Medical Imaging Technology for Micro/Nanorobots

Nanomaterials (Basel). 2023 Oct 30;13(21):2872. doi: 10.3390/nano13212872.

Abstract

Due to their enormous potential to be navigated through complex biological media or narrow capillaries, microrobots have demonstrated their potential in a variety of biomedical applications, such as assisted fertilization, targeted drug delivery, tissue repair, and regeneration. Numerous initial studies have been conducted to demonstrate the biomedical applications in test tubes and in vitro environments. Microrobots can reach human areas that are difficult to reach by existing medical devices through precise navigation. Medical imaging technology is essential for locating and tracking this small treatment machine for evaluation. This article discusses the progress of imaging in tracking the imaging of micro and nano robots in vivo and analyzes the current status of imaging technology for microrobots. The working principle and imaging parameters (temporal resolution, spatial resolution, and penetration depth) of each imaging technology are discussed in depth.

Keywords: in vivo environment; ionizing radiation-based imaging techniques; magnetic field imaging; optical imaging; ultrasound imaging.

Publication types

  • Review