Janus Micro/Nanorobots in Biomedical Applications

Adv Healthc Mater. 2023 Jun;12(16):e2202391. doi: 10.1002/adhm.202202391. Epub 2022 Nov 29.

Abstract

Janus particles possess two or more distinct domains that are anisotropic in composition or surface features. They integrate different or even incompatible properties within a single particle, making them possible to perform diverse functions and multiple tasks simultaneously. Advances in micro/nanorobots demonstrate that they can effectively convert diverse energy sources into movement and reach target locations with precision. Integration of Janus structure with micro/nanobots is emerging as a promising tool for biomedical applications. In this review, the fabrication and energy sources of Janus micro/nanorobots are briefly introduced. After that, the recent progress of Janus micro/nanorobots for biomedicine, with a special focus on their applications for cargo delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, surgery, and therapy are presented and discussed. The application of Janus micro/nanorobots in biomedicine still faces serious challenges from fabrication, engines, biocompatibility, and biodegradation for their widespread in clinical situations. Nevertheless, a few emerging materials and approaches offer potential solutions to these problems.

Keywords: Janus micro/nanorobots; bioimaging; biosensing; cargo delivery; therapy.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anisotropy
  • Multifunctional Nanoparticles*