Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have made significant progress in developing self-propelled microrobots that could revolutionize healthcare.
These tiny wonders promise to deliver drugs to previously inaccessible regions within the human body, paving the way for non-invasive surgeries and targeted treatments.
A Closer Look at the Study
Under lead researcher Jin Lee, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the team envisions a future where microrobots can enter the body through simple methods like swallowing a pill or receiving an injection.
Once inside, these autonomous microrobots could perform various medical procedures, eliminating the need for invasive surgeries and enhancing patient outcomes.
Remarkably small, these microrobots measure a mere 20 micrometers in width, several times smaller than human hair. Despite their diminutive size, they exhibit extraordinary speed, capable of traveling at an astonishing rate of approximately 3 millimeters per second.
To put it into perspective, they can traverse a distance equivalent to 9,000 times their own length in just one minute, outpacing even the fastest land animal-the cheetah.
How Microrobots Advance Medicine
In a recent study, the researchers demonstrated the potential of these microrobots as invaluable tools for treating bladder diseases and other ailments.
They successfully deployed fleets of these robots to transport doses of dexamethasone, a commonly used steroid medication, directly to the bladders of laboratory mice. This achievement highlights the possibility of using microrobots to treat a wide range of human illnesses.
While the concept may evoke visions of science fiction, akin to the iconic film "Fantastic Voyage," Jin Lee stresses that we are currently witnessing the advent of micrometer- and nanometer-scale robots.
In this exciting future, these minuscule robots could navigate through a person's bloodstream, precisely targeting areas in need of treatment.
How the Microrobots Were Made
The construction of these microrobots involves biocompatible polymers, employing a process similar to 3D printing. Resembling miniature rockets with three fins, these robots possess a unique feature-an encapsulated bubble of trapped air, much like an inverted glass in water.
When subjected to an acoustic field resembling ultrasound, the trapped air bubbles vibrate vigorously, propelling the microrobots forward by expelling the surrounding liquid.
A "microrobot" is seen under a microscope. (Credit: Shields Lab)
The team's initial experiments addressed bladder disease, particularly interstitial cystitis, a condition known for causing severe pelvic pain and affecting millions of individuals worldwide.
Current treatment methods involving dexamethasone injections through a bladder catheter can be uncomfortable and necessitate multiple clinic visits.
In the laboratory, the team engineered swarms of microrobots containing high concentrations of dexamethasone, which were introduced into the bladders of lab mice.
These microrobots dispersed throughout the bladder, adhering to its walls and providing sustained release of the medication for approximately two days.
This controlled drug release holds tremendous potential for improving treatment outcomes, ensuring patients receive a consistent dose of medicine over an extended period.
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