Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

High Speed Droplet-based Delivery System for Passive Pumping in Microfluidic Devices
Published on: September 2, 2009
Micro/Nanomotor-Driven Intelligent Targeted Delivery Systems: Dynamics Sources and Frontier Applications
Yue Yu1, Ling Liang1, Ting Sun1
1Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, 628000, P. R. China.
Micro/nanomotors use energy for autonomous movement, enhancing drug delivery across barriers. This review categorizes them by power source and explores their biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Micro/nanomotors are advanced drug carriers that convert energy into mechanical motion for autonomous propulsion.
- Their unique self-propulsion capability offers enhanced drug penetration through biological barriers compared to conventional carriers.
- Understanding micro/nanomotor dynamics is vital for translating these technologies from laboratory research to clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize micro/nanomotors based on their energy sources: endogenous, exogenous, and live cell-driven.
- To summarize the mechanisms of micro/nanomotor movement and factors influencing their autonomous motion.
- To discuss strategies for controlling micro/nanomotor movement for targeted applications.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of micro/nanomotors by energy source (endogenously stimulated, exogenously stimulated, live cell-driven).
- Analysis of movement mechanisms and influencing factors for each category.
- Review of control methods involving structure, composition, and environmental parameters.
Main Results:
- Micro/nanomotors exhibit remarkable propulsive forces, enabling diverse biomedical applications.
- Key applications include tumor therapy, bio-detection, infection treatment, and environmental remediation.
- Factors like structure, composition, and environment significantly influence autonomous motion and control.
Conclusions:
- Micro/nanomotors hold transformative potential for overcoming biological barriers and improving therapeutic outcomes.
- Their autonomous propulsion offers significant advantages for enhanced drug delivery and targeted therapies.
- Further research and development are crucial for realizing the clinical prospects of micro/nanomotor applications.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Delivery: Overview
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Classification
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

