Tang Daitian, Peng Xiqi, Wu Song, Tang Songsong
Luohu Clinical Institute, School of Medicine, Shantou University, Shantou 515000, China.
Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
Nanomaterials (Basel). 2024 Mar 28;14(7):595. doi: 10.3390/nano14070595.
Artificial nanorobots have emerged as promising tools for a wide range of biomedical applications, including biosensing, detoxification, and drug delivery. Their unique ability to navigate confined spaces with precise control extends their operational scope to the cellular or subcellular level. By combining tailored surface functionality and propulsion mechanisms, nanorobots demonstrate rapid penetration of cell membranes and efficient internalization, enhancing intracellular delivery capabilities. Moreover, their robust motion within cells enables targeted interactions with intracellular components, such as proteins, molecules, and organelles, leading to superior performance in intracellular biosensing and organelle-targeted cargo delivery. Consequently, nanorobots hold significant potential as miniaturized surgeons capable of directly modulating cellular dynamics and combating metastasis, thereby maximizing therapeutic outcomes for precision therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the propulsion modes of nanorobots and discuss essential factors to harness propulsive energy from the local environment or external power sources, including structure, material, and engine selection. We then discuss key advancements in nanorobot technology for various intracellular applications. Finally, we address important considerations for future nanorobot design to facilitate their translation into clinical practice and unlock their full potential in biomedical research and healthcare.
人工纳米机器人已成为用于广泛生物医学应用的有前景的工具，包括生物传感、解毒和药物递送。它们独特的在精确控制下在受限空间中导航的能力将其操作范围扩展到细胞或亚细胞水平。通过结合定制的表面功能和推进机制，纳米机器人展示出对细胞膜的快速穿透和有效的内化，增强了细胞内递送能力。此外，它们在细胞内的强劲运动能够与细胞内成分（如蛋白质、分子和细胞器）进行靶向相互作用，从而在细胞内生物传感和细胞器靶向货物递送方面表现出卓越性能。因此，纳米机器人作为能够直接调节细胞动态并对抗转移的微型外科医生具有巨大潜力，从而最大限度地提高精准治疗的治疗效果。在这篇综述中，我们概述了纳米机器人的推进模式，并讨论了从局部环境或外部电源获取推进能量的关键因素，包括结构、材料和发动机选择。然后我们讨论了纳米机器人技术在各种细胞内应用方面的关键进展。最后，我们阐述了未来纳米机器人设计的重要考虑因素，以促进其转化为临床实践，并释放其在生物医学研究和医疗保健中的全部潜力。
