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Magnetically Driven Biomimetic Microrobot Loaded with Eleutheroside B for Targeted Delivery and Neural Repair in
Jiawen Niu1,2, Fawang Zhang1,2, Chenlu Liu3
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|July 21, 2025
Summary
Biomimetic microrobots loaded with Eleutheroside B (EB) target spinal cord injuries, modulating microglia to reduce inflammation and promote neural repair. This innovative approach offers a promising, low-toxicity treatment for central nervous system diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) necessitates regulating microglia and inflammation for neural repair.
- Current treatments like glucocorticoids have side effects; natural compounds like Eleutheroside B (EB) show promise.
- Magnetically driven microrobots offer precise drug delivery to deep tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate biomimetic magnetically driven microrobots loaded with EB for SCI treatment.
- To assess the microrobots' ability to target injured spinal cord tissue and modulate microglial activity.
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of EB-loaded microrobots in promoting neural repair and functional recovery.
Main Methods:
- Development of macrophage membrane-functionalized, EB-loaded magnetic microrobots (MPE robots).
- Utilizing rotating magnetic fields for active targeting of the injured spinal cord in a mouse SCI model.
- Assessing microglial phenotype modulation, inflammatory response inhibition, and axon regeneration.
Main Results:
- MPE robots successfully targeted the injured spinal cord area in the early stages of SCI.
- The treatment modulated local microglia to a neuroprotective phenotype, reducing inflammation.
- Significant promotion of axon regeneration and neurological recovery was observed.
Conclusions:
- Biomimetic microrobots loaded with EB provide an effective strategy for SCI treatment.
- This approach demonstrates precise drug delivery and targeted modulation of the inflammatory response.
- The technology holds potential for treating SCI and other central nervous system diseases.
