Engineering microrobots for targeted cancer therapies from a medical perspective

Christine K. Schmidt (), Mariana Medina-Sánchez (), Richard J. Edmondson and Oliver G. Schmidt ()
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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
Oliver G. Schmidt: Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz IFW Dresden

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19322-7

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