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Genetically engineered human cell-based microrobots for selective cancer cell death.

Nihal Olcay Dogan^1,2, Eylül Suadiye³, Julia Unangst³

¹Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.

Science Advances

|April 29, 2026

Summary

Biohybrid microrobots combine magnetic targeting with genetically engineered cells to deliver cancer-killing TRAIL. This system achieves selective cancer cell death, avoiding damage to healthy cells for improved targeted therapy.

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Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Nanotechnology
Cancer Therapy

Background:

Current medical microrobots lack biological selectivity, limiting their therapeutic potential.
Distinguishing cancerous from healthy cells at the target site remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a biohybrid microrobot system with both magnetic targeting and biological selectivity.
To engineer microrobots capable of targeted and cancer-selective therapeutic delivery.

Main Methods:

Human embryonic kidney cells were engineered to produce tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL).
Engineered cells were conjugated to magnetic Janus particles (silica beads with FePt nanofilms).
External magnetic fields were used to guide microrobots to tumor spheroids.

Main Results:

Microrobots accumulated around tumor spheroids using magnetic fields.
Engineered microrobots continuously released TRAIL over several days.
Selective cancer cell death was observed without damaging healthy cells.

Conclusions:

The biohybrid microrobot system successfully combines magnetic targeting with biological selectivity.
This approach enables targeted, prolonged, and cancer-selective therapeutic delivery.
The study demonstrates a novel strategy for advanced cancer treatment using microrobotics and cell therapy.