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Ultrasoft hydrogel immune millirobot with multimodal locomotion.

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New immune millirobots deliver cells precisely to tumors. These biodegradable robots navigate complex environments and reduce tumor growth, showing promise for cancer therapy and immune cell delivery.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Robotics
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Cellular immunotherapy requires efficient immune cell delivery systems.
  • Current methods face challenges in precise targeting and navigating complex biological environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop advanced hydrogel-based immune millirobots for enhanced immune cell delivery and tumor targeting.
  • To investigate the robots' locomotion, responsiveness, and therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of ultrasoft hydrogel millirobots embedded with magnetic nanoparticles.
  • Demonstration of adaptable locomotion (walking, rolling, climbing, undulating) in response to magnetic fields and environmental stimuli (ionic, pH).
  • Evaluation of in vitro eradication of 3D tumor models and in vivo tumor growth reduction in mice.

Main Results:

  • Millirobots achieved high immune cell loading and precise tumor targeting.
  • Demonstrated versatile locomotion for navigating complex biological settings and aligning with tumor shapes.
  • Successfully eradicated 3D tumor models in vitro within four days and significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo within 15 days.
  • Confirmed enhanced natural killer cell activity at tumor sites via bioluminescence imaging.
  • Exhibited excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability with no observed adverse effects.

Conclusions:

  • Developed a responsive, soft robotic system for advanced immune cell delivery.
  • The millirobots show significant potential for cancer therapy and studying tumor-immune dynamics.
  • This technology offers a novel approach to targeted drug delivery and cancer treatment.