Cell-Based Micro/Nano-Robots for Biomedical Applications: A Review

Micro/nano-robots are powerful tools for biomedical applications and are applied in disease diagnosis, tumor imaging, drug delivery, and targeted therapy. Among the various types of micro-robots, cell-based micro-robots exhibit unique properties because of their different cell sources. In combination with various actuation methods, particularly externally propelled methods, cell-based microrobots have enormous potential for biomedical applications. This review introduces recent progress and applications of cell-based micro/nano-robots. Different actuation methods for micro/nano-robots are summarized, and cell-based micro-robots with different cell templates are introduced. Furthermore, the review focuses on the combination of cell-based micro/nano-robots with precise control using different external fields. Potential challenges, further prospects, and clinical translations are also discussed.

Automated summary

Micro/nano-robots are powerful tools for biomedical applications and can be used for disease diagnosis, tumor imaging, drug delivery, and targeted therapy. Cell-based micro-robots have unique properties due to their different cell sources, and when combined with various actuation methods, particularly externally propelled methods, they have enormous potential in biomedicine. This review provides an overview of recent progress and applications of cell-based micro/nano-robots, including different actuation methods and cell templates, as well as the combination of these robots with precise control using external fields. Potential challenges, future prospects, and clinical translations are also discussed.