Biohybrid Microrobots Based on Jellyfish Stinging Capsules and Janus Particles for In Vitro Deep-Tissue Drug...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Robotics

Background:

• Microrobots are crucial for micro/nanoscale manipulation and targeted drug delivery.
• Deep-tissue penetration and effective drug delivery remain significant challenges in current microrobot technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biohybrid microrobot capable of deep-tissue penetration and targeted drug delivery.
• To utilize jellyfish-stinging capsules as natural nanoinjectors for enhanced delivery efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Assembled jellyfish-stinging capsules onto active Janus particles (JPs) to create biohybrid microrobots.
• Controlled microrobot transport and navigation using magnetic fields and capsule loading via electric fields.
• Activated capsule tubule ejection and payload release triggered by specific enzymes in vitro.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful penetration and drug/toxin delivery to cancer spheroids and live Caenorhabditis elegans in vitro.
• Validated the enzyme-triggered release mechanism for targeted payload delivery.
• Showcased the potential of biohybrid microrobots for precise navigation and delivery.

Conclusions:

• The developed biohybrid microrobots offer a promising approach for deep-tissue drug delivery.
• Future work may involve encapsulating diverse drugs and exploring in vivo applications.
• This technology could significantly advance targeted therapeutic strategies.