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Preetam S. Nano revolution: pioneering the future of water reclamation with micro-/nano-robots. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:2569-2581. [PMID: 38752135 PMCID: PMC11093266 DOI: 10.1039/d3na01106b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Earth's freshwater reserves are alarmingly limited, with less than 1% readily available. Factors such as industrialisation, population expansion, and climate change are compounding the scarcity of clean water. In this context, self-driven, programmable micro- and nano-scale synthetic robots offer a potential solution for enhancing water monitoring and remediation. With the aid of these innovative robots, diffusion-limited reactions can be overcome, allowing for active engagement with target pollutants, such as heavy metals, dyes, nano- and micro-plastics, oils, pathogenic microorganisms, and persistent organic pollutants. Herein, we introduced and reviewed recent influential and advanced studies on micro-/nano-robots (MNR) carried out over the past decade. Typical works are categorized by propulsion modes, analyzing their advantages and drawbacks in detail and looking at specific applications. Moreover, this review provides a concise overview of the contemporary advancements and applications of micro-/nano-robots in water-cleaning applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subham Preetam
- Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology Daegu-42988 South Korea
- Institute of Advanced Materials, IAAM Gammalkilsvägen 18 Ulrika 59053 Sweden
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2
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Wang Y, Chen H, Xie L, Liu J, Zhang L, Yu J. Swarm Autonomy: From Agent Functionalization to Machine Intelligence. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2312956. [PMID: 38653192 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Swarm behaviors are common in nature, where individual organisms collaborate via perception, communication, and adaptation. Emulating these dynamics, large groups of active agents can self-organize through localized interactions, giving rise to complex swarm behaviors, which exhibit potential for applications across various domains. This review presents a comprehensive summary and perspective of synthetic swarms, to bridge the gap between the microscale individual agents and potential applications of synthetic swarms. It is begun by examining active agents, the fundamental units of synthetic swarms, to understand the origins of their motility and functionality in the presence of external stimuli. Then inter-agent communications and agent-environment communications that contribute to the swarm generation are summarized. Furthermore, the swarm behaviors reported to date and the emergence of machine intelligence within these behaviors are reviewed. Eventually, the applications enabled by distinct synthetic swarms are summarized. By discussing the emergent machine intelligence in swarm behaviors, insights are offered into the design and deployment of autonomous synthetic swarms for real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Wang
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Leiming Xie
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jiangfan Yu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
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3
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Mao M, Wu Y, He Q. Recent advances in targeted drug delivery for the treatment of glioblastoma. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 38606460 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01056f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the highly malignant brain tumors characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the recent advancements in the treatment of GBM, major challenges persist in achieving controlled drug delivery to tumors. The management of GBM poses considerable difficulties primarily due to unresolved issues in the blood-brain barrier (BBB)/blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB) and GBM microenvironment. These factors limit the uptake of anti-cancer drugs by the tumor, thus limiting the therapeutic options. Current breakthroughs in nanotechnology provide new prospects concerning unconventional drug delivery approaches for GBM treatment. Specifically, swimming nanorobots show great potential in active targeted delivery, owing to their autonomous propulsion and improved navigation capacities across biological barriers, which further facilitate the development of GBM-targeted strategies. This review presents an overview of technological progress in different drug administration methods for GBM. Additionally, the limitations in clinical translation and future research prospects in this field are also discussed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive guideline for researchers and offer perspectives on further development of new drug delivery therapies to combat GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Mao
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
| | - Yingjie Wu
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
| | - Qiang He
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
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4
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Wang B, Lu Y. Collective Molecular Machines: Multidimensionality and Reconfigurability. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2024; 16:155. [PMID: 38499833 PMCID: PMC10948734 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01379-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Molecular machines are key to cellular activity where they are involved in converting chemical and light energy into efficient mechanical work. During the last 60 years, designing molecular structures capable of generating unidirectional mechanical motion at the nanoscale has been the topic of intense research. Effective progress has been made, attributed to advances in various fields such as supramolecular chemistry, biology and nanotechnology, and informatics. However, individual molecular machines are only capable of producing nanometer work and generally have only a single functionality. In order to address these problems, collective behaviors realized by integrating several or more of these individual mechanical units in space and time have become a new paradigm. In this review, we comprehensively discuss recent developments in the collective behaviors of molecular machines. In particular, collective behavior is divided into two paradigms. One is the appropriate integration of molecular machines to efficiently amplify molecular motions and deformations to construct novel functional materials. The other is the construction of swarming modes at the supramolecular level to perform nanoscale or microscale operations. We discuss design strategies for both modes and focus on the modulation of features and properties. Subsequently, in order to address existing challenges, the idea of transferring experience gained in the field of micro/nano robotics is presented, offering prospects for future developments in the collective behavior of molecular machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Mena-Giraldo P, Kaur M, Maurizio SL, Mandl GA, Capobianco JA. Janus Micromotors for Photophoretic Motion and Photon Upconversion Applications Using a Single Near-Infrared Wavelength. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:4249-4260. [PMID: 38197400 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
External stimuli can trigger changes in temperature, concentration, and momentum between micromotors and the medium, causing their propulsion and enabling them to perform different tasks with improved kinetic efficiencies. Light-activated micromotors are attractive systems that achieve improved motion and have the potential for high spatiotemporal control. Photophoretic swarming motion represents an attractive means to induce micromotor movement through the generation of temperature gradients in the medium, enabling the micromotors to move from cold to hot regions. The micromotors studied herein are assembled with Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and NaGdF4:Yb3+,Er3+/NaGdF4:Yb3+ and LiYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ upconverting nanoparticles. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were localized to one hemisphere to produce a Janus architecture that facilitates improved upconversion luminescence with the upconverting nanoparticles distributed throughout. Under 976 nm excitation, Fe3O4 nanoparticles generate the temperature gradient, while the upconverting nanoparticles produce visible light that is used for micromotor motion tracking and triggering of reactive oxygen species generation. As such, the motion and application of the micromotors are achieved using a single excitation wavelength. To demonstrate the practicality of this system, curcumin was adsorbed to the micromotor surface and degradation of Rhodamine B was achieved with kinetic rates that were over twice as fast as the static micromotors. The upconversion luminescence was also used to track the motion of the micromotors from a single image frame, providing a convenient means to understand the trajectory of these systems. Together, this system provides a versatile approach to achieving light-driven motion while taking advantage of the potential applications of upconversion luminescence such as tracking and detection, sensing, nanothermometry, particle velocimetry, photodynamic therapy, and pollutant degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Mena-Giraldo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Mannu Kaur
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Steven L Maurizio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Gabrielle A Mandl
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - John A Capobianco
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
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6
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Feng J, Li X, Xu T, Zhang X, Du X. Photothermal-driven micro/nanomotors: From structural design to potential applications. Acta Biomater 2024; 173:1-35. [PMID: 37967696 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) that accomplish autonomous movement by transforming external energy into mechanical work are attractive cargo delivery vehicles. Among various propulsion mechanisms of MNMs, photothermal propulsion has gained considerable attention because of their unique advantages, such as remote, flexible, accurate, biocompatible, short response time, etc. Moreover, besides as a propulsion source, the light has been extensively investigated as an excitation source in bioimaging, photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and so on. Furthermore, the geometric topology and morphology of MNMs have a tremendous impact on improving their performance in motion behavior under NIR light propulsion, environmental suitability and functional versatility. Hence, this review article provides a comprehensive overview of structural design principles and construction strategies of photothermal-driven MNMs, and their emerging nanobiomedical applications. Finally, we further provide an outlook towards prospects and challenges during the development of photothermal-driven MNMs in the future. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Photothermal-driven micro/nanomotors (MNMs) that are regarded as functional cargo delivery tools have gained considerable attention because of unique advantages in propulsion mechanisms, such as remote, flexible, accurate and fully biocompatible light manipulation and extremely short light response time. The geometric topology and morphology of MNMs have a tremendous impact on improving their performance in motion behavior under NIR light propulsion, environmental suitability and functional versatility of MNMs. There are no reports about the review focusing on photothermal-driven MNMs up to now. Herein, we systematically review the latest progress of photothermal-driven MNMs including design principle, fabrication strategy of various MNMs with different structures and nanobiomedical applications. Moreover, the summary and outlook on the development prospects and challenges of photothermal-driven MNMs are proposed, hoping to provide new ideas for the future design of photothermal-driven MNMs with efficient propulsion, multiple functions and high biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiameng Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Department of Chemistry & Biological Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- National Engineering Research Center of green recycling for strategic metal resources, Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academic of Sciences, University of Chinese Academic of Sciences, China
| | - Tailin Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Department of Chemistry & Biological Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xueji Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Department of Chemistry & Biological Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xin Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Department of Chemistry & Biological Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
