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Biomembrane-Functionalized Micromotors: Biocompatible Active Devices for Diverse Biomedical Applications
Fangyu Zhang1, Rodolfo Mundaca-Uribe1, Nelly Askarinam1
1Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|October 26, 2021
Summary
Synthetic micromotors coated with cell membranes show improved performance in biological settings. This biofunctional approach enhances capabilities for drug delivery, detoxification, and phototherapy in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Synthetic micromotors are being developed for biomedical applications.
- Traditional synthetic micromotors face challenges in complex biological environments.
- Cell membrane functionalization offers a promising strategy to enhance micromotor capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review proof-of-concept studies on cell membrane-functionalized micromotors.
- To analyze the relationship between micromotor structure, cell membrane coating, and performance.
- To highlight the advantages of cell membrane functionalization for biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cell membrane-functionalized micromotors.
- Analysis of various micromotor designs and cell membrane coating strategies.
- Evaluation of performance in complex biological environments and in vivo applications.
Main Results:
- Cell membrane-functionalization enhances micromotor propulsion and stability in biological fluids.
- These biohybrid micromotors exhibit improved biocompatibility and reduced immune response.
- Demonstrated potential in drug delivery, detoxification, immune modulation, and phototherapy.
Conclusions:
- Cell membrane-functionalized micromotors overcome limitations of traditional synthetic micromotors.
- This approach imparts unique bio-inspired capabilities for advanced biomedical applications.
- Further research is expected to accelerate the clinical translation of these advanced micromotors.
