Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hamed Arami, Siavash Kananian, Layla Khalifehzadeh, Chirag B. Patel, Edwin Chang, Yuji Tanabe, Yitian Zeng, Steven J. Madsen, Michael J. Mandella, Arutselvan Natarajan, Eric E. Peterson, Robert Sinclair, Ada S. Y. Poon, Sanjiv Sam Gambhir
Summary: In this study, a wireless near-infrared stimulation-based photothermal approach for the continuous and on-demand treatment of brain tumours in freely moving animals is presented. The method avoids the risks and side-effects associated with open-skull tumour resection and chemotherapy or X-ray radiation. It utilizes an integrated nanomedicine-bioelectronics brain-machine interface, allowing precise treatment of deep brain tumours and selective diffusion of treatment in tumour tissues.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Rui Huang, Ruochen Lan, Chen Shen, Zhongping Zhang, Zichen Wang, Jinying Bao, Zizheng Wang, Lanying Zhang, Wei Hu, Zhan Yu, Siquan Zhu, Lei Wang, Huai Yang
Summary: Responsive smart nanocarriers are a promising class of materials for drug delivery and tissue engineering. This study introduces a novel strategy to impart light responsivity to internal drugs in microcapsules, enabling accelerated drug release with the help of UV light and molecular motors. The cooperative effect of liquid crystalline mesogens facilitates molecular-scale geometric changes, leading to microscale disturbances and faster drug delivery.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tao Luo, Mingming Wu
Summary: In this study, researchers have developed micro-robotic swimmers with the size of animal cells using Nanoscribe technology. These micro-swimmers are powered by microstreaming flows induced by oscillating air bubbles, and can be propelled and steered entirely using one ultrasound transducer. The swimmer exhibits boundary following traits similar to biological swimmers, showing potential in targeted drug delivery and remote microsurgery technology advancements.
Article
Optics
Meng Gao, Weibing Zhang, Binchang Wu, Yining Dai, Chengdong Peng, Yuexiao Pan
Summary: This study successfully regulated the morphology of irregular polyhedral KNIF:Mn phosphors to uniformly micro-cubic crystals using a simple green synthesis approach, demonstrating superior performance in LFV and WLEDs, and showing potential for commercial applications on a large scale.
JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jiaxin Li, Li Li, Yueyuan Li, Long Chen, Rongyue Liang, Meilin Liu, Hongmei Jiao
Summary: This study assessed the performance of magnetic capsule endoscopy (MCE) in aging patients, especially those over 80 years old, in terms of transit time, cleanliness score, positive findings, and safety. The study found that patients over 80 had longer esophageal and gastric examination times, lower visualization scores in the stomach, and higher positive findings in the small intestine.
BMC GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Katiuscia Vieira Jardim, Abraham F. Palomec-Garfias, Marcus Vinicius Araujo, Cesar Marquez-Beltran, Andris Figueiroa Bakuzis, Sergio Enrique Moya, Alexandre Luis Parize, Marcelo Henrique Sousa
Summary: Curcumin, a natural drug with promising potential in cancer therapy, has limited applicability due to its low solubility, short half-life, and low bioavailability. In this study, curcumin was encapsulated in stimuli-responsive magneto-polymeric nanoplatforms to improve its bioavailability and delivery efficiency. The results showed that magnetic hyperthermia can provide a means for the controlled release of curcumin, leading to enhanced therapeutic action.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Mehul Lamba, Kimberley Ryan, Jason Hwang, Florian Grimpen, Gary Lim, Dale Cornelius, Alan Moss, Eu Jin Lim, Gregor Brown, Nam Nguyen, Marcus Tippett, Andrew Taylor, Mark Appleyard
Summary: The study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of different bowel preparation methods before capsule endoscopy, and found that using purgatives did not improve diagnostic yield or small-bowel visualization, and was associated with lower patient tolerance.
GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Zhenghua Huang, Zifan Zhu, Qing An, Zhicheng Wang, Qin Zhou, Tianxu Zhang, Ali Saleh Alshomrani
Summary: This letter proposes a novel enhancement framework for remotely sensed images to correct luminance guided by weighted least squares (WLS), which separates the image into base and detail layers for enhancement. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms current techniques in contrast improvement and detail preservation.