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Huang H, Yang S, Ying Y, Chen X, Puigmartí-Luis J, Zhang L, Pané S. 3D Motion Manipulation for Micro- and Nanomachines: Progress and Future Directions. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305925. [PMID: 37801654 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, micro- and nanomachines (MNMs) have made outstanding achievements in the fields of targeted drug delivery, tumor therapy, microsurgery, biological detection, and environmental monitoring and remediation. Researchers have made significant efforts to accelerate the rapid development of MNMs capable of moving through fluids by means of different energy sources (chemical reactions, ultrasound, light, electricity, magnetism, heat, or their combinations). However, the motion of MNMs is primarily investigated in confined two-dimensional (2D) horizontal setups. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) motion control remains challenging, especially for vertical movement and control, significantly limiting its potential applications in cargo transportation, environmental remediation, and biotherapy. Hence, an urgent need is to develop MNMs that can overcome self-gravity and controllably move in 3D spaces. This review delves into the latest progress made in MNMs with 3D motion capabilities under different manipulation approaches, discusses the underlying motion mechanisms, explores potential design concepts inspired by nature for controllable 3D motion in MNMs, and presents the available 3D observation and tracking systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Shihao Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yulong Ying
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xiangzhong Chen
- Institute of Optoelectronics, State Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Science and Technology, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Intelligent Optoelectronics and Perception, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Josep Puigmartí-Luis
- Departament de Ciència dels Materials i Química Física, Institut de Química Teòrica i Computacional, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Salvador Pané
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zürich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zürich, CH-8092, Switzerland
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8
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Zeng X, Yang M, Liu H, Zhang Z, Hu Y, Shi J, Wang ZH. Light-driven micro/nanomotors in biomedical applications. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:18550-18570. [PMID: 37962424 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr03760f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology brings hope for targeted drug delivery. However, most current drug delivery systems use passive delivery strategies with limited therapeutic efficiency. Over the past two decades, research on micro/nanomotors (MNMs) has flourished in the biomedical field. Compared with other driven methods, light-driven MNMs have the advantages of being reversible, simple to control, clean, and efficient. Under light irradiation, the MNMs can overcome several barriers in the body and show great potential in the treatment of various diseases, such as tumors, and gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Herein, the classification and mechanism of light-driven MNMs are introduced briefly. Subsequently, the applications of light-driven MNMs in overcoming physiological and pathological barriers in the past five years are highlighted. Finally, the future prospects and challenges of light-driven MNMs are discussed as well. This review will provide inspiration and direction for light-driven MNMs to overcome biological barriers in vivo and promote the clinical application of light-driven MNMs in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Zeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Mingzhu Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Hua Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zhenzhong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yurong Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jinjin Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
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Feng K, Chen L, Zhang X, Gong J, Qu J, Niu R. Collective Behaviors of Isotropic Micromotors: From Assembly to Reconstruction and Motion Control under External Fields. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2900. [PMID: 37947744 PMCID: PMC10650937 DOI: 10.3390/nano13212900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Swarms of self-propelled micromotors can mimic the processes of natural systems and construct artificial intelligent materials to perform complex collective behaviors. Compared to self-propelled Janus micromotors, the isotropic colloid motors, also called micromotors or microswimmers, have advantages in self-assembly to form micromotor swarms, which are efficient in resistance to external disturbance and the delivery of large quantity of cargos. In this minireview, we summarize the fundamental principles and interactions for the assembly of isotropic active particles to generate micromotor swarms. Recent discoveries based on either catalytic or external physical field-stimulated micromotor swarms are also presented. Then, the strategy for the reconstruction and motion control of micromotor swarms in complex environments, including narrow channels, maze, raised obstacles, and high steps/low gaps, is summarized. Finally, we outline the future directions of micromotor swarms and the remaining challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Feng
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
| | - Ling Chen
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
| | - Xinle Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
| | - Jiang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
| | - Jinping Qu
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Technique and Equipment for Macromolecular Advanced Manufacturing, National Engineering Research Center of Novel Equipment for Polymer Processing, School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Ran Niu
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
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10
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Huang H, Zhao Y, Yang H, Li J, Ying Y, Li J, Wang S. Light-driven MOF-based micromotors with self-floating characteristics for water sterilization. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:14165-14174. [PMID: 37593810 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02299d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional motion (especially in the Z-axis direction) of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based micromotors (MOFtors) is essential but still in its infancy. Herein, we propose a simple strategy for designing light-driven MOFtors that move in the Z-axis direction and efficiently kill Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The as-prepared polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy NPs) with excellent photothermal properties are combined with ZIF-8 through a simple in situ encapsulation method, resulting in multi-wavelength photothermally-responsive MOFtors (PPy/ZIF-8). Under the irradiation of near-infrared (NIR)/ultraviolet (UV)/blue light, the MOFtors all exhibited negative phototaxis and high-speed motion behaviour with the highest speed of 2215 ± 338 μm s-1. In addition, it is proved that these MOFtors can slowly self-float up in an aqueous environment. The light irradiation will accelerate the upward movement of the MOFtors, and the time required for the MOFtors to move to the top is negatively correlated with the light intensity. Finally, efficient antibacterial performances (up to 98.89% against S. aureus) are achieved with these light-driven MOFtors owing to the boosted Zn2+ release by vigorous stirring motion and physical entrapment by the upward motion under light irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Yu Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Haowei Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Jie Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Yulong Ying
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Jinhua Li
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Sheng Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
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11
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You M, Mou F, Wang K, Guan J. Tadpole-Like Flexible Microswimmers with the Head and Tail Both Magnetic. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:40855-40863. [PMID: 37584677 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
In analogy to eukaryotic cells that move by beating the flagella, magnetically powered micro/nanorobots with flexible filaments are capable of eluding the limitation of the scallop theorem to generate net displacement in a three-dimensional space, but they are limited by complicated fabrication and low speed. Here, we demonstrate a tadpole-like flexible microswimmer with a head and tail that are both magnetic by developing a magnetically assisted in situ polymerization method. The flexible microswimmer consists of a magnetic-bead head fixed to a nanochain bundle of magnetic nanoparticles (tail), and the tail length and stiffness can be adjusted simply by changing the duration and strength of the applied magnetic field during fabrication, respectively. For the microswimmer under an oscillating magnetic field, the magnetic head generates an undulatory motion, which can be further increased by the flexible magnetic tail. The magnetically induced undulation of the head and tail generates a traveling wave propagating through its flexible tail, resulting in efficient tadpole-like propulsion of the microswimmer. The flexible microswimmer runs at a maximum motion speed when the tail length is ∼5 times the diameter of the magnetic head, corresponding to ∼half the wavelength of the undulatory motion. The flexible microswimmers reported here are promising for active sensing and drug delivery, as the tails can be designed with various responsive hydrogels, and the results are expected to advance flexible micro/nanorobots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming You
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
- Wuhan Institute of Photochemistry and Technology, 7 North Bingang Road, Wuhan 430083, China
| | - Ke Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
- Wuhan Institute of Photochemistry and Technology, 7 North Bingang Road, Wuhan 430083, China
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12
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Zhou Y, Ye M, Hu C, Qian H, Nelson BJ, Wang X. Stimuli-Responsive Functional Micro-/Nanorobots: A Review. ACS NANO 2023; 17:15254-15276. [PMID: 37534824 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive functional micro-/nanorobots (srFM/Ns) are a class of intelligent, efficient, and promising microrobots that can react to external stimuli (such as temperature, light, ultrasound, pH, ion, and magnetic field) and perform designated tasks. Through adaptive transformation into the corresponding functional forms, they can perfectly match the demands depending on different applications, which manifest extremely important roles in targeted therapy, biological detection, tissue engineering, and other fields. Promising as srFM/Ns can be, few reviews have focused on them. It is therefore necessary to provide an overview of the current development of these intelligent srFM/Ns to provide clear inspiration for further development of this field. Hence, this review summarizes the current advances of stimuli-responsive functional microrobots regarding their response mechanism, the achieved functions, and their applications to highlight the pros and cons of different stimuli. Finally, we emphasize the existing challenges of srFM/Ns and propose possible strategies to help accelerate the study of this field and promote srFM/Ns toward actual applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
| | - Min Ye
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
| | - Chengzhi Hu
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huihuan Qian
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Bradley J Nelson
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xiaopu Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518129, China
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13
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Liu T, Yan M, Zhou S, Liang Q, He Y, Zhang X, Zeng H, Liu J, Kong B. Site-Selective Superassembly of a Multilevel Asymmetric Nanomotor with Wavelength-Modulated Propulsion Mechanisms. ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37498219 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Micro-/nanomotors with advanced motion manipulation have recently received mounting interest; however, research focusing on the motion regulation strategies is still limited, as the simple construction and composition of micro-/nanomotors restrict the functionality. Herein, a multifunctional TiO2-SiO2-mesoporous carbon nanomotor is synthesized via an interfacial superassembly strategy. This nanomotor shows an asymmetric matchstick-like structure, with a head composed of TiO2 and a tail composed of SiO2. Mesoporous carbon is selectively grown on the surface of TiO2 through surface-charge-mediated assembly. The spatially anisotropic distribution of the photocatalytic TiO2 domain and photothermal carbon domain enables multichannel control of the motion, where the speed can be regulated by energy input and the directionality can be regulated by wavelength. Upon UV irradiation, the nanomotor exhibits a head-leading self-diffusiophoretic motion, while upon NIR irradiation, the nanomotor exhibits a tail-leading self-thermophoretic motion. As a proof-of-concept, this mechanism-switchable nanomotor is employed in wavelength-regulated targeted cargo delivery on a microfluidic chip. From an applied point of view, this nanomotor holds potential in biomedical applications such as active drug delivery and phototherapy. From a fundamental point of view, this research can provide insight into the relationship between the nanostructures, propulsion mechanisms, and motion performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
