Issue 11, 2024

Enzymatic micro/nanomotors in biomedicine: from single motors to swarms

Abstract

Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) have evolved from single self-propelled entities to versatile systems capable of performing one or multiple biomedical tasks. When single MNMs self-assemble into coordinated swarms, either under external control or triggered by chemical reactions, they offer advantages that individual MNMs cannot achieve. These benefits include intelligent multitasking and adaptability to changes in the surrounding environment. Here, we provide our perspective on the evolution of MNMs, beginning with the development of enzymatic MNMs since the first theoretical model was proposed in 2005. These enzymatic MNMs hold immense promise in biomedicine due to their advantages in biocompatibility and fuel availability. Subsequently, we introduce the design and application of single motors in biomedicine, followed by the control of MNM swarms and their biomedical applications. In the end, we propose viable solutions for advancing the development of MNM swarms and anticipate valuable insights into the creation of more intelligent and controllable MNM swarms for biomedical applications.

Graphical abstract: Enzymatic micro/nanomotors in biomedicine: from single motors to swarms

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
18 10 2023
Accepted
19 12 2023
First published
19 1 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 2711-2719

Enzymatic micro/nanomotors in biomedicine: from single motors to swarms

S. Chen, C. Prado-Morales, D. Sánchez-deAlcázar and S. Sánchez, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024, 12, 2711 DOI: 10.1039/D3TB02457A

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