Abstract
Nano/microrobots (NMRs) are tiny devices that can convert energy into motion and operate at nano/microscales.54 Especially in biomedical research, NMRs have received much attention over the past twenty years because of their excellent capabilities and great potential in various applications, including on-demand drug delivery, gene and cell transport, and precise microsurgery. Reports published in recent years show that synthetic nano/microrobots have promising potential to function in the gastrointestinal (GI) region, particularly in terms of drug delivery. These tiny robots were able to be designed in such a way that they propel in their surroundings (biological media) with high speed, load cargo (drug) efficiently, transport it safely, and release upon request successfully. Their propulsion, retention, distribution, and toxicity in the GI tract of mice has been evaluated. The results envisage that such nano/microrobots can be further modified and developed as a new-generation treatment of GI tract diseases. In this minireview, we focus on the functionality of micro/nanorobots as a biomedical treatment system for stomach/intestinal diseases. We review the research progress from the first in vivo report in December 2014 to the latest in August 2021. Then, we discuss the treatment difficulties and challenges in vivo application (in general) and possible future development routes.
Highlights
In 1966, the science fiction ‘Fantastic Voyage’ [1] used an example of a famous speech of Richard Feynman ‘There is plenty room at the bottom’, delivered in 1959 [2]
Since the first report on rod-shaped Au/Pt nanomotors driven by the hydrogen peroxide catalytic reaction, [3] this research field has progressed extensively to achieve nano/microrobots with a sophisticated design capable of performing complex tasks
This review aims to highlight in vivo reports using NMRs that have a profound impact on the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) tract disease
Summary
In 1966, the science fiction ‘Fantastic Voyage’ [1] used an example of a famous speech of Richard Feynman ‘There is plenty room at the bottom’, delivered in 1959 [2]. The fluorescence intensity was strong, while 24 h later indicated a very low intensity (Figure 2B, left panel, bottom) These studies open the door to the use of NMRs as active delivery platforms for the in vivo therapeutic treatment of stomach diseases, while they can create the functional environment required [47,48,49,50]. In their work [47], a similar design of Mg-based microrobots (Janus), loaded with clarithromycin (an antibiotic), was used for the first time for the treatment of bacterial stomach infection (H. pylori) in vivo (tested in mice).
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