- DICP-Surrey Joint Centre for Future Materials, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, U.K
| | - Miao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
| | - Shan Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
| | - Qirui Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
| | - Yanjun He
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
| | - Hui Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
| | - Jian Liu
- DICP-Surrey Joint Centre for Future Materials, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, U.K
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, Liaoning, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia, P.R. China
| | - Biao Kong
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
- Yiwu Research Institute of Fudan University, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, China
- Shandong Research Institute, Fudan University, Shandong 250103, China
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14
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Xie D, Fu S, Fu D, Chen B, He W, Liang H, Tu Y, Wilson DA, Peng F. Adaptive particle patterning in the presence of active synthetic nanomotors. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:6619-6628. [PMID: 36951243 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr00462g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
For the maintenance of a biological system, spatial organization of material condensates within the cell through the dissipation of energy is crucial. Besides directed transport via microtubules, material arrangement can be achieved via motor protein facilitated adaptive active diffusiophoresis. For example, the distribution of membrane proteins during the cell division of Escherichia coli is affected by the MinD system. Synthetic active motors exhibit the ability to simulate natural motors. Here we propose an active Au-Zn nanomotor driven by water and discovered an interesting adaptive interaction mode of the diffusiophoretic Au-Zn nanomotors with passive condensate particles in different environments. It is found that the attraction/repulsion between the nanomotor and passive particles is adaptive, while an interesting hollow pattern is formed with a negatively charged substrate and a cluster pattern is favored with a positively charged substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhi Xie
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Shaoming Fu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Dongmei Fu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Weidong He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Haiying Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yingfeng Tu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Daniela A Wilson
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Fei Peng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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15
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Sridhar V, Yildiz E, Rodríguez-Camargo A, Lyu X, Yao L, Wrede P, Aghakhani A, Akolpoglu BM, Podjaski F, Lotsch BV, Sitti M. Designing Covalent Organic Framework-Based Light-Driven Microswimmers toward Therapeutic Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2301126. [PMID: 37003701 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
While micromachines with tailored functionalities enable therapeutic applications in biological environments, their controlled motion and targeted drug delivery in biological media require sophisticated designs for practical applications. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), a new generation of crystalline and nanoporous polymers, offer new perspectives for light-driven microswimmers in heterogeneous biological environments including intraocular fluids, thus setting the stage for biomedical applications such as retinal drug delivery. Two different types of COFs, uniformly spherical TABP-PDA-COF sub-micrometer particles and texturally nanoporous, micrometer-sized TpAzo-COF particles are described and compared as light-driven microrobots. They can be used as highly efficient visible-light-driven drug carriers in aqueous ionic and cellular media. Their absorption ranging down to red light enables phototaxis even in deeper and viscous biological media, while the organic nature of COFs ensures their biocompatibility. Their inherently porous structures with ≈2.6 and ≈3.4 nm pores, and large surface areas allow for targeted and efficient drug loading even for insoluble drugs, which can be released on demand. Additionally, indocyanine green (ICG) dye loading in the pores enables photoacoustic imaging, optical coherence tomography, and hyperthermia in operando conditions. This real-time visualization of the drug-loaded COF microswimmers enables unique insights into the action of photoactive porous drug carriers for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Sridhar
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Erdost Yildiz
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andrés Rodríguez-Camargo
- Nanochemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Xianglong Lyu
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Liang Yao
- Nanochemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Paul Wrede
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amirreza Aghakhani
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Birgul M Akolpoglu
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Filip Podjaski
- Nanochemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, W12 0BZ, London, UK
| | - Bettina V Lotsch
- Nanochemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence e-conversion, 85748, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, Garching, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, University of Munich (LMU), 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine and College of Engineering, Koç University, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey
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16
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Geng D, Chen L, Du S, Yang X, Wang H, Zhang Z. A Versatile Method for Synthesis of Light-Activated, Magnet-Steerable Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Active Colloids. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073048. [PMID: 37049812 PMCID: PMC10095668 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The immense potential of active colloids in practical applications and fundamental research calls for an efficient method to synthesize active colloids of high uniformity. Herein, a facile method is reported to synthesize uniform organic–inorganic hybrid active colloids based on the wetting effect of polystyrene (PS) with photoresponsive inorganic nanoparticles in a tetrahydrofuran/water mixture. The results show that a range of dimer active colloids can be produced by using different inorganic components, such as AgCl, ZnO, TiO2, and Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Moreover, the strategy provides a simple way to prepare dual-drive active colloids by a rational selection of the starting organic materials, such as magnetic PS particles that result in light and magnet dual-drive active colloids. The motions of these active colloids are quantified, and well-controlled movements are demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejia Geng
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Sinan Du
- Centre for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, Institute for Advanced Study, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiang Yang
- Centre for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, Institute for Advanced Study, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Huaguang Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Correspondence: (H.W.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zexin Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Centre for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, Institute for Advanced Study, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Correspondence: (H.W.); (Z.Z.)
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17
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Chen X, Chen X, Elsayed M, Edwards H, Liu J, Peng Y, Zhang HP, Zhang S, Wang W, Wheeler AR. Steering Micromotors via Reprogrammable Optoelectronic Paths. ACS NANO 2023; 17:5894-5904. [PMID: 36912818 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Steering micromotors is important for using them in practical applications and as model systems for active matter. This functionality often requires magnetic materials in the micromotor, taxis behavior of the micromotor, or the use of specifically designed physical boundaries. Here, we develop an optoelectronic strategy that steers micromotors with programmable light patterns. In this strategy, light illumination turns hydrogenated amorphous silicon conductive, generating local electric field maxima at the edge of the light pattern that attracts micromotors via positive dielectrophoresis. As an example, metallo-dielectric Janus microspheres that self-propelled under alternating current electric fields were steered by static light patterns along customized paths and through complex microstructures. Their long-term directionality was also rectified by ratchet-shaped light patterns. Furthermore, dynamic light patterns that varied in space and time enabled more advanced motion controls such as multiple motion modes, parallel control of multiple micromotors, and the collection and transport of motor swarms. This optoelectronic steering strategy is highly versatile and compatible with a variety of micromotors, and thus it possesses the potential for their programmable control in complex environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3H6, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Xiaowen Chen
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Mohamed Elsayed
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3E1, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Harrison Edwards
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yixin Peng
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - H P Zhang
- School of Physics and Astronomy and Institute of Natural Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Shuailong Zhang
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Aaron R Wheeler
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3H6, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3E1, Canada
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18
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Tkachenko G, Truong VG, Esporlas CL, Sanskriti I, Nic Chormaic S. Evanescent field trapping and propulsion of Janus particles along optical nanofibers. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1691. [PMID: 36973283 PMCID: PMC10043011 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37448-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Small composite objects, known as Janus particles, drive sustained scientific interest primarily targeted at biomedical applications, where such objects act as micro- or nanoscale actuators, carriers, or imaging agents. A major practical challenge is to develop effective methods for the manipulation of Janus particles. The available long-range methods mostly rely on chemical reactions or thermal gradients, therefore having limited precision and strong dependency on the content and properties of the carrier fluid. To tackle these limitations, we propose the manipulation of Janus particles (here, silica microspheres half-coated with gold) by optical forces in the evanescent field of an optical nanofiber. We find that Janus particles exhibit strong transverse localization on the nanofiber and much faster propulsion compared to all-dielectric particles of the same size. These results establish the effectiveness of near-field geometries for optical manipulation of composite particles, where new waveguide-based or plasmonic solutions could be envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiy Tkachenko
- Light-Matter Interactions for Quantum Technologies Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, 904-0495, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Viet Giang Truong
- Light-Matter Interactions for Quantum Technologies Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, 904-0495, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Cindy Liza Esporlas
- Light-Matter Interactions for Quantum Technologies Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, 904-0495, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Isha Sanskriti
- Light-Matter Interactions for Quantum Technologies Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, 904-0495, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Síle Nic Chormaic
- Light-Matter Interactions for Quantum Technologies Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, 904-0495, Okinawa, Japan.
