Neuronal Membrane-Functionalized Biohybrid Microrobots for Active Decontamination of Neurotoxins in Aqueous...

The emergence of biohybrid microrobots offers a promising platform for environmental remediation; however, their potential for neurotoxin decontamination remains largely unexplored. Neurotoxins, such as tetrodotoxin (TTX), pose acute threats to aquatic biodiversity with far-reaching consequences for public health. The removal of TTX from aquatic environments presents a critical challenge, necessitating innovative and adaptive strategies. Here, we present a neuronal membrane-functionalized algae-based microrobot platform for the autonomous and selective detoxification of TTX in various aquatic environments. By integrating the natural long-lasting motility of green algae Micromonas pusilla with neuronal membranes with intrinsic TTX-binding receptors, this self-propelled biohybrid microrobot acts as a motile neuron decoy that enables dynamic "on-the-fly" interactions with TTX, significantly enhancing neutralization efficiency in natural river and seawater environments. Moreover, the active penetration abilities of the biohybrid microrobots allow for effective toxin removal from confined complex three-dimensional (3D) microporous networks, such as riverbeds and seabeds, where diffusion-based methods are often ineffective. The microrobot platform further demonstrates exceptional adaptability, maintaining robust detoxification performance across diverse environmental conditions including fluctuations in pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels. By leveraging biohybrid intelligence and environmental adaptability, this work establishes an innovative strategy for sustainable, efficient, and versatile neurotoxin remediation in dynamic aquatic environments.