Hydrogel Based Microrobots For Tumour Treatment

Tiny robots show potential for targeted therapies, making success in shrinking bladder tumours in animal models.

Researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have developed bioresorbable acoustic microrobots (BAM) that deliver drugs precisely to targeted areas, successfully reducing bladder tumours in mice. This breakthrough marks a significant step toward advanced drug delivery systems and precision surgery.

The microrobots, made of hydrogel, are spherical structures incorporating magnetic nanoparticles for navigation and controlled drug release. Designed to withstand the complex biofluids of the human body, these robots dissolve safely after fulfilling their therapeutic role. “We have designed a single platform that can address all of these problems,” said Wei Gao, professor of medical engineering, Caltech.

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These microrobots hold promise for a wide audience, including healthcare providers seeking safer drug delivery methods, researchers developing advanced therapeutic systems, and pharmaceutical companies focusing on precision treatments. Patients suffering from localised conditions, such as bladder tumours, could also benefit from more targeted and less invasive therapeutic options. “Rather than putting a drug into the body and letting it diffuse everywhere, now we can guide our microrobots directly to a tumour site,” Gao explained. This innovation could overcome long-standing challenges in navigating complex biofluids like blood and urine.

Fabricated using two-photon polymerisation lithography, the robots are crafted with precision to carry therapeutic drugs within their hydrogel structures. The process, led by Julia R. Greer’s team, Caltech, allows the creation of intricate, bubble-like designs about the diameter of a human hair. This bubble design not only aids in propulsion but also enhances imaging capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring using ultrasound.

Testing in mice revealed that four therapeutic doses delivered by microrobots over 21 days significantly reduced tumour size compared to non-robotic methods. “We think this is a very promising platform for drug delivery and precision surgery,” Gao remarked.

While still in preclinical stages, this research lays a promising foundation for future human applications. Researchers aim to explore diverse therapeutic payloads and conditions. This innovation holds the potential to revolutionise targeted treatments, providing safer and more effective alternatives to conventional therapies.