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19
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Zbonikowski R, Mente P, Bończak B, Paczesny J. Adaptive 2D and Pseudo-2D Systems: Molecular, Polymeric, and Colloidal Building Blocks for Tailored Complexity. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:855. [PMID: 36903733 PMCID: PMC10005801 DOI: 10.3390/nano13050855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional and pseudo-2D systems come in various forms. Membranes separating protocells from the environment were necessary for life to occur. Later, compartmentalization allowed for the development of more complex cellular structures. Nowadays, 2D materials (e.g., graphene, molybdenum disulfide) are revolutionizing the smart materials industry. Surface engineering allows for novel functionalities, as only a limited number of bulk materials have the desired surface properties. This is realized via physical treatment (e.g., plasma treatment, rubbing), chemical modifications, thin film deposition (using both chemical and physical methods), doping and formulation of composites, or coating. However, artificial systems are usually static. Nature creates dynamic and responsive structures, which facilitates the formation of complex systems. The challenge of nanotechnology, physical chemistry, and materials science is to develop artificial adaptive systems. Dynamic 2D and pseudo-2D designs are needed for future developments of life-like materials and networked chemical systems in which the sequences of the stimuli would control the consecutive stages of the given process. This is crucial to achieving versatility, improved performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Here, we review the advancements in studies on adaptive, responsive, dynamic, and out-of-equilibrium 2D and pseudo-2D systems composed of molecules, polymers, and nano/microparticles.
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20
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Self-propelled predator-prey of swarming Janus micromotors. iScience 2023; 26:106112. [PMID: 36852269 PMCID: PMC9958359 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is a long-standing challenge to accomplish bionic microrobot that acts in a similar way of white blood cell, chasing bacteria in complex environment. Without an effective external control field, most swarming microrobots systems are usually unable to perform directional movement and redirect their motion to capture the target. Here we report the predatory-prey dynamics of self-propelled clusters of Janus micromotors. The active cluster generates an oxygen bubbles cloud around itself by decomposing H2O2, which levitated it above the substrate, enhancing its mobility in solution to wander around to devour other clusters. The fast decomposition of H2O2 also induced a tubular low-concentration zone that bridges two clusters far separated from each other, resulting in a diffusio-osmotic pressure that drives the two clusters to meet. This predatory-prey phenomena mimic white blood cells chasing bacteria and swarming flocks in nature, shedding light on emergent collective intelligence in biology.
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21
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Zhang J, Laskar A, Song J, Shklyaev OE, Mou F, Guan J, Balazs AC, Sen A. Light-Powered, Fuel-Free Oscillation, Migration, and Reversible Manipulation of Multiple Cargo Types by Micromotor Swarms. ACS NANO 2023; 17:251-262. [PMID: 36321936 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Through experiments and simulations, we show that fuel-free photoactive TiO2 microparticles can form mobile, coherent swarms in the presence of UV light, which track the subsequent movement of an irradiated spot in a fluid-filled microchamber. Multiple concurrent propulsion mechanisms (electrolyte diffusioosmotic swarming, photocatalytic expansion, and photothermal migration) control the rich collective behavior of the swarms, which provide a strategy to reversely manipulate cargo. The active swarms can autonomously pick up groups of inert particles, sort them by size, and sequentially release the sorted particles at particular locations in the microchamber. Hence, these swarms overcome three obstacles, limiting the utility of self-propelled particles. Namely, they can (1) undergo directed, long-range migration without the addition of a chemical fuel, (2) perform diverse collective behavior not possible with a single active particle, and (3) repeatedly and controllably isolate and deliver specific components of a multiparticle "cargo". Since light sources are easily fabricated, transported, and controlled, the results can facilitate the development of portable devices, providing broader access to the diagnostic and manufacturing advances enabled by microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass Fibers and Eco-dyeing & Finishing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Abhrajit Laskar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Jiaqi Song
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Oleg E Shklyaev
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Anna C Balazs
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Ayusman Sen
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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22
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Fan X, Hu Q, Zhang X, Sun L, Yang Z. Solitary and Collective Motion Behaviors of TiO2 Microrobots under the Coupling of Multiple Light Fields. MICROMACHINES 2022; 14:89. [PMID: 36677151 PMCID: PMC9862000 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to their fascinating solitary and collective behavior, photochemical microrobots have attracted extensive attention from researchers and have obtained a series of outstanding research progress in recent years. However, due to the limitation of using a single light source, the realization of reconfigurable and controllable motion behaviors of the photochemical microrobot is still facing a series of challenges. To release these restrictions, we reported a multi-light-field-coupling-based method for driving the photochemical microrobot or its swarm in a regulatable manner. Here, we first designed a control system for coupling multiple light sources to realize the programmable application of four light sources in different directions. Then a TiO2-based photochemical microrobot was prepared, with its surface electric field distribution under different lighting conditions estimated by modeling-based simulation, where the feasibility of regulating the microrobot's motion behavior via the proposed setup was verified. Furthermore, our experimental results show that under the action of the compound light fields, we can not only robustly control the motion behavior of a single TiO2 microrobot but also reconfigure its collective behaviors. For example, we realized the free switching of the single TiO2 microrobots' movement direction, and the controllable diffusion, aggregation, the locomotion and merging of TiO2 microrobot swarms. Our discovery would provide potential means to realize the leap-forward control and application of photochemical microrobots from individuals to swarms, as well as the creation of active materials and intelligent synthetic systems.
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23
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Liu D, Zhang T, Guo Y, Liao Y, Wu Z, Jiang H, Lu Y. Biohybrid Magnetic Microrobots for Tumor Assassination and Active Tissue Regeneration. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:5933-5942. [PMID: 36384280 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic microrobots have attracted increasing research interest for diverse biomedical applications, such as targeted therapy and tissue regeneration. However, multifunctional microrobots with complex morphology at the microscale are urgently needed to be fabricated, actively controlled, and functionalized. In this study, the chrysanthemum pollen-derived biohybrid magnetic microrobots (CDBMRs) with spiny protrusion, hollow cavity, and porous surface structure were proposed for tumor assassination and active tissue regeneration. By exquisitely designing the sequential treatment process, CDBMRs were fabricated and the innate morphology of pollen templates was well preserved. Under magnetic field, CDBMR exhibited various individual and collective behaviors. CDBMRs were utilized for synergetic tumor treatment by the combination of magnetically controlled physical assassination and active drug delivery. Meanwhile, CDBMRs showed excellent ability for active cell delivery and tissue regeneration, which was further proved by enhanced osteogenesis ability. By making full use of the natural morphology of pollen grains, the biohybrid microrobots presented a promising strategy for effective tumor therapeutics and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- College of New Energy and Materials, China University of Petroleum, Beijing102249, China
| | - Yijia Guo
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Yuting Liao
- Department of Food Science, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi530004, China
| | - Zijian Wu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing100081, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
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24
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Liu T, Xie L, Price CAH, Liu J, He Q, Kong B. Controlled propulsion of micro/nanomotors: operational mechanisms, motion manipulation and potential biomedical applications. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:10083-10119. [PMID: 36416191 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00432a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Inspired by natural mobile microorganisms, researchers have developed micro/nanomotors (MNMs) that can autonomously move by transducing different kinds of energies into kinetic energy. The rapid development of MNMs has created tremendous opportunities for biomedical fields including diagnostics, therapeutics, and theranostics. Although the great progress has been made in MNM research, at a fundamental level, the accepted propulsion mechanisms are still a controversial matter. In practical applications such as precision nanomedicine, the precise control of the motion, including the speed and directionality, of MNMs is also important, which makes advanced motion manipulation desirable. Very recently, diverse MNMs with different propulsion strategies, morphologies, sizes, porosities and chemical structures have been fabricated and applied for various uses. Herein, we thoroughly summarize the physical principles behind propulsion strategies, as well as the recent advances in motion manipulation methods and relevant biomedical applications of these MNMs. The current challenges in MNM research are also discussed. We hope this review can provide a bird's eye overview of the MNM research and inspire researchers to create novel and more powerful MNMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China. .,DICP-Surrey Joint Centre for Future Materials, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Lei Xie
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | - Cameron-Alexander Hurd Price
- DICP-Surrey Joint Centre for Future Materials, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Jian Liu
- DICP-Surrey Joint Centre for Future Materials, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK. .,State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, Liaoning, China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010021, PR China
| | - Qiang He
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
| | - Biao Kong
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China. .,Yiwu Research Institute of Fudan University, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, China
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25
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Wang J, Dong Y, Ma P, Wang Y, Zhang F, Cai B, Chen P, Liu BF. Intelligent Micro-/Nanorobots for Cancer Theragnostic. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201051. [PMID: 35385160 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most intractable diseases owing to its high mortality rate and lack of effective diagnostic and treatment tools. Advancements in micro-/nanorobot (MNR)-assisted sensing, imaging, and therapeutics offer unprecedented opportunities to develop MNR-based cancer theragnostic platforms. Unlike ordinary nanoparticles, which exhibit Brownian motion in biofluids, MNRs overcome viscous resistance in an ultralow Reynolds number (Re << 1) environment by effective self-propulsion. This unique locomotion property has motivated the advanced design and functionalization of MNRs as a basis for next-generation cancer-therapy platforms, which offer the potential for precise distribution and improved permeation of therapeutic agents. Enhanced barrier penetration, imaging-guided operation, and biosensing are additionally studied to enable the promising cancer-related applications of MNRs. Herein, the recent advances in MNR-based cancer therapy are comprehensively addresses, including actuation engines, diagnostics, medical imaging, and targeted drug delivery; promising research opportunities that can have a profound impact on cancer therapy over the next decade is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Yue Dong
