Emerging Micro/Nanomotor‐Based Platforms for Biomedical Therapy

Abstract

Highly efficient and versatile natural motors play a pivotal role in biological processes. Inspired by these biological motors, researchers developed their synthetic counterparts that can convert various energies into locomotion. With the potential to revolutionize the biomedical treatment process, these micro/nanomotors have been attracting a booming research enthusiasm since the birth of the first micro/nanomotor 15 years ago (since 2004). First, typical motion mechanisms are elucidated and a detailed comparison is provided regarding their efficiency in a biological context. Next, cutting‐edge proof‐of‐concept biomedical applications of the motors are overviewed, including on‐demand drug dispensing, cell transporting, and precise microsurgery. Current achievements and remaining bottlenecks are discussed, to spur more collaboration among chemistry, nanoengineering, and the biomedical fields. With increasing attention and continuing innovation of the field, clinical translation of micro/nanomotors is possible in the next 15 years.