Advancements and challenges of nanorobots in surgical medicine: design, applications, and interdisciplinary integration

Abstract

Surgical nanorobotics offers a strategy to surpass the physical constraints of conventional minimally invasive procedures. Designed to intervene at the cellular scale, these micro-agents facilitate high-precision tasks ranging from tumor margin delineation to targeted tissue manipulation. This article critically evaluates current actuation modalities—spanning magnetic, acoustic, optical, and chemical methods—for their efficacy in navigating complex physiological fluids. We specifically analyze the integration of propulsion systems with medical imaging, which is decisive for achieving the real-time feedback necessary for clinical safety in oncology and ophthalmology. Despite technical progress, widespread adoption faces persistent hurdles regarding long-term biocompatibility, deep-tissue control, and reproducible manufacturing standards. We conclude that bridging the gap between laboratory prototypes and clinical application requires shifting focus from novel locomotion schemes to comprehensive in vivo validation and standardized regulatory compliance.