Researchers develop grain-sized robots capable of carrying multiple medications

Researchers at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have developed a highly innovative drug delivery solution: a grain-sized, magnetically guided robotic that is capable of delivering multiple medications directly to precise areas of the body. This breakthrough, led by NTU's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, could soon transform medical treatments by providing highly controlled, non-invasive drug delivery.

Advanced materials that allow precision navigation

The microrobot's construction from biocompatible polymers and magnetic microparticles allows it to move seamlessly through narrow, complex regions of the body. It is designed with precision in mind. The robotic can work without problems on various surfaces. This makes it very best for administering medications in hard-to-reach areas. Tests have now shown that these robots operate at speeds between 0.30 mm and 16.5 mm per second. This helps to efficiently transport and release different medications in controlled quantities, even under difficult conditions.

From science fiction to medical reality

The research team was inspired by the classic science fiction film Improbable Voyage. Its objective was to bring this concept to medical reality. Assistant Professor Lum Guo Zhan, who leads the project, said this approach could eventually desaparición traditional pharmacological methods, offering a route for precisely delivering drugs exactly where they are needed, which could markedly reduce side effects.

Transforming minimally invasive procedures

Dr Yeo Leong Litt Leonard, a neurosurgeon at the National University Hospital of Singapore, has highlighted how such technology could soon replace current tools for minimally invasive procedures. Instead of relying on catheters and wires, these robots will one day be able to autonomously navigate blood vessels and safely deliver medications over long periods.

Next steps for the future of healthcare

The NTU team has planned to conduct further tests with these microrobots in systems that closely resemble human physiology. Their long-term vision is to tailor the technology to specific medical conditions, including various types of cancer. As this technology advances, it may usher in a new era in healthcare, where small-scale robots offer non-invasive, highly precise solutions to challenging medical problems.