Emerging Micro/Nanomotor‐Based Platforms for Biomedical Therapy

Abstract

Highly efficient and versatile natural motors play pivotal role in biological processes. Inspired by these biological motors, researchers developed their synthetic counterparts that can convert various energy into locomotion. With the potential to revolutionize the biomedical treatment process, these micro/nanomotors have attracted booming research enthusiasm since the birth of the first micro/nanomotor 15 years ago (2004). In this progress report, we start with elucidation of typical motion mechanisms and provide detailed comparison regarding their efficiency in a biological context. This part is followed by overview of cutting-edge proof-of-concept biomedical applications of the motors, including on-demand drug dispensing, cell transporting, precise micro-surgery etc. Current achievements and remaining bottlenecks are discussed, in an effort to spur more collaboration between chemistry, nanoengineering and biomedical field. With increasing attention and continuing innovation of the field, we will get closer towards clinical translation of micro/nanomotors in the next 15 years.