Degradable Magnetic Composites for Minimally Invasive Interventions: Device Fabrication, Targeted Drug Delivery, and Cytotoxicity Tests

Adv Mater. 2016 Jan 20;28(3):533-8. doi: 10.1002/adma.201503112. Epub 2015 Nov 25.

Abstract

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles and a functional, degradable polymer matrix based on poly(ethylene glycol) are combined to enable fully degradable magnetic microdevices for minimally invasive biomedical applications. A bioinspired helical microrobot platform mimicking Escherichia coli bacteria is fabricated and actuated using weak rotating magnetic fields. Locomotion based on corkscrew propulsion, targeted drug delivery, and low-degradation-product cytotoxicity are demonstrated.

Keywords: cytotoxicity; degradable composites; superparamagnetic particles; swimming microrobots; targeted drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Acrylates / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Carriers / toxicity*
  • Equipment Design
  • Magnets / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing*
  • Mice
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Propylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Robotics / instrumentation*

Substances

  • Acrylates
  • Drug Carriers
  • Propylene Glycols
  • poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • pentaerythrityl triacrylate