External power-driven micro/nanorobots: Design, fabrication, and functionalization for tumor diagnosis and therapy

Abstract

Cancer remains a significant threat to human health and life, and there are still many challenges left to overcome with regard to its diagnosis and effective therapy. Micro/nanorobots (MNRs) are attracting widespread attention for their tumor-related applications, offering many unique advantages over traditional methods. MNRs enable precise navigation, intelligent identification, and targeted drug delivery in complex media. This is a promising approach for tumor diagnosis and therapy. This review focuses on the current status of external power-driven MNRs for cancer-related applications. MNRs driven by external power can continue to operate without contact, non-invasively, and without needing to be supplied with fuel. Current prospects regarding MNR-based applications in oncology are summarized from the design, fabrication, actuation, functionalization, and safety perspectives. Specific action modes of different MNR techniques in terms of diverse tumor types are analyzed through a detailed exploration of diagnosis, detection of problems, and treatment. We summarize the current advantages and the future directions of external power-driven MNRs for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Finally, possible future challenges pertaining to MNRs are highlighted. It is our hope that this compilation of information will help to further advance the translation and integration of MNR methods into routine oncology treatment in clinical settings.