Janus-Structured Micro/Nanomotors: Self-Propelled Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Self-propelled micro/nanomotors (MNMs) convert energy into mechanical motion.
• Janus nanoparticles, with asymmetric structures and multiple chemical components, generate propulsion forces.
• MNMs are extensively studied for their driving mechanisms and diverse applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review representative examples of Janus-structured MNMs.
• To focus on MNMs propelled in liquid environments.
• To discuss potential biomedical applications of Janus MNMs.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on Janus-structured MNMs.
• Analysis of different self-propulsion mechanisms.
• Discussion of asymmetric field construction challenges.

Main Results:

• Overview of various Janus MNM designs and their propulsion methods.
• Identification of key applications in drug delivery, cancer therapy, bioimaging, and biosensing.
• Exploration of driving mechanisms and challenges in creating asymmetric fields.

Conclusions:

• Janus MNMs offer versatile platforms for advanced applications.
• Further research into driving mechanisms and asymmetric field construction is needed.
• These motors hold significant promise for future technological advancements, especially in biomedicine.