are correlated with the observed speed of the micromotors, supporting the conclusion that self-electrophoresis based on self-generated H+ gradient is the dominant propulsion mechanism. The addition of salt confirms the dependence of swimming behavior on salt concentration and its consequences for raft formation are investigated through COMSOL simulations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martin Wittmann, Kelly Henze, Kai Yan, Vandana Sharma, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: Micro particles have diverse architectural designs and shapes, and it is time to shift focus from conventional spherical morphology to anisotropic systems. In particular, rod-shaped micro particles exhibit unique behaviors based on their structural characteristics. With their various shapes, architectures, and material compositions, they offer interesting characteristics and applications. This review provides an overview of the considerable amount of research published on rod-shaped micro particles, highlighting both limitations and potential areas for development.
COLLOID AND POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Priyanka Sharan, Abdallah Daddi-Moussa-Ider, Jaime Agudo-Canalejo, Ramin Golestanian, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: Due to the complexity of active matter systems, understanding their collective properties requires systematic characterization of individual components and their interactions. This study focuses on self-propelled particles and their non-equilibrium behavior, as well as the challenges posed by non-reciprocal interactions. Experimental and theoretical approaches are utilized to extract parameters and predict trajectories, providing insights for the design of active-matter systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Purnesh Chattopadhyay, Maria Camila Ariza-Tarazona, Erika Iveth Cedillo-Gonzalez, Cristina Siligardi, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: Microplastics pose a significant environmental threat, compounded by the lack of efficient removal techniques. Photocatalytic semiconducting nanoparticles show promise in degrading micropollutants, including microplastics. This study presents a novel approach by integrating self-propulsion, phoretic assembly, and photocatalytic oxidation into a single Pac-Man TiO2 micromotor, allowing for active collection and degradation of microplastics. The experiments focus on polystyrene microspheres as model microplastics, correlating degradation with catalytic activity and evaluating timescales for the involved processes.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Purnesh Chattopadhyay, Sandra Heckel, Fabio Irigon Pereira, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: This article discusses the importance of asymmetry in micromotors and the reasons behind it, presents a novel synthetic pathway for producing active swimmers, and introduces an automated tool for evaluating asymmetry.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Purnesh Chattopadhyay, Veronika Magdanz, Maria Hernandez-Melia, Konstantin B. L. Borchert, Dana Schwarz, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: This study investigates the inhibitory effect of copper microparticles on bovine spermatozoa and finds that copper particles can suppress sperm motility and viability, indicating their potential as hormone-free spermicidal candidates for male contraception.
ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin Wittmann, Sandra Heckel, Felix Wurl, Zuyao Xiao, Thomas Gemming, Thomas Strassner, Juliane Simmchen
Summary: This study investigates the possibility of using organic reactions, specifically the oxidation of amines, as fuel for chemiophoretic nano- and micromotors. The motion of microswimmers is analyzed under different amine concentrations and light intensities, and the reaction products are identified and quantified using gas chromatography (GC).
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)