Microrobots for Targeted Delivery and Therapy in Digestive System

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Gastroenterology
• Robotics

Background:

• Conventional gastrointestinal (GI) tools lack targeted delivery and minimally invasive capabilities.
• Miniature robots offer advantages in diagnosis, treatment, safety, and access to narrow lumens.
• Active motion of microrobots improves drug penetration and retention compared to passive delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in miniature robots for targeted GI delivery and therapy.
• To discuss imaging modalities for microrobot tracking and their applications.
• To evaluate challenges and future directions for GI microrobot applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on untethered miniature robots for GI applications.
• Analysis of actuation systems (external fields, fuels) and imaging tools for real-time tracking.
• Evaluation of microrobot interaction with GI microenvironments (pH, enzymes) for therapeutic processes.

Main Results:

• Miniature robots demonstrate potential for minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment deep within the GI tract.
• Actuation and imaging technologies enable targeted navigation and therapeutic actions.
• Microrobots enhance drug delivery efficacy through active motion and local retention.

Conclusions:

• Miniature robots represent a significant advancement for targeted GI therapy and drug delivery.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges and realize the full clinical potential of GI microrobots.
• Future directions include improved imaging, adaptive control, and clinical translation.