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Engineering microrobots for targeted cancer therapies from a medical perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Christine K. Schmidt

    (Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester)

  • Mariana Medina-Sánchez

    (Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz IFW Dresden)

  • Richard J. Edmondson

    (Gynaecological Oncology, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester
    St. Mary’s Hospital, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre)

  • Oliver G. Schmidt

    (Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz IFW Dresden)

Abstract

Systemic chemotherapy remains the backbone of many cancer treatments. Due to its untargeted nature and the severe side effects it can cause, numerous nanomedicine approaches have been developed to overcome these issues. However, targeted delivery of therapeutics remains challenging. Engineering microrobots is increasingly receiving attention in this regard. Their functionalities, particularly their motility, allow microrobots to penetrate tissues and reach cancers more efficiently. Here, we highlight how different microrobots, ranging from tailor-made motile bacteria and tiny bubble-propelled microengines to hybrid spermbots, can be engineered to integrate sophisticated features optimised for precision-targeting of a wide range of cancers. Towards this, we highlight the importance of integrating clinicians, the public and cancer patients early on in the development of these novel technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Christine K. Schmidt & Mariana Medina-Sánchez & Richard J. Edmondson & Oliver G. Schmidt, 2020. "Engineering microrobots for targeted cancer therapies from a medical perspective," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-19322-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19322-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Nima Mirkhani & Michael G. Christiansen & Tinotenda Gwisai & Stefano Menghini & Simone Schuerle, 2024. "Spatially selective delivery of living magnetic microrobots through torque-focusing," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Mario Urso & Martina Ussia & Filip Novotný & Martin Pumera, 2022. "Trapping and detecting nanoplastics by MXene-derived oxide microrobots," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Sajjad Rahmani Dabbagh & Misagh Rezapour Sarabi & Mehmet Tugrul Birtek & Siamak Seyfi & Metin Sitti & Savas Tasoglu, 2022. "3D-printed microrobots from design to translation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-24, December.
    4. Chung Wing Chan & Daihui Wu & Kaiyao Qiao & Kin Long Fong & Zhiyu Yang & Yilong Han & Rui Zhang, 2024. "Chiral active particles are sensitive reporters to environmental geometry," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    5. Cornel Dillinger & Nitesh Nama & Daniel Ahmed, 2021. "Ultrasound-activated ciliary bands for microrobotic systems inspired by starfish," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-11, December.

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