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Peng Ma
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Fangyu Zhang
- Department of Nano Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Bocheng Cai
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
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26
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Yamaguchi T, Ogawa M. Photoinduced movement: how photoirradiation induced the movements of matter. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS 2022; 23:796-844. [PMID: 36465797 PMCID: PMC9718566 DOI: 10.1080/14686996.2022.2142955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pioneered by the success on active transport of ions across membranes in 1980 using the regulation of the binding properties of crown ethers with covalently linked photoisomerizable units, extensive studies on the movements by using varied interactions between moving objects and environments have been reported. Photoinduced movements of various objects ranging from molecules, polymers to microscopic particles were discussed from the aspects of the driving for the movements, materials design to achieve the movements and systems design to see and to utilize the movements are summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Yamaguchi
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Makoto Ogawa
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong, Thailand
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27
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Peng X, Urso M, Balvan J, Masarik M, Pumera M. Self-Propelled Magnetic Dendrite-Shaped Microrobots for Photodynamic Prostate Cancer Therapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202213505. [PMID: 36177686 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202213505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Photocatalytic micromotors that exhibit wireless and controllable motion by light have been extensively explored for cancer treatment by photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, overexpressed glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment can down-regulate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level for cancer therapy. Herein, we present dendrite-shaped light-powered hematite microrobots as an effective GSH depletion agent for PDT of prostate cancer cells. These hematite microrobots can display negative phototactic motion under light irradiation and flexible actuation in a defined path controlled by an external magnetic field. Non-contact transportation of micro-sized cells can be achieved by manipulating the microrobot's motion. In addition, the biocompatible microrobots induce GSH depletion and greatly enhance PDT performance. The proposed dendrite-shaped hematite microrobots contribute to developing dual light/magnetic field-powered micromachines for the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Peng
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mario Urso
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Balvan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masarik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.,BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prumyslova 595, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University, Zemedelska 1, 61300, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, 40402, Taichung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB, Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, 70800, Ostrava, Czech Republic.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
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28
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Li W, Wu C, Xiong Z, Liang C, Li Z, Liu B, Cao Q, Wang J, Tang J, Li D. Self-driven magnetorobots for recyclable and scalable micro/nanoplastic removal from nonmarine waters. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eade1731. [PMID: 36351008 PMCID: PMC9645706 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade1731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastic (MNP) contamination in nonmarine waters has evolved into a notable ecotoxicological threat to the global ecosystem. However, existing strategies for MNP removal are typically limited to chemical flocculation or physical filtering that often fails to decontaminate plastic particulates with ultrasmall sizes or ultralow concentrations. Here, we report a self-driven magnetorobot comprising magnetizable ion-exchange resin sphere that can be used to dynamically remove or separate MNPs from nonmarine waters. As a result of the long-range electrophoretic attraction established by recyclable ion-exchange resin, the magnetorobot shows sustainable removal efficiency of >90% over 100 treatment cycles, with verified broad applicability to varying plastic compositions, sizes, and shapes as well as nonmarine water samples. Our work may facilitate industry-scale MNP removal with affordable cost and minimal secondary pollution and suggests an appealing strategy based on self-propelled micro/nanorobots to sample and assess nanoplastics in aqueous environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyuan Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Changjin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Ze Xiong
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Chaowei Liang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ziyi Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Baiyao Liu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Qinyi Cao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jizhuang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jinyao Tang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Dan Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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29
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Shah ZH, Wu B, Das S. Multistimuli-responsive microrobots: A comprehensive review. Front Robot AI 2022; 9:1027415. [PMID: 36420129 PMCID: PMC9676497 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2022.1027415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Untethered robots of the size of a few microns have attracted increasing attention for the potential to transform many aspects of manufacturing, medicine, health care, and bioengineering. Previously impenetrable environments have become available for high-resolution in situ and in vivo manipulations as the size of the untethered robots goes down to the microscale. Nevertheless, the independent navigation of several robots at the microscale is challenging as they cannot have onboard transducers, batteries, and control like other multi-agent systems, due to the size limitations. Therefore, various unconventional propulsion mechanisms have been explored to power motion at the nanoscale. Moreover, a variety of combinations of actuation methods has also been extensively studied to tackle different issues. In this survey, we present a thorough review of the recent developments of various dedicated ways to actuate and control multistimuli-enabled microrobots. We have also discussed existing challenges and evolving concepts associated with each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sambeeta Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
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30
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Wang J, Li L, Wei R, Dong R. Quantum Dot-Based Micromotors with NIR-I Light Photocatalytic Propulsion and NIR-II Fluorescence. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:48967-48975. [PMID: 36278865 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report the first PbS quantum dot (QD)-based micromotors with NIR-I light-driven photocatalytic propulsion and NIR-II fluorescence. Under the irradiation of NIR-I light (808 nm), PbS QD-doped cuprous oxide (Cu2O@PbS) micromotors can display efficient propulsion in a variety of biocompatible fuels such as malic acid, glucose, and urea. Among them, the Cu2O@PbS micromotors exhibit the best propulsion performance in a very low concentration of malic acid, with an average speed as high as 11.86 μm/s. The enhanced NIR-I photocatalytic activity of Cu2O@PbS micromotors benefits from the doping of NIR-I PbS QDs that can be excited by NIR-I light and exhibit high electron transport efficiency. The doped PbS QDs can effectively increase the absorption efficiency of the micromotors in the NIR-I region while also inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Interestingly, due to the presence of NIR PbS QDs, the Cu2O@PbS micromotors demonstrate prominent and stable NIR-II fluorescence (emission wavelength: 1100 nm), which offer promising potential for visualization of their position in vivo. In comparison to other photocatalytic micromotors, the simple fabrication strategy, excellent NIR-II fluorescence, together with the NIR-I light-dependent propulsion behavior of the current Cu2O@PbS micromotors, thus pave the way for further development of advanced smart "robots" for intelligent biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Wang
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P. R. China
| | - Ruyi Wei
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P. R. China
| | - Renfeng Dong
- School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
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31
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Dong Y, Wang L, Zhang Z, Ji F, Chan TKF, Yang H, Chan CPL, Yang Z, Chen Z, Chang WT, Chan JYK, Sung JJY, Zhang L. Endoscope-assisted magnetic helical micromachine delivery for biofilm eradication in tympanostomy tube. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq8573. [PMID: 36206344 PMCID: PMC9544342 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq8573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Occlusion of the T-tube (tympanostomy tube) is a common postoperative sequela related to bacterial biofilms. Confronting biofilm-related infections of T-tubes, maneuverable and effective treatments are still challenging presently. Here, we propose an endoscopy-assisted treatment procedure based on the wobbling Fe2O3 helical micromachine (HMM) with peroxidase-mimicking activity. Different from the ideal corkscrew motion, the Fe2O3 HMM applies a wobbling motion in the tube, inducing stronger mechanical force and fluid convections, which not only damages the biofilm occlusion into debris quickly but also enhances the catalytic generation and diffusion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for killing bacteria cells. Moreover, the treatment procedure, which integrated the delivery, actuation, and retrieval of Fe2O3 HMM, was validated in the T-tube implanted in a human cadaver ex vivo. It enables the visual operation with ease and is gentle to the tympanic membrane and ossicles, which is promising in the clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Dong
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zifeng Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fengtong Ji
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tony K. F. Chan
- Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Chow Yuk Ho Technology Centre for Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Haojin Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Catherine P. L. Chan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhengxin Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zigui Chen
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Tsz Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Corresponding author. (L.Z.); (J.Y.K.C.); (W.T.C.)
| | - Jason Y. K. Chan
- Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Corresponding author. (L.Z.); (J.Y.K.C.); (W.T.C.)
| | - Joseph J. Y. Sung
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Chow Yuk Ho Technology Centre for Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK T Stone Robotics Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Corresponding author. (L.Z.); (J.Y.K.C.); (W.T.C.)
