Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xia Peng, Mario Urso, Martina Kolackova, Dalibor Huska, Martin Pumera
Summary: This study investigates the use of magnetic biohybrid microrobots for the dynamic removal of micro/nanoplastics from aquatic environments. The microrobots, modified with Fe3O4 nanoparticles, show efficient capture and removal of micro/nanoplastics through magnetic actuation and electrostatic interactions. The microrobots also prove to be reusable and have hormesis stimulation effects on algae growth. This eco-friendly and low-cost strategy offers a promising solution for addressing micro/nanoplastics pollution.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hyunsik Choi, Bolam Kim, Sang Hoon Jeong, Tae Yeon Kim, Dong-Pyo Kim, You-Kwan Oh, Sei Kwang Hahn
Summary: A microalgae-based biohybrid microrobot has been developed to accelerate diabetic wound healing. The microrobot autonomously moves and generates oxygen to alleviate the hypoxic condition while efficiently modulating immune responses. The experimental results showed that the wounds treated with microrobots healed completely in a shorter time with reduced inflammatory cytokines and increased angiogenesis.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cagatay M. Oral, Martin Pumera
Summary: Untethered robots in micro/nano scale have the ability to access hard-to-reach areas of the body. Recent research has focused on the autonomous task completion capabilities of these robots in challenging environments. However, most studies have only been conducted in vitro, and their results may significantly differ in vivo. This article examines studies conducted with animal models to demonstrate the current state of micro/nanorobotic applications in real-world conditions. Categorized by target locations, the main strategies employed in organs and other body parts are highlighted, along with key challenges that need to be addressed for successful translation to clinical use.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qiwei Chen, Songsong Tang, Yangyang Li, Zhaoqing Cong, Dongdong Lu, Qingxin Yang, Xueji Zhang, Song Wu
Summary: The study introduces a biohybrid sperm microrobot capable of active drug delivery and cytoprotection by encapsulating sperm cells within metal-organic frameworks and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles. The microrobot's protection from AsA and sustained release of zinc ions contribute to the maintenance of sperm propulsion and movement, which can enhance therapeutic efficacy in risky environments. This multifunctional wrapping approach opens up new possibilities for designing adaptive cell robots for diverse operations in practical and clinical settings.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicola Pellicciotta, Ojus Satish Bagal, Viridiana Carmona Sosa, Giacomo Frangipane, Gaszton Vizsnyiczai, Roberto Di Leonardo
Summary: Biohybrid microbots, integrating biological actuators and sensors into synthetic chassis, are developed to provide the building blocks of next-generation micro-robotics. A challenge is to develop self-assembled systems that exhibit consistent behavior and can be controlled independently for complex tasks. In this study, 3D printed microbots are shown to be steerable by unbalancing light intensity over different microbot parts, using light-driven bacteria as propellers. An optimal feedback loop is designed to project tailor-made light patterns onto each microbot, enabling independent guidance of multiple microbots through spatially distributed checkpoints.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guozheng Xing, Xuya Yu, Yan Zhang, Shupei Sheng, Limin Jin, Dunwan Zhu, Lin Mei, Xia Dong, Feng Lv
Summary: Pyroptosis-based immunotherapy using macrophage-based biohybrid microrobots shows promise in breast cancer treatment, as it can evade drug resistance, inhibit metastasis, and trigger an immune response. This novel strategy combines photothermal conversion, targeted drug delivery, and controlled drug release to achieve tumor-specific pyroptosis and enhance immunotherapy.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xia Peng, Mario Urso, Martin Pumera
Summary: Self-powered micromachines, specifically light-powered Janus microrobots, are of great interest for environmental remediation due to their ability to move and degrade pollutants in water using light. In this study, Janus microrobots made of hematite and Pt were investigated, with thicker Pt layers resulting in higher propulsion speeds. However, higher consumption of H2O2 for propulsion led to lower efficiency in degrading pollutants using the photo-Fenton mechanism, emphasizing that speed is not the only factor to consider in water purification applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Michaela Fojtu, Jan Vyskocil, Nam-Joon Cho, Martin Pumera
Summary: This article describes the preparation of magnetic biological robots (BioBots) using defatted sunflower pollen microparticles by depositing a ferromagnetic metal layer on one side of the particles. The magnetic properties introduced to the pollen microparticles enable their magnetic actuation, allowing them to attract and transport cancer cells. Additionally, these magnetic BioBots can be used for drug delivery to kill cancer cells. With the ability for mass production and natural programmability, sunflower-based BioBots show promise for cancer cell therapy.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mario Urso, Christian Iffelsberger, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: This study introduces a new concept of self-propelled microscale energy storage elements and demonstrates their pseudocapacitive nature through scanning electrochemical microscopy. The technology shows great potential for autonomously delivering energy storage units to electronic circuits.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Lukas Dekanovsky, Jinhua Li, Huaijuan Zhou, Zdenek Sofer, Bahareh Khezri
