Magnetic helical micro-/nanomachines: Recent progress and perspective

Inspired by bacterial flagella, helical micro-/nanomachines (HMNMs) can achieve controllable 3D movement by converting rotational motion to translation in a corkscrew fashion. Because they can be operated efficiently in narrow and confined spaces, functionalized with active components, and propelled by a magnetic field that does not harm tissue, H-MNMs have been extensively investigated to perform various biomedical tasks. Over the past decade of H-MNM development, significant research progress has been achieved, including cell stimulation, overcoming of biological barriers, targeted drug delivery, and imaging/ tracking in vivo. This progress was enabled by the employment of new materials, structural designs, and functions. In this review, we summarize the latest developments of H-MNMs with a focus on their functionalization and key breakthroughs for biomedical applications. We also discuss themain challenges and future research directions to be undertaken to further advance these tiny corkscrew-like machines toward translational medicine and minimally invasive interventions.

Automated summary

This article summarizes the latest developments of helical micro-/nanomachines inspired by bacterial flagella for biomedical applications, focusing on their functionalization and key breakthroughs. The main challenges and future research directions are also discussed to further advance these tiny corkscrew-like machines towards translational medicine and minimally invasive interventions.