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32
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Dai B, Zhou Y, Xiao X, Chen Y, Guo J, Gao C, Xie Y, Chen J. Fluid Field Modulation in Mass Transfer for Efficient Photocatalysis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203057. [PMID: 35957518 PMCID: PMC9534979 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Mass transfer is an essential factor determining photocatalytic performance, which can be modulated by fluid field via manipulating the kinetic characteristics of photocatalysts and photocatalytic intermediates. Past decades have witnessed the efforts and achievements made in manipulating mass transfer based on photocatalyst structure and composition design, and thus, a critical survey that scrutinizes the recent progress in this topic is urgently necessitated. This review examines the basic principles of how mass transfer behavior impacts photocatalytic activity accompanying with the discussion on theoretical simulation calculation including fluid flow speed and pattern. Meanwhile, newly emerged viable photocatalytic micro/nanomotors with self-thermophoresis, self-diffusiophoresis, and bubble-propulsion mechanisms as well as magnet-actuated photocatalytic artificial cilia for facilitating mass transfer will be covered. Furthermore, their applications in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, carbon dioxide reduction, organic pollution degradation, bacteria disinfection and so forth are scrutinized. Finally, a brief summary and future outlook are presented, providing a viable guideline to those working in photocatalysis, mass transfer, and other related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoying Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM)Jiangsu Key Laboratory for BiosensorsJiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM)Nanjing University of Posts and TelecommunicationsNanjing210023China
| | - Yihao Zhou
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCA90095USA
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCA90095USA
| | - Yukai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials‐Oriented Chemical EngineeringCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringNanjing Tech UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Jiahao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM)Jiangsu Key Laboratory for BiosensorsJiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM)Nanjing University of Posts and TelecommunicationsNanjing210023China
| | - Chenchen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM)Jiangsu Key Laboratory for BiosensorsJiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM)Nanjing University of Posts and TelecommunicationsNanjing210023China
| | - Yannan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM)Jiangsu Key Laboratory for BiosensorsJiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM)Nanjing University of Posts and TelecommunicationsNanjing210023China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCA90095USA
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33
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Song J, Zhang J, Krishna Mani S, Sen A. Droplet Navigation by Photothermal Pumping in an Optofluidic System. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:11486-11491. [PMID: 36067338 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Droplets with guided motion have potential applications as microreactors and delivery vehicles. Directing long-range migration powered solely by light is particularly advantageous since light can be applied remotely, patterned with a photomask, and readily translated to irradiate specified locations. Herein, we describe a universal platform that allows fast directional navigation and collective merging of droplets controlled by either ultraviolet or visible light. The guided motion of water and oil droplets follows density-driven convective flows arising from photothermal conversion at a light-absorbing amphiphobic substrate. Because of the relatively high photothermal efficiency, a low-intensity light beam can be employed. Further, we demonstrate that the moving droplets can function as carriers and on-demand reaction chambers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Song
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Sanjana Krishna Mani
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Ayusman Sen
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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Zhang D, Liu S, Guan J, Mou F. “Motile-targeting” drug delivery platforms based on micro/nanorobots for tumor therapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1002171. [PMID: 36185435 PMCID: PMC9523273 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1002171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional drug delivery systems opened the gate for tumor-targeted therapy, but they generally took advantage of enhanced permeability and retention or ligand-receptor mediated interaction, and thus suffered from limited recognition range (<0.5 nm) and low targeting efficiency (0.7%, median). Alternatively, micro/nanorobots (MNRs) may act as emerging “motile-targeting” drug delivery platforms to deliver therapeutic payloads, thereby making a giant step toward effective and safe cancer treatment due to their autonomous movement and navigation in biological media. This review focuses on the most recent developments of MNRs in “motile-targeting” drug delivery. After a brief introduction to traditional tumor-targeted drug delivery strategies and various MNRs, the representative applications of MNRs in “motile-targeting” drug delivery are systematically streamlined in terms of the propelling mechanisms. Following a discussion of the current challenges of each type of MNR in biomedical applications, as well as future prospects, several promising designs for MNRs that could benefit in “motile-targeting” drug delivery are proposed. This work is expected to attract and motivate researchers from different communities to advance the creation and practical application of the “motile-targeting” drug delivery platforms.
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Liu M, Jiang J, Tan H, Chen B, Ou J, Wang H, Sun J, Liu L, Wang F, Gao J, Liu C, Peng F, Liu Y, Tu Y. Light-driven Au-ZnO nanorod motors for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:12804-12813. [PMID: 36018319 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr02441a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The abuse of antibiotics in human medicine and animal husbandry leads to the enrichment of antibiotic residues in aquatic environments, which has been a major problem of environmental pollution over the past decades. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a highly efficient approach to remove antibiotics from aquatic environments. Inspired by the motion characteristics of semiconductor-based micro-/nanomotors, a light-driven Au-ZnO nanomotor system based on vertically aligned ZnO arrays is successfully developed for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC). Under UV light (λ = 365 nm) illumination, these Au-ZnO nanomotors exhibit a high speed in deionized water and TC solution. Due to their efficient motion capability and Au-enhanced charge separation, these light-driven Au-ZnO nanomotors removed almost all TC (40 mg L-1) within 30 min and displayed stable photocatalytic activity for four cycles without any apparent deactivation. The as-developed motor-based strategy for enhanced antibiotic degradation has excellent potential in environmental governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihuan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Jiamiao Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Haixin Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Bin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Juanfeng Ou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Hong Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Jia Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Lu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Junbin Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Chang Liu
- Sport Science College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100091, China.