IEEE GEOSCIENCE AND REMOTE SENSING LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Milan Szalai, Krisztina Helle, Barbara Dorottya Lovasz, Adam Finta, Andras Rosztoczy, Laszlo Oczella, Laszlo Madacsy
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic yield of the Ankon MCCE system in patients with gastric or small bowel disorders. The results showed that MCCE is a feasible and safe diagnostic method for evaluating gastric mucosal lesions, and it has the potential to decrease morbidity and mortality in upper gastrointestinal diseases.
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mingzhe Li, Bin Cao, Yuhao Liu, Liming Wang
Summary: In this study, an epoxy resin insulating composite with hydrophobicity transfer capability triggered by creepage discharge was developed using a micro-capsule system. The results showed that the micro-capsules had minor effects on the electrical properties of the insulating materials while significantly improving the hydrophobicity transfer capability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eiko Nishioka, Keitaro Sofue, Koji Maruyama, Eisuke Ueshima, Yoshiko Ueno, Masakatsu Tsurusaki, Shohei Komatsu, Takumi Fukumoto, Takamichi Murakami
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of enhancing and nonenhancing capsule in gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI) for diagnosing histological capsule in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT). The frequencies of enhancing and nonenhancing capsule were compared between CE-CT and EOB-MRI. Adding nonenhancing capsule to the definition of capsule appearance in EOB-MRI significantly improved the diagnosis of capsule in HCC and reduced discordance between EOB-MRI and CE-CT.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elisa Poyatos-Racionero, Edgar Perez-Esteve, Serena Medaglia, Elena Aznar, Jose M. Barat, Ramon Martinez-Manez, Maria Dolores Marcos, Andrea Bernardos
Summary: Clay minerals with low toxicity and high adsorption capacities are attractive for controlled delivery applications. In this study, organonanoclays loaded with rhodamine B dye and functionalized with oleic acid were successfully developed for active and controlled payload-release. The organonanoclays effectively confined the entrapped cargos in an aqueous environment and released them in the presence of surfactants. Furthermore, in vitro cell viability assays demonstrated the biocompatibility of the organonanoclays.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Divya Jayoti, Akhil Reddy Peeketi, Pramod Yallappa Kumbhar, Narasimhan Swaminathan, Ratna Kumar Annabattula
Summary: In the past decade, several researchers have demonstrated the light-induced oscillatory behavior of liquid crystal polymer network (LCN) films. Recently, oscillations in LCN films under constant thermal stimulus have also been reported. This study investigates the dynamics of self-sustained oscillations in LCN films under constant thermal stimulus through experiments and simulations. It is found that small temperature fluctuations coupled with torque induced by gravity drive the oscillatory behavior.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chao-Jun Wu, Wen -Fen Zhang, Xin Chen, Wu Fan, Qi-Dong Zhang, Jian Mao, Guo-Bi Chai, Qing-Zhao Shi, Yu-Jin Kong, En-Gui Zhang, Yan-Yang Li, Shu-Sheng Zhang, Jian-Ping Xie
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of luminescent coordination polymer (CP)-based carriers for storing volatile active molecules and controlling their release through thermal-redox stimuli. The loading efficiencies ranged from 31% to 38%, and the release behaviors followed zero-order kinetics. This work proves that CPs can function as dual stimuli-mediated delivery systems, enhancing the usability of functional molecules.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wenjie Lu, Lingfei Yu, Lujun Wang, Songlin Liu, Manman Li, Zijun Wu, Shengqi Chen, Rongfeng Hu, Haiping Hao
Summary: A metformin hydrochloride mucosal nanoparticles enteric-coated capsule (MH-MNPs-EC) was developed to improve the bioavailability and hypoglycemic effect duration of metformin hydrochloride for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The capsule showed improved efficacy and prolonged residence time in the intestine compared to commercial metformin hydrochloride capsules.
