Introducing Hybrid Microrobots: Revolutionary Technology Just 10 Micron
Inspired by biological microswimmers
This innovative technology was developed by Professor Gilad Yossifon and his team from the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Tel Aviv University. Postdoctoral fellow from Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. This research was published in the journal Advanced Science.
“Developing the ability of microrobots to move autonomously was inspired by biological microswimmers such as bacteria and sperm cells. It has many applications in areas such as the environment and is also a research tool.” –Professor Gilad Yosifon
Professor Gilad Yossifon explains that microrobots (sometimes called micromotors or active particles) are small synthetic particles the size of living cells that can move from place to place and perform a variety of actions (e.g. , collection of synthetic or biological particles). freight) autonomously or through external control by the operator. According to Professor Josifon, “Developing the ability of microrobots to move autonomously was inspired by biological microswimmers such as bacteria and sperm cells. It is a field and has many applications in fields such as medicine and the environment, and is also a research tool.”
As a demonstration of the power of microrobots, researchers show that they can use it to capture single blood cells, cancer cells, and single bacteria, and distinguish between cells with different survival levels, such as healthy cells. I was. Cells that have been damaged by drugs, or cells that are dying or dying in a natural “suicide” process (such a distinction may be important, for example, when developing anticancer drugs).
After identifying the cell of interest, the microrobot captured it and moved it to a location where it could be further analyzed. Another key innovation is the Micro-His robot’s ability to identify unlabeled target cells. Unique electrical properties.
effective in a physiological environment
“Our new development significantly advances the technology in two major aspects: hybrid propulsion and navigation by two different mechanisms, electric and magnetic,” explains Professor Josifon. “Furthermore, microrobots have an improved ability to identify and capture single cells without the need for tagging, allowing for local testing and retrieval and transport to external instruments. The research was carried out on biological samples in the laboratory for in vitro assays, but it is intended in the future to develop microrobots that can also work inside the body.”Target”.
“…this technology can be used for medical diagnostics at the single-cell level, introduction of drugs and genes into cells, gene editing, delivery of drugs to their destination in the body, cleaning the environment from contaminating particles, drug development, and “particle laboratories” – microscopy chambers designed to perform diagnostics in locations accessible only to small particles. – Professor Gilad Yosiphon
The researchers explain that the microrobot’s hybrid propulsion mechanism is of particular importance in physiological environments such as those found in liquid biopsies. It is characterized by relatively high electrical conductivity, such as in physiological environments where electrical drive is not very effective. This is where complementary magnetic mechanisms come into play that are highly effective regardless of the conductivity of the environment. “
Professor Yossifon concludes: Transport single cells from place to place in a physiological environment. These features are relevant for various applications and research. This technology is used, among other things, in medical diagnostics at the single-cell level, introduction of drugs or genes into cells, gene editing, transport of drugs to their destination in the body, cleaning the environment from contaminating particles, drug development, and Create a “particle laboratory”. This is a microscopy laboratory designed to perform diagnostics where only microparticles can access. “
Original: Small robot navigates physiological environment and captures targeted damaged cells
Than: Tel Aviv University | Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
