Abstract
An ultimate frontier in nanomedicine has been the creation of micro and nanoscale devices capable of combating diseases within the human body. Micro/nanobots (MNRBs) engineered to perform specific programmed tasks are leading advancements in next-generation micromachinery. These MNRBs possess remarkable potential due to their ability to be chemically customized, allowing them to autonomously carry out tasks with enhanced precision and functionality while maintaining mobility. Their capability to navigate hard-to-reach areas of the human body using either self-contained or external power sources positions them as valuable tools for a wide array of medical and healthcare uses. A key factor in the success of MNRBs in biomedical applications, particularly for in vivo use, is the seamless integration of surface modifications, remote control systems, and imaging techniques. Most current reviews on nanorobotics selectively focus on specific fabrication or actuation methods, potentially missing broader research. There is a lack of comprehensive overviews of MNRBs. This paper aims to deliver a comprehensive review of medical MNRBs, detailing aspects such as fabrication techniques, material selection, propulsion mechanisms, structural designs, and applications. It also addresses the fast-paced advancements in the field, emphasizing significant challenges and possible solutions to guide future research while offering a centralized source of information.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1346 |
Number of pages | 43 |
Journal | Engineered Science |
Volume | 32 |
Early online date | 10 Dec 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2024 |
Keywords
- Actuation mechanisms
- Advanced fabrication methods
- Clinical applications
- Composition of micro/nanobots
- Traditional fabrication techniques