Micro/Nanomachines and Living Biosystems: From Simple Interactions to Microcyborgs

Abstract

AbstractMiniaturization of machines into the micro/nanoscale is an essential ingredient toward better understanding and control of the microscopic world. As an emerging research area, micro/nanomachines have attracted substantial efforts of researchers from multiple disciplines. Mimicking the biological machines in nature, artificial micro/nanomachines are becoming increasingly sophisticated so that they can serve as useful tools to address problems encountered in the intricate biosystems. This review highlights the recent efforts for and toward application of micro/nanomachines in living biosystems, including microorganisms, biological cells, and human body. With progressive steps toward translating micro/nanomachines research into practice, using these tiny machines to tackle thorny problems in biosystems may not only exist in the Hollywood science fiction film.