| | - Fei Peng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Yun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmacy Development, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Yingfeng Tu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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Abstract
Micro-/nanorobots (MNRs) can be autonomously propelled on demand in complex biological environments and thus may bring revolutionary changes to biomedicines. Fluorescence has been widely used in real-time imaging, chemo-/biosensing, and photo-(chemo-) therapy. The integration of MNRs with fluorescence generates fluorescent MNRs with unique advantages of optical trackability, on-the-fly environmental sensitivity, and targeting chemo-/photon-induced cytotoxicity. This review provides an up-to-date overview of fluorescent MNRs. After the highlighted elucidation about MNRs of various propulsion mechanisms and the introductory information on fluorescence with emphasis on the fluorescent mechanisms and materials, we systematically illustrate the design and preparation strategies to integrate MNRs with fluorescent substances and their biomedical applications in imaging-guided drug delivery, intelligent on-the-fly sensing and photo-(chemo-) therapy. In the end, we summarize the main challenges and provide an outlook on the future directions of fluorescent MNRs. This work is expected to attract and inspire researchers from different communities to advance the creation and practical application of fluorescent MNRs on a broad horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Xia Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
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Li J, He X, Jiang H, Xing Y, Fu B, Hu C. Enhanced and Robust Directional Propulsion of Light-Activated Janus Micromotors by Magnetic Spinning and the Magnus Effect. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:36027-36037. [PMID: 35916408 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c08464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Advances in the versatile design and synthesis of nanomaterials have imparted diverse functionalities to Janus micromotors as autonomous vehicles. However, a significant challenge remains in maneuvering Janus micromotors by following desired trajectories for on-demand motility and intelligent control due to the inherent rotational Brownian motion. Here, we present the enhanced and robust directional propulsion of light-activated Fe3O4@TiO2/Pt Janus micromotors by magnetic spinning and the Magnus effect. Once exposed to a low-intensity rotating magnetic field, the micromotors become physically actuated, and their rotational Brownian diffusion is quenched by the magnetic rotation. Photocatalytic propulsion can be triggered by unidirectional irradiation based on a self-electrophoretic mechanism. Thus, a transverse Magnus force can be generated due to the rotational motion and ballistic motion (photocatalytic propulsion) of the micromotors. Both the self-electrophoretic propulsion and the Magnus force are periodically changed due to the magnetic rotation, which results in an overall directed motion moving toward a trajectory with a deflection angle from the direction of incident light with enhanced speed, maneuverability, and steering robustness. Our study illustrates the admirable directional motion capabilities of light-driven Janus micromotors based on magnetic spinning and the Magnus effect, which unfolds a new paradigm for addressing the limitations of directionality control in the current asymmetric micromotors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjie Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaoli He
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huaide Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi Xing
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bi Fu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chengzhi Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human-Augmentation and Rehabilitation Robotics in Universities, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Ding H, Chen Z, Kollipara PS, Liu Y, Kim Y, Huang S, Zheng Y. Programmable Multimodal Optothermal Manipulation of Synthetic Particles and Biological Cells. ACS NANO 2022; 16:10878-10889. [PMID: 35816157 PMCID: PMC9901196 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c03111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Optical manipulation of tiny objects has benefited many research areas ranging from physics to biology to micro/nanorobotics. However, limited manipulation modes, intense lasers with complex optics, and applicability to limited materials and geometries of objects restrict the broader uses of conventional optical tweezers. Herein, we develop an optothermal platform that enables the versatile manipulation of synthetic micro/nanoparticles and live cells using an ultralow-power laser beam and a simple optical setup. Five working modes (i.e., printing, tweezing, rotating, rolling, and shooting) have been achieved and can be switched on demand through computer programming. By incorporating a feedback control system into the platform, we realize programmable multimodal control of micro/nanoparticles, enabling autonomous micro/nanorobots in complex environments. Moreover, we demonstrate in situ three-dimensional single-cell surface characterizations through the multimodal optothermal manipulation of live cells. This programmable multimodal optothermal platform will contribute to diverse fundamental studies and applications in cellular biology, nanotechnology, robotics, and photonics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Ding
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Zhihan Chen
- Materials Science & Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Pavana Siddhartha Kollipara
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Yaoran Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Youngsun Kim
- Materials Science & Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Suichu Huang
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Materials Science & Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Systems and Micro-Structures Manufacturing of Ministry of Education and School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 Xidazhijie St., Harbin 15001, China
| | - Yuebing Zheng
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Materials Science & Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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Gupta A, Soni S, Chauhan N, Khanuja M, Jain U. Nanobots-based advancement in targeted drug delivery and imaging: An update. J Control Release 2022; 349:97-108. [PMID: 35718213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Manipulation and targeted navigation of nanobots in complex biological conditions can be achieved by chemical reactions, by applying external forces, and via motile cells. Several studies have applied fuel-based and fuel-free propulsion mechanisms for nanobots movements in environmental sciences and robotics. However, their applications in biomedical sciences are still in the budding phase. Therefore, the current review introduces the fundamentals of different propulsion strategies based on the advantageous features of applied nanomaterials or cellular components. Furthermore, the recent developments reported in various literatures on next-generation nanobots, such as Xenobots with applications of in-vitro and in-vivo drug delivery and imaging were also explored in detail. The challenges and the future prospects are also highlighted with corresponding advantages and limitations of nanobots in biomedical applications. This review concludes that with ever booming research enthusiasm in this field and increasing multidisciplinary cooperation, micro-/nanorobots with intelligence and multifunctions will emerge in the near future, which would have a profound impact on the treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinandan Gupta
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology (AINT), Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP), Sector-125, Noida 201313, India
| | - Shringika Soni
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology (AINT), Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP), Sector-125, Noida 201313, India
| | - Nidhi Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology (AINT), Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP), Sector-125, Noida 201313, India
| | - Manika Khanuja
- Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Utkarsh Jain
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology (AINT), Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP), Sector-125, Noida 201313, India.
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Che S, Zhang J, Mou F, Guo X, Kauffman JE, Sen A, Guan J. Light-Programmable Assemblies of Isotropic Micromotors. Research (Wash D C) 2022; 2022:9816562. [PMID: 35928302 PMCID: PMC9297725 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9816562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
“Life-like” nonequilibrium assemblies are of increasing significance, but suffering from limited steerability as they are generally based on micro/nanomotors with inherent asymmetry in chemical composition or geometry, of which the vigorous random Brownian rotations disturb the local interactions. Here, we demonstrate that isotropic photocatalytic micromotors, due to the persistent phoretic flow from the illuminated to shadowed side irrespective of their Brownian rotations, experience light-programmable local interactions (reversibly from attraction to repulsion and/or alignment) depending on the direction of the incident lights. Thus, they can be organized into a variety of tunable nonequilibrium assemblies, such as apolar solids (i.e., immobile colloidal crystal), polar liquids (i.e., phototactic colloidal stream), and polar solids (i.e., phototactic colloidal crystal), which can further be “cut” into a predesigned pattern by utilizing the switching motor-motor interactions at superimposed-light edges. This work facilitates the development of active matters and motile functional microdevices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengping Che
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xia Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Joshua E. Kauffman
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ayusman Sen
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
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Li J, Kollipara PS, Liu Y, Yao K, Liu Y, Zheng Y. Opto-Thermocapillary Nanomotors on Solid Substrates. ACS NANO 2022; 16:8820-8826. [PMID: 35594375 PMCID: PMC9949610 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c09800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Motors that can convert different forms of energy into mechanical work are of profound importance to the development of human societies. The evolution of micromotors has stimulated many advances in drug delivery and microrobotics for futuristic applications in biomedical engineering and nanotechnology. However, further miniaturization of motors toward the nanoscale is still challenging because of the strong Brownian motion of nanomotors in liquid environments. Here, we develop light-driven opto-thermocapillary nanomotors (OTNM) operated on solid substrates where the interference of Brownian motion is effectively suppressed. Specifically, by optically controlling particle-substrate interactions and thermocapillary actuation, we demonstrate the robust orbital rotation of 80 nm gold nanoparticles around a laser beam on a solid substrate. With on-chip operation capability in an ambient environment, our OTNM can serve as light-driven engines to power functional devices at the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingang Li
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Pavana Siddhartha Kollipara
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Ya Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Kan Yao
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Yaoran Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Yuebing Zheng
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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42
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AC electrohydrodynamic propulsion and rotation of active particles of engineered shape and asymmetry. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2022.101586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Wu CY, Wang M, Li J, Le Y, Fei W, Hu JG, Wu D, Zhou YX, Luo LB. Non-Ultrawide Bandgap Semiconductor GaSe Nanobelts for Sensitive Deep Ultraviolet Light Photodetector Application. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2200594. [PMID: 35561026 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202200594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, the authors report the fabrication of a sensitive deep ultraviolet (DUV) photodetector by using an individual GaSe nanobelt with a thickness of 52.1 nm, which presents the highest photoresponse at 265 nm illumination with a responsivity and photoconductive gain of about 663 A W-1 and 3103 at a 3 V bias, respectively, comparable to or even better than other reported devices based on conventional wide bandgap semiconductors. According to the simulation, this photoelectric property is associated with the wavelength-dependent absorption coefficient of the GaSe crystal, for which incident light with shorter wavelengths will be absorbed near the surface, while light with longer wavelengths will have a larger penetration depth, leading to a blueshift of the absorption edge with decreasing thickness. Further finite element method (FEM) simulation reveals that the relatively thin GaSe nanobelt exhibits an enhanced transversal standing wave pattern compared to its thicker counterpart at a wavelength of 265 nm, leading to an enhanced light-matter interaction and thereby more efficient photocurrent generation. The device can also function as an effective image sensor with acceptable spatial resolution. This work will shed light on the facile fabrication of a high-performance DUV photodetector from non-ultrawide bandgap semiconductors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yan Wu
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Ming Wang
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Jingyue Li
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Yuxuan Le
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Wu Fei
- School of Physics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Ji-Gang Hu
- School of Physics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Di Wu
- School of Physics and Microelectronics, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yu-Xue Zhou
- College of Physical Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Lin-Bao Luo
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
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Li H, Li Y, Liu J, He Q, Wu Y. Asymmetric colloidal motors: from dissymmetric nanoarchitectural fabrication to efficient propulsion strategy. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:7444-7459. [PMID: 35546337 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr00610c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Janus colloidal motors (JCMs) are versatile anisotropic particles that can effectively move autonomously based on their asymmetric structures, providing unlimited possibilities for various tasks. Developing novel JCMs with controllable size, engineered nanostructure and functionalized surface properties has always been a challenge for chemists. This review summarizes the recent progress in synthesized JCMs in terms of their fabrication method, propulsion strategy, and biomedical applications. The design options, construction methods, and typical examples of JCMs are presented. Common propulsion mechanisms of JCMs are reviewed, as well as the approaches to control their motion under complex microscopic conditions based on symmetry-breaking strategies. The precisely controlled motion enables JCMs to be used in biomedicine, environmental remediation, analytical sensing and nanoengineering. Finally, perspectives on future research and development are presented. Through ingenious design and multi-functionality, new JCM-based technologies could address more and more special needs in complex environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichao Li
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92 XiDaZhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Yue Li
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92 XiDaZhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92 XiDaZhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Qiang He
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92 XiDaZhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Yingjie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92 XiDaZhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China.