Article
Robotics
Federico Campisano, Simone Calo, Andria A. Remirez, James H. Chandler, Keith L. Obstein, Robert J. Webster, Pietro Valdastri
Summary: Continuum manipulators, inspired by nature, have attracted significant attention in the robotics community. Soft continuum manipulators, as a rapidly developing subfield of continuum robotics, show great potential for various applications. This study presents a control scheme for soft continuum manipulators based on Cosserat rod theory and sensor feedback, enabling precise path following and closed-loop control.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROBOTICS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Robotics
Giovanni Pittiglio, Peter Lloyd, Tomas da Veiga, Onaizah Onaizah, Cecilia Pompili, James H. Chandler, Pietro Valdastri
Summary: This study presents the design and manufacture of a flexible magnetic catheter capable of navigating the human anatomy in a follow-the-leader fashion. By optimizing magnetization profiles and using a dual-robot arm system to generate transient magnetic fields, minimal contact navigation through a three-dimensional bronchial tree phantom was achieved. Compared to mechanically equivalent designs, the magnetic catheter demonstrated improved tracking accuracy, reduced obstacle contact time, and decreased targeting errors.
Article
Robotics
Peter Lloyd, Onaizah Onaizah, Giovanni Pittiglio, Damith Katudampe Vithanage, James H. Chandler, Pietro Valdastri
Summary: Flexible magnetic catheters have the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional catheters by navigating through complex paths without relying on anatomical forces. In this study, a high aspect ratio soft magnetic catheter was successfully inserted and tested in a silicone pancreas phantom.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Liang Li, Evangelos Mazomenos, James H. Chandler, Keith L. Obstein, Pietro Valdastri, Danail Stoyanov, Francisco Vasconcelos
Summary: We propose a robust endoscopic image mosaicking algorithm that can handle light conditioning changes, specular reflections, and feature-less scenes. By fusing different image registration algorithms, we can obtain consistent mosaics in various surgical scenes. The framework combines landmarks, dense intensity registration, and learning-based approaches, allowing flexibility in algorithm selection.
MEDICAL IMAGE ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Giovanni Pittiglio, Michael Brockdorff, Tomas da Veiga, Joshua Davy, James Henry Chandler, Pietro Valdastri
Summary: Magnetically actuated robots have proven effective in various medical applications. This study presents a novel approach using two robotically actuated permanent magnets to control magnetic field and field gradients. Collaborative manipulation of the two permanent magnets introduces additional Degrees of Freedom (DOFs) and accurate open-loop control is achieved. The study also demonstrates the utilization of magnetic DOFs in magnetomechanical manipulation with satisfactory control and measurement results.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ROBOTICS
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Tomas da Veiga, Giovanni Pittiglio, Michael Brockdorff, James H. Chandler, Pietro Valdastri
Summary: Localization of magnetically actuated medical robots is crucial for accurate actuation and control. We propose a novel magnetic localization technique using millimeter-scale 3D accelerometers and 3D magnetic field sensors to manipulate and locate multiple external permanent magnets. The method can estimate the 6 degrees-of-freedom pose without prior pose information. Experimental results show localization errors of 8.5 +/- 2.4 mm in position norm and 3.7 +/- 3.6 degrees in orientation using two external permanent magnets in a 20 cm cubic workspace.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Peter Lloyd, Theodosia Lourdes Thomas, Venkatasubramanian Kalpathy Venkiteswaran, Giovanni Pittiglio, James H. Chandler, Pietro Valdastri, Sarthak Misra
Summary: Soft and flexible magnetic robots made from magnetically-active elastomers have gained attention due to their large deformability and remote actuation capabilities. These properties make them appealing for minimally invasive surgeries, allowing navigation to previously inaccessible areas. However, functionalizing such magnetic devices has been a challenge. To address this, we introduce a proof-of-concept variable stiffness robot controlled by remote magnetic actuation, capable of grasping objects of different sizes. We demonstrate a controlled and reversible high deformation coiling action induced by a transient magnetic field and a nitinol backbone. Experimental demonstrations show a maximum coiling deformation angle of 400 degrees.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Joshua Davy, Peter Lloyd, James H. Chandler, Pietro Valdastri