Summary: Nano/microrobots have gained significant attention in biomedical research, particularly for drug delivery in the gastrointestinal tract. These tiny devices are capable of high-speed propulsion, efficient drug loading, and controlled release. Evaluation in mice suggests that nano/microrobots can be further developed as a new-generation treatment for gastrointestinal diseases.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Zameer Hussain Shah, Max Sokolich, Sudipta Mallick, David Rivas, Sambeeta Das
Summary: Mobile microrobots have the potential to revolutionize medical treatments by transporting cells in cell-based therapies. This study presents a simple method to fabricate three-lobed microrobots that are actuated by a harmless magnetic field and made of organosilica. The microrobots showed excellent control in both open-loop and closed-loop settings, making them promising for cell transportation in fluids.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David Quashie, Prateek Benhal, Zhi Chen, Zihan Wang, Xueliang Mu, Xiaoxia Song, Teng Jiang, Yukun Zhong, U. Kei Cheang, Jamel Ali
Summary: In the past two decades, there has been an increasing amount of research on wireless devices that can operate at the scale of biological cells or even smaller. One prominent type of these devices is bio-hybrid actuators, which integrate biological cells or subcellular components with synthetic or inorganic parts. Magnetic bio-hybrid actuators have recently shown promise in addressing challenges in small scale fabrication, control, and localization. They also have the potential for high efficiency, self-repair, and self-replication. By combining these properties with magnetically driven forces and torques, which can be controlled and are biologically safe, magnetic bio-hybrid actuators have significant advantages over other small scale actuators.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fangyu Zhang, Zhengxing Li, Yaou Duan, Hao Luan, Lu Yin, Zhongyuan Guo, Chuanrui Chen, Mingyao Xu, Weiwei Gao, Ronnie H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang, Joseph Wang
Summary: Acidophilic microalgae biomotors can maintain swimming behavior in harsh acidic environments, making them suitable for gastrointestinal delivery applications. They can also be loaded with various cargo and their precise localization in the gastrointestinal tract can be controlled by tuning the cargo's surface properties.
Article
Biophysics
Saurabh Shivalkar, Pallabi Chowdhary, Tayyaba Afshan, Shrutika Chaudhary, Anwesha Roy, Sintu Kumar Samanta, Amaresh Kumar Sahoo
Summary: Biohybrid micro/nanobots are biocompatible and biodegradable structures that can autonomously move and perform tasks in hard-to-reach areas. They have the potential to revolutionize biomedical fields such as disease diagnosis, therapeutics, imaging, and surgery. The propulsion mechanism of these micro/nanobots can be fueled by enzymes, making it an effective and easy method.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cagatay M. Oral, Martina Ussia, Derya Kapusuz Yavuz, Martin Pumera
Summary: The study investigates the influence of surface properties and crystallite size on the propulsion mechanism of Pt/TiO2 chemical/light-driven hybrid microrobots, revealing that urchin-like microrobots exhibit on-the-fly optical brake behavior under UV irradiation, while smooth microrobots demonstrate accelerated motion under the same conditions. The results highlight the importance of high surface area and crystallite size in increasing the speed of microrobots.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Eleonora M. Aiello, Jordan E. Pinsker, Eva Vargas, Hazhir Teymourian, Farshad Tehrani, Mei Mei Church, Lori M. Laffel, Francis J. J. Doyle III, Mary-Elizabeth Patti, Joseph Wang, Eyal Dassau
Summary: This study evaluated the accuracy of a novel insulin immunosensor chip and developed a new tool to assess the potential therapeutic consequences arising from inaccurate insulin measurements. The results showed that this new technology has the potential to accurately evaluate insulin levels in real-time, improving diabetes management.
JOURNAL OF DIABETES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Eva Vargas, Eleonora M. Aiello, Jordan E. Pinsker, Hazhir Teymourian, Farshad Tehrani, Mei Mei Church, Lori M. Laffel, Francis J. Doyle III, Mary-Elizabeth Patti, Eyal Dassau, Joseph Wang
Summary: A decentralized disposable insulin electrochemical sensor has been developed, which can detect insulin on-site. The sensor has high sensitivity, user-friendly operation, and low cost, making it suitable for insulin monitoring.
JOURNAL OF DIABETES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Ronnie H. Fang, Weiwei Gao, Liangfang Zhang
Summary: Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (CNPs) are emerging nanocarriers that have the potential to improve cancer therapy by overcoming limitations of traditional nanoparticles. CNPs, consisting of a synthetic nanoparticulate core surrounded by a layer of naturally derived cell membranes, offer improved biocompatibility, immune evasion, and tumor targeting. They have been used for drug delivery, phototherapy, and immunotherapy.