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Stop-Flow Lithography for the Continuous Production of Degradable Hydrogel Achiral Crescent Microswimmers. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13050798. [PMID: 35630266 PMCID: PMC9144168 DOI: 10.3390/mi13050798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The small size of robotic microswimmers makes them suitable for performing biomedical tasks in tiny, enclosed spaces. Considering the effects of potentially long-term retention of microswimmers in biological tissues and the environment, the degradability of microswimmers has become one of the pressing issues in this field. While degradable hydrogel was successfully used to prepare microswimmers in previous reports, most hydrogel microswimmers could only be fabricated using two-photon polymerization (TPP) due to their 3D structures, resulting in costly robotic microswimmers solution. This limits the potential of hydrogel microswimmers to be used in applications where a large number of microswimmers are needed. Here, we proposed a new type of preparation method for degradable hydrogel achiral crescent microswimmers using a custom-built stop-flow lithography (SFL) setup. The degradability of the hydrogel crescent microswimmers was quantitatively analyzed, and the degradation rate in sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) of different concentrations was investigated. Cytotoxicity assays showed the hydrogel crescent microswimmers had good biocompatibility. The hydrogel crescent microswimmers were magnetically actuated using a 3D Helmholtz coil system and were able to obtain a swimming efficiency on par with previously reported microswimmers. The results herein demonstrated the potential for the degradable hydrogel achiral microswimmers to become a candidate for microscale applications.
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Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Han Y, Gong X. Micro/Nanorobots for Medical Diagnosis and Disease Treatment. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13050648. [PMID: 35630115 PMCID: PMC9146405 DOI: 10.3390/mi13050648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanorobots are functional devices in microns, at nanoscale, which enable efficient propulsion through chemical reactions or external physical field, including ultrasonic, optical, magnetic, and other external fields, as well as microorganisms. Compared with traditional robots, micro/nanorobots can perform various tasks on the micro/nanoscale, which has the advantages of high precision, strong flexibility, and wide adaptability. In addition, such robots can also perform tasks in a cluster manner. The design and development of micro/nanorobots and the integration of surface functionalization, remote drive system, and imaging tracking technology will become a key step for their medical applications in organisms. Thus, micro/nanorobots are expected to achieve more efficient and accurate local diagnosis and treatment, and they have broad application prospects in the biomedical field. This paper aims to introduce relevant driving methods of micro/nanorobots preparation in detail, summarizes the progress of research in medical applications, and discusses the challenges it faces in clinical applications and the future direction of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglei Zhang
- College of Light Industry, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150028, China;
- Correspondence:
| | - Yuepeng Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China;
| | - Yaqian Han
- School of Instumentation Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China;
| | - Xue Gong
- College of Light Industry, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150028, China;
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Zhang X, Xie W, Du S, Wang H, Zhang Z. Synthesis of Rod-Shaped ZnO/Polysiloxane Micromotors with Patch-Dependent Motion Modes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:4389-4395. [PMID: 35348333 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic particles with photocatalytic properties are excellent candidates for the fabrication of micromotors. To achieve self-propulsion, the geometric and chemical symmetries of inorganic particles should be broken. However, the synthesis of micromotors with different geometric and chemical symmetries remains challenging. In this paper, a simple synthesis method is proposed to prepare rod-shaped micromotors with different patches, leading to distinct geometric and chemical symmetries. The micromotors are composed of zinc oxide (ZnO) microrods partially patched with polysiloxanes at different positions. The patches of the micromotors can be roughly regulated by varying the amount of siloxanes used in the synthesis. These micromotors are propelled in H2O2 solution by an ionic self-diffusiophoresis mechanism, which exhibits two motion modes, including linear motion and circular motion, due to different patch positions. Moreover, the degradation of organic dyes by the micromotors depending on the patches is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunqiang Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wenqing Xie
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Sinan Du
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Huaguang Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zexin Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
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Basharat M, Shah ZH, Ikram M, Ghellab SE, Hassan QU, Ilyas T, Lei L, Lin G, Gao Y. Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Copolymeric Colloids as Multicolor Emission, Fuel-Free, UV- and Visible-Light-Actuated Micropumps. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107621. [PMID: 35142080 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Light-actuated micromachines are of enormous interest due to their ability to harvest light for triggering catalytic reactions to acquire free energy for mechanical work. This work presents an inorganic-organic hybrid copolymeric poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-barbituric acid) colloid, which displays multiwavelength excited emission and catalytic activities, exploiting the unique structural, chemical, and optical features of inorganic heterocyclic ring hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and organic co-monomer barbituric acid. Specifically, this work reveals particle-resolved unusual multicolor emission under excitation with the same or different wavelengths of light using fluorescence microscopy. The result is rationalized by density functional theory studies. In this work, the authors find that emission is coincident with fluorometric measurements, and the photocatalytic properties are anticipated from the overall band structure. This work also demonstrates the use of these colloids as micropumps, which can be remotely activated by UV, blue, and green lights under fuel-free conditions, and ascribe the behavior to ionic diffusiophoresis arising from light-triggered generation of H+ and other charged species. This work offers a new class of polymeric colloids with multiple-wavelength excited emission and catalytic activities, which is expected to open new opportunities in the design of fuel-free, photo-actuated micromachines and active systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Basharat
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Zameer Hussain Shah
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Muhammad Ikram
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Salah Eddine Ghellab
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Qadeer-Ul Hassan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Tayiba Ilyas
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Lijie Lei
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Guanhua Lin
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Yongxiang Gao
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
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49
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Gao C, Feng Y, Wilson DA, Tu Y, Peng F. Micro-Nano Motors with Taxis Behavior: Principles, Designs, and Biomedical Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106263. [PMID: 35032145 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As a novel mobile nanodevice, micro-nano motors (MNMs) can convert the energy of the surrounding environment into mechanical motion. With this unique ability, they promise revolutionary potential in bio-applications including precise drug delivery, bio-sensing, and noninvasive surgery. Yet for practically reaching the target and fulfilling these tasks in dynamically changing bio-environment, environment adaptivity beyond propulsion is important yet challenging. MNMs with taxis behavior/autonomous target-seeking ability offer a desirable solution. These motors can adaptively move to the target location and complete the task. Thanks to the persistent efforts of researchers, tactic MNMs have shown automatic navigation to target under various energy fields, not only in static environments, but also in shear rheological conditions that simulate blood flow. Therefore, tactic motors with self-targeting capability lay a concrete foundation for targeted drug delivery, cell transplantation, and thrombus ablation. This review systematically presents the moving principle, design, and biological applications of tactic MNMs under different energy fields. Through in-depth analysis of state-of-art progress, the obstacles of the field and possible solutions are discussed. With the continuous innovation and breakthroughs of multi-disciplinary researchers, MNMs with taxis behavior are expected to provide a revolutionary solution for cancer and other major diseases in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Gao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Ye Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Daniela A Wilson
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525 XZ, The Netherlands
| | - Yingfeng Tu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Fei Peng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
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50
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Wu CY, Cao KJ, Le YX, Li JY, Zhu CY, Wang L, Zhou YX, Wu D, Luo LB. Spectral Engineering of InSe Nanobelts for Full-Color Imaging by Tailoring the Thickness. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:2668-2673. [PMID: 35302372 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c00518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we report on the synthesis of InSe nanobelts through a catalyst-free chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth approach. A remarkable blue shift of the peak photoresponse was observed when the thickness of the InSe nanobelt decreases from 562 to 165 nm. Silvaco Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) simulation reveals that such a shift in spectral response should be ascribed to the wavelength-dependent absorption coefficient of InSe, for which incident light with shorter wavelengths will be absorbed near the surface, while light with longer wavelengths will have a greater penetration depth, leading to a red shift of the absorption edge for thicker nanobelt devices. Considering the above theory, three kinds of photodetectors sensitive to blue (450 nm), green (530 nm), and red (660 nm) incident light were achieved by tailoring the thickness of the nanobelts, which can enable the spectral reconstruction of a purple "H" pattern, suggesting the potential application of 2D layered semiconductors in full-color imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yan Wu
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Kai-Jun Cao
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Le
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Jing-Yue Li
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Chen-Yue Zhu
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yu-Xue Zhou
- College of Physical Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics of Ministry of Education, Department of Physics and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Lin-Bao Luo
- School of Microelectronics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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