Photocatalytic microrobots for treating bacterial infections deep within sinuses

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Microrobotic treatments face challenges from viscous pus and limited antibacterial payload integration.
• Targeted therapy for deep-seated biofilm infections requires overcoming biological barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a magnetically guided, optical fiber-assisted microrobotic platform for treating bacterial infections in deep mucosal cavities.
• To address limitations of conventional treatments by enhancing microrobot penetration and antibacterial efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of copper (Cu) single atom-doped bismuth oxoiodide (BiOI) microrobots (CBMRs).
• Magnetic guidance and real-time X-ray tracking of CBMRs using an optical fiber-assisted platform.
• Evaluation of photothermal effect on pus viscosity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation for biofilm disruption.

Main Results:

• CBMRs demonstrated enhanced penetration capability (over threefold increase) due to photothermal viscosity reduction.
• Visible-light irradiation induced robust ROS generation, leading to efficient biofilm disruption and reduced bacterial viability.
• Successful in vivo validation in a rabbit sinusitis model.

Conclusions:

• The developed optical fiber-assisted microrobotic platform shows significant potential for treating deep-seated bacterial infections.
• CBMRs offer a novel strategy for overcoming biological barriers and delivering targeted antimicrobial therapy.
• This integrated approach represents a promising advancement for clinically relevant infection management.