Microrobotic navigable entities for Magnetic Resonance Targeting

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance Targeting (MRT) leverages MRI for precise navigation of microscale entities within the vascular network.
• Current limitations in targeted therapies necessitate advanced methods to improve drug delivery and reduce systemic toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe three novel microrobotic entities for targeted cancer therapy using Magnetic Resonance Targeting.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using clinical MRI systems for tracking and guiding these microscale entities.

Main Methods:

• Development of three distinct microrobotic entities: Therapeutic Magnetic Micro-Carriers (TMMC), thermo-sensitive hydrogel-based nanoparticles, and Magnetotactic Bacteria (MTB).
• Utilizing a clinical MRI scanner with enhanced gradient capabilities (up to 400mT/m) for real-time tracking and propulsion of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP).
• Demonstrated detection of 15-micrometer entities using gradient-echo MRI scans.

Main Results:

• Successfully tracked and guided microscale entities as small as 15 micrometers in diameter using clinical MRI.
• Developed TMMC (50 microm) for liver tumor chemo-embolization, thermo-sensitive PNIPA hydrogels with MNP for drug release and hyperthermia, and MTB (1-2 microm) for colorectal tumor targeting.
• MNP enable propulsion, tracking, and temperature-actuated drug release/hyperthermia.

Conclusions:

• Magnetic Resonance Targeting offers a promising microrobotic platform for advanced, targeted cancer therapies.
• The developed microrobotic entities demonstrate diverse functionalities for treating various cancers, with potential for reduced patient toxicity and increased therapeutic efficacy.