Programming self-assembling magnetic microrobots with multiple physical and chemical intelligence

Abstract

Medical microrobots represent the cutting-edge of biomedical research, showcasing their potential as versatile tools. They exhibit promise in acting as carriers for cancer cell therapy, effectively delivering drugs, and as manipulators equipped for biosensing, offering mobility and adaptability. Despite these advancements, the intricate challenge of creating a microrobot that seamlessly integrates various physical and chemical functionalities persists. This includes the fusion of selective sensing, manipulation capabilities, carrier functionality, precise time-based actuators for motion control, and adaptive shaping. Addressing these complexities remains an ongoing endeavor. In this context, our work introduces a pioneering magnetic microrobot founded on CaCO3 microparticles (MPs) synthesized alongside polyethylenimine (CaCO3-PEI), forming the core body. This is combined with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) enveloped in glutaraldehyde (Fe3O4-Glu), constituting the propulsive engine. The synergy of these elements enables the microrobot to execute multimodal motions, orchestrating its movement with finesse. This dynamic capability follows a “deliver-and-return” pattern for precise targeting applications with real-world relevance. Furthermore, the Fe3O4-Glu/CaCO3-PEI microrobots demonstrated remarkable proficiency in the targeted identification, manipulation, and transportation of cancer cells through the strategic integration of specific antibodies onto their structure. Within the realm of selective cancer cell detection, these microrobots adeptly function as dynamic mobile immunosensors. The versatile utility of the Fe3O4-Glu/CaCO3-PEI microrobots extends to their role as carriers for drugs and imaging agents, facilitated by the mediation of extracellular pH modulation in cancer cells orchestrated by CaCO3. This innovative work introduces a novel “on-the-fly” concept, revolutionizing the landscape of robotics programmed with multifaceted chemical and physical intelligences.