For the recent years the scientists from around the world have been working on the development of microrobots, and being in the process of reviewing on that subject, I have decided to share it with you in my article, adding my viewpoint as well. As far as I know, these robots, being today in the development process, are designed to deliver the medication directly to the destination point or even to execute the complicated treatment, requiring an exact accuracy, for example in the case when the treatment of plugged blood vessels is needed. And by the way, if these robots were actually used already in our days, the execution of hard and complicated intrusive surgical interference wouldn’t be obligatory here. I guess it sounds really interesting, that’s why I have decided to speak about it more precisely today.
What are the microrobots in general?
The group of Swiss scientists has elaborated the design of unique and biologically active microrobots, including quite a simple approach to their extensive manufacturing. Moreover, they have elaborated the platform, making possible to test various methods of removed control via magnetic and electric fields, and via warm and laser light as well.
If to compare the microrobots with the usual ones, we actually used to see nowadays, the microrobots are really much more flexible, softer and quite movable. They are manufactured of biocompatible materials, like hydrocarbon gel and the nanomagnetic particles. The nanomagnetic particles perform in their turn two functions: they serve as a framework, determining the shape of a microrobot, and moreover, these particles are designed to serve as the driver, enabling the movement of the microrobot under the influence of external electromagnetic field.
The idea of the development of such project was actually invented by the scientists, who used in their development works the working principles of African trypanosomiasis bacteria. To start moving, these bacteria use their flagellum, but it is actually able to retract it, especially under the influence of adversative environment, what makes them much more survivable. So, the developed microrobots have the same flagellum like the bacteria mentioned above. And furthermore, they are able to retract it in the same way, like live African trypanosomiasis, at that wrapping up their body, being heated by the laser light.
The manufacturing process of these microrobots goes through the several stages. At the first stage, the nanomagnetic particles are placed in the layer of hydrocarbon gel evenly. The further influence of electromagnetic field makes nanomagnetic particles take a certain spatial position, including the orientation of their own magnetic fields. And in the process of polymerization, which by the way starts simultaneously with the first stage, hydrocarbon gel turns into the harder substance. And if only such “maggots” of the microrobots appear to be in the fluid medium, they start absorbing moisture and then take the shape, which is determined by the position of the nanomagnetic particles, being inside.
How do the microrobots actually work?
If only the microrobots become “ready for use”, they can be easily made move into certain direction upon the influence of the certain magnetic field, using the aimed parameter. After the microrobots arrive at their destination point, they start to be heated under the use of laser light, and in such a way they unwrap, releasing the medication, which they contain inside or starting the preparation of their tools to execute some kind of treatment, which is conducted by the use of removed control, applying the same electromagnetic field.
The development perspective in the nearest future
Nowadays, the studies are conducted within the scope of testing and modernization of existing design, which is currently applied in the process of microrobots development. According to the researchers, there exist many points today, need to be considered in the working process. An essential point, the scientists, and developers are most focused on, is the creation of such microrobots that wouldn’t call collateral harm, while they are inside of the human body. As I think the development of such innovative technology would resolve many issues connected with the approaches to the execution of invasive human treatment, and moreover will make the medical industry much more efficient, enabling to conduct a treatment faster and more safely.
Follow me, to be the first to learn about my publications devoted to popular science and educational topics
With Love,
Kate