Micro/nanorobots in antimicrobial therapy: Addressing challenges of antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a critical global health challenge, particularly when bacteria form biofilms that render conventional antimicrobial treatments markedly less effective. Bacteria residing within biofilm exhibit increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and host immune defenses, complicating treatment and contributing to recurrent infections. Antimicrobial micro- and nanorobots (MNRs) have garnered significant attention as a promising strategy to combat drug-resistant bacteria and biofilms, owing to their exceptional motility, precise targeting, and improved penetration capabilities. Despite their potential, challenges related to biocompatibility, imaging integration, and clinical translation remain unresolved. This review summarizes the latest developments in the therapy of micro/nanorobots for antimicrobial therapy, emphasizing innovative strategies for bacterial eradication and biofilm disruption while addressing the technical hurdles and exploring future research directions.