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Nanorobots mediated drug delivery for brain cancer active targeting and controllable therapeutics
Mengze Xu1,2, Zhaoquan Qin3, Zhichao Chen4
1Center for Cognition and Neuroergonomics, Center for Advanced Materials Research, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, People's Republic of China. mengzexu@bnu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Brain cancer pose significant life-threats by destructively invading normal brain tissues, causing dysneuria, disability and death, and its therapeutics is limited by underdosage and toxicity lying in conventional drug delivery that relied on passive delivery. The application of nanorobots-based drug delivery systems is an emerging field that holds great potential for brain cancer active targeting and controllable treatment. The ability of nanorobots to encapsulate, transport, and supply therapies directly to the lesion site through blood-brain barriers makes it possible to deliver drugs to hard-to-reach areas. In order to improve the efficiency of drug delivery and problems such as precision and sustained release, nanorobots are effectively realized by converting other forms of energy into propulsion and motion, which are considered as high-efficiency methods for drug delivery. In this article, we described recent advances in the treatment of brain cancer with nanorobots mainly from three aspects: firstly, the development history and characteristics of nanorobots are reviewed; secondly, recent research progress of nanorobots in brain cancer is comprehensively investigated, like the driving mode and mechanism of nanorobots are described; thirdly, the potential translation of nanorobotics for brain diseases is discussed and the challenges and opportunities for future research are outlined.
Insights
Nanorobots offer a promising solution for brain cancer treatment by enabling targeted drug delivery past the blood-brain barrier. This advanced approach aims to overcome limitations of conventional therapies, improving drug efficacy and reducing toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Brain cancer presents significant mortality and morbidity.
- Conventional therapeutics face limitations due to poor drug penetration and systemic toxicity.
- Passive drug delivery methods lack precision and efficiency for brain tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in nanorobot-based drug delivery for brain cancer.
- To explore the characteristics, driving mechanisms, and applications of nanorobots in treating brain malignancies.
- To discuss the future potential and challenges of nanorobotics in brain disease therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of nanorobot development history and characteristics.
- Comprehensive investigation of nanorobot research progress in brain cancer treatment.
- Analysis of nanorobot driving modes and mechanisms for targeted delivery.
- Discussion of nanorobotics' translation potential for brain diseases.
Main Results:
- Nanorobots demonstrate potential for active targeting and controlled drug delivery to brain tumors.
- Engineered nanorobots convert energy into propulsion for efficient drug transport across the blood-brain barrier.
- Nanorobots enable precise and sustained drug release at the lesion site, overcoming conventional delivery issues.
Conclusions:
- Nanorobot technology represents a significant advancement in brain cancer therapeutics.
- Further research and development are crucial for overcoming challenges and realizing the full potential of nanorobotics in treating brain diseases.
- Nanorobots offer a pathway to improved treatment efficacy and reduced side effects for brain cancer patients.