NATURE REVIEWS CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ilkoo Noh, Zhongyuan Guo, Jiarong Zhou, Weiwei Gao, Ronnie H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang
Summary: Vaccination with nanovaccines based on bacterial outer membrane has shown promising results in protecting against antibiotic-resistant infections. The cellular nanodiscs developed in this study effectively interact with antigen-presenting cells and can efficiently transport to lymph nodes. In a murine model, the nanovaccine elicits potent immune responses and confers protection against subsequent lung infection.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Rafael Del Cano, Tamoghna Saha, Chochanon Moonla, Ernesto De la Paz, Joseph Wang
Summary: The development of mobile and wearable sensing devices for continuous ketone detection has received great attention. This review discusses the importance of ketone bodies and the advances in decentralized ketone sensing strategies in biomedical and nutrition applications. Special attention is given to electrochemical sensing platforms for on-site and wearable detection of I3-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and the challenges of extended on-body BHB monitoring. Future trends, opportunities, and challenges in frequent home self-testing and continuous monitoring of ketone bodies for personalized healthcare, nutrition, and wellness are discussed in connection to mobile and wearable devices coupled to artificial intelligence.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rodolfo Mundaca-Uribe, Maya Holay, Amal Abbas, Nelly Askarinam, Janna Sofia Sage-Sepulveda, Luke Kubiatowicz, Ronnie H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang, Joseph Wang
Summary: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by high blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance, and metformin is the most commonly prescribed oral drug for lowering blood glucose levels in T2DM patients. However, its absorption and bioavailability are poor. This study introduces magnesium-based microstirrers to a metformin-containing pill matrix to enhance the glucose-lowering effect of metformin.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhongyuan Guo, Jiarong Zhou, Yiyan Yu, Nishta Krishnan, Ilkoo Noh, Audrey Ting Zhu, Raina M. Borum, Weiwei Gao, Ronnie H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang
Summary: Researchers have explored the use of nanoparticulate strategies for more effective antigen delivery to the immune system. They formulated nanotoxoids against staphylococcal alpha-hemolysin and embedded them into a DNA-based hydrogel with immunostimulatory CpG motifs to improve immunogenicity. The resulting nanoparticle-hydrogel composite enhances vaccine delivery and stimulates immune responses, providing protection against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Nishta Krishnan, Fei-Xing Peng, Animesh Mohapatra, Ronnie H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang
Summary: In recent years, researchers have increasingly explored nanoparticles derived from cellular membranes for disease prevention and treatment. These biomimetic nanoparticles, with their flexible design and effective interaction with the surrounding environment, can outperform traditional synthetic nanoparticles. Genetic manipulation has proven to be a robust and flexible method to generate nanoformulations with augmented functionalities. This review provides an overview of genetic engineering approaches to express novel surface proteins and discusses the various biomedical applications of genetically modified cellular nanoparticles.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Ronnie H. H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang
Summary: A large-scale screening discovers an inhalable polymer nanoparticle formulation that can safely and effectively deliver therapeutic mRNA molecules to the lungs of multiple animal species.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiangzhao Ai, Dan Wang, Ilkoo Noh, Yaou Duan, Zhidong Zhou, Nilesh Mukundan, Ronnie H. Fang, Weiwei Gao, Liangfang Zhang
Summary: This study reports a novel detoxification strategy against botulinum toxin (BoNT) using glycan-modified cellular nanosponges. The study demonstrates that higher levels of gangliosides on the cellular nanosponges result in greater binding capacities with BoNT, showing superior efficacy in neutralizing BoNT cytotoxicity in vitro and in a mouse model of BoNT intoxication. This research highlights the potential of cellular nanosponges, especially when modified with glycans, as a promising countermeasure platform against BoNT and related clostridial toxins.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhongyuan Guo, Ilkoo Noh, Audrey T. T. Zhu, Yiyan Yu, Weiwei Gao, Ronnie H. H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang
Summary: Cell membrane-based nanovaccines incorporating adjuvants have shown promising features for antitumor vaccination. This study presents cellular nanodiscs made from cancer cell membranes and a lipid-based adjuvant. The nanodiscs are efficiently taken up by antigen-presenting cells and stimulate the immune system, leading to effective control of tumor growth in both prophylactic and therapeutic settings, especially when combined with checkpoint blockades. These multiantigenic nanovaccines hold potential for activating antitumor immune responses in a wide range of cancers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ponnusamy Nandhakumar, Cristina Munoz San Martin, Beatriz Arevalo, Shichao Ding, Mahika Lunker, Eva Vargas, Omeed Djassemi, Susana Campuzano, Joseph Wang
Summary: In order to address the low sensitivity issue of conventional LFA, we report a simple electrochemical LFA with nanocatalytic redox cycling for decentralized insulin detection. This method achieves higher sensitivity than traditional methods by amplifying the signal through nanoparticles and chemical reactions.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Rodolfo Mundaca-Uribe, Nelly Askarinam, Ronnie H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang, Joseph Wang
Summary: Robotic pills leverage the advantages of oral pharmaceutical formulations and microrobotic systems, allowing for the realization of sophisticated multifunctional closed-loop systems.
NATURE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jueyi Xue, Mengnan Zhang, Joel Yong, Qianfan Chen, Joseph Wang, Jiangtao Xu, Kang Liang
Summary: This study reports a biocatalytic nanomotor based on a covalent-organic framework (COF) that exhibits intelligent and switchable motion triggered by a blue-to-red light switch. The nanomotor enhances contaminant removal in aqueous solutions when exposed to blue light, but deactivates its motion and contaminant removal under red light. The study explores the assembly strategy of the COF-based nanomotor and its light-controlled propulsion performance, providing insights for the design and practical applications of nanomotors.
