Biocompatible smart micro/nanorobots for active gastrointestinal tract drug delivery

IntroductionOral delivery is the most commonly used route of drug administration owing to good patient compliance. However, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract contains multiple physiological barriers that limit the absorption efficiency of conventional passive delivery systems resulting in a low drug concentration reaching the diseased sites. Micro/nanorobots can convert energy to self-propulsive force, providing a novel platform to actively overcome GI tract barriers for noninvasive drug delivery and treatment.Areas coveredIn this review, we first describe the microenvironments and barriers in the different compartments of the GI tract. Afterward, the applications of micro/nanorobots to overcome GI tract barriers for active drug delivery are highlighted and discussed. Finally, we summarize and discuss the challenges and future prospects of micro/nanorobots for further clinical applications.Expert opinionMicro/nanorobots with the ability to autonomously propel themselves and to load, transport, and release payloads on demand are ideal carriers for active oral drug delivery. Although there are many challenges to be addressed, micro/nanorobots have great potential to introduce a new era of drug delivery for precision therapy.

Automated summary

Micro/nanorobots with the ability to autonomously propel themselves and deliver drug payloads have the potential to overcome barriers in the gastrointestinal tract for active drug delivery. Despite challenges, micro/nanorobots have the potential to revolutionize drug delivery for precision therapy.