Summary: Simulation is crucial for the development of robot systems, providing a platform to develop designs and optimize control systems. This paper presents a simulation framework for magnetic soft robots using the Material Point Method (MPM) to consider the effects of material elasticity and external magnetic fields. Compared to existing Finite Element Methods (FEM), the MPM framework can handle self-collision and capture the effects of forces in non-homogeneous magnetic fields. The versatility of the framework is demonstrated by comparing simulations to real-world magnetic soft robot designs.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Prakash Karipoth, James H. Chandler, Jaemin Lee, Silvia Taccola, James Macdonald, Pietro Valdastri, Russell A. Harris
Summary: The field of soft robotics requires flexible and embedded high-performance strain sensors for real-time feedback and intelligent control. This study utilizes aerosol jet printing technology to generate arbitrary layouts of strain sensors on fibrous paper, allowing direct integration into elastomeric soft robots. The results show high gauge factors and good strain feedback performance, demonstrating the potential of this approach for soft robotics.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Kiana Abolfathi, Jose A. Rosales-Medina, Hesam Khaksar, James H. Chandler, Klaus D. McDonald-Maier, Keyoumars Ashkan, Pietro Valdastri, Ali Kafash Hoshiar
Summary: Fully soft continuum magnetic (FSCMs) microrobots with highly deformable structures have emerged as a potential solution to robotically controlled endovascular interventions. The microrobot's structure is made of magneto-responsive material, which offers full body control under a magnetic field instead of limited tip deformation. With the ability to steer in complex paths and limited contact with the environment, these microrobots show promise in minimally invasive surgery.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Giovanni Pittiglio, Andrew L. Orekhov, Tomas da Veiga, Simone Calo, James H. Chandler, Nabil Simaan, Pietro Valdastri
Summary: This letter discusses a novel static control approach applied to magnetic soft continuum robot (MSCR). Our aim is to demonstrate the control of a multi-magnet soft continuum robot (SCR) in 3D. The proposed controller, based on a simplified yet accurate model of the robot, has a high update rate and is capable of real-time shape control. We experimentally show that the static controller is 25.9% more accurate than a standard PID controller in shape tracking and is able to reduce the maximum error by 59.2%.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Zaneta Koszowska, Michael Brockdorff, Tomas da Veiga, Giovanni Pittiglio, Peter Lloyd, Thomas Khan-White, Russell A. Harris, James W. Moor, James H. Chandler, Pietro Valdastri
Summary: Soft magnetic manipulators have the potential to improve surgical outcomes through miniaturization and safe tissue interaction. This study proposes approaches for the independent magnetic actuation of two magnetic continuum manipulators within the same confined workspace. A novel modular magnetic soft robot segment design is proposed, integrated into dual-segment magnetic manipulators to provide independent bending in two planes of motion. Two distinct independent control strategies are proposed and evaluated based on orthogonal manipulator magnetization profiles and local field gradient control. The potential for independent magnetic tool manipulation in surgical applications is demonstrated in a skull-base phantom scenario.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
James W. Martin, Lavinia Barducci, Bruno Scaglioni, Joseph C. Norton, Conchubhair Winters, Venkataraman Subramanian, Alberto Arezzo, Keith L. Obstein, Pietro Valdastri
Summary: This study investigates the application of autonomous robotic control for magnetic colonoscope biopsy intervention, proposing semi-autonomous biopsy routines that reduce user workload and have comparable time efficiency to using a standard flexible endoscope.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND BIONICS
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Jianbin Liu, Linkun Yin, James H. Chandler, Xin Chen, Pietro Valdastri, Siyang Zuo
Summary: This paper aims to develop an endoscopic platform that is low-cost, disposable and portable, with the primary goal of reducing gastric cancer-related mortality among low- and middle-income communities through wider access to regular screening programs. The endoscope demonstrates satisfactory workspace and shape-locking ability, showing potential clinical value in improving prospects for upper gastrointestinal tract disease screening, especially gastric cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Alberto Arezzo, Nader Francis, Yoav Mintz, Michel Adamina, Stavros A. Antoniou, Nicole Bouvy, Catalin Copaescu, Nicolo de Manzini, Nicola Di Lorenzo, Salvador Morales-Conde, Beat P. Mueller-Stich, Felix Nickel, Dorin Popa, Diana Tait, Cenydd Thomas, Susan Nimmo, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Andrea Pietrabissa
Summary: Through the Delphi process, experts developed 92 consensus statements on how to safely resume surgical activities after the COVID-19 pandemic. These statements cover eight domains, including general surgery, upper GI, lower GI, bariatrics, endocrine, HPB, abdominal wall, and technology/research, with specific attention to the role of MIS in the recovery plan.
SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES
(2021)
