Abstract
Research on nano- and micromotors has evolved into a frequently cited research area with innovative technology envisioned for one of current humanities’ most deadly problems: cancer. The development of cancer targeting drug delivery strategies involving nano-and micromotors has been a vibrant field of study over the past few years. This review aims at categorizing recent significant results, classifying them according to the employed propulsion mechanisms starting from chemically driven micromotors, to field driven and biohybrid approaches. In concluding remarks of section 2, we give an insight into shape changing micromotors that are envisioned to have a significant contribution. Finally, we critically discuss which important aspects still have to be addressed and which challenges still lie ahead of us.
Highlights
Nano- and micromotors are small-scale devices, capable of transforming energy efficiently into motion [1,2]
The materials employed for nano- and micromotor design are mostly chosen for functionality rather than biocompatibility, which can often lead to toxic components in motors
Very recently Sanchez’ group presented a silica based urease driven nanomotor (480 nm), that was able to perfom enhanced diffusion in rat urine. This nanomotor was functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and an anti fibroblast growth factor, so that it binds to the fibroblast in cancer speroids and inhibits the proliferation [74]
Summary
Nano- and micromotors are small-scale devices, capable of transforming energy efficiently into motion [1,2]. Despite the fact that most of the earlier motors were made of rigid, inorganic materials [22,23] and rely on the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, the field has grown up and a wide range of soft [24,25] and composite materials have been introduced These combinations do allow the exploration of different new fuels and propulsion strategies, and a broad range of new, biomedically relevant applications [16]. The materials employed for nano- and micromotor design are mostly chosen for functionality rather than biocompatibility, which can often lead to toxic components in motors For clinical applications these need to be adapted and optimized concerning their non-toxicity, as well as their ability to be scaled up to allow high through-put fabrication. Careful navigation to avoid tissue damage might still be recommendable or injection to areas close to the tumor site is necessary
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