Bioactive gas delivery by microrobots equipped with porous materials

Project Gist

Delivery of bioactive molecules by microrobots equipped with porous materials.

Keywords

Porous materials, Microrobots, Microfluidics, Drug delivery, Metal-organic frameworks

Background and Purpose

In this research project, we will develop a micro-robot that can function in vivo. In particular, we aim to create a microrobot that can deliver small molecules responsible for intercellular communication and biological gases such as nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) to target cells. In order to load these molecules onto the robot, the micro-robot will be equipped with porous materials with very small nanosized pores so-called metal-organic frameworks. This research will make it possible to deliver drug molecules that can easily diffuse into targeted cells.

Project Achievements

An international research team led by iCeMS, Kyoto University that promotes interdisciplinary research implemented a collaboration project with ETH Zurich (Switzerland) and TU Graz (Austria). In order to create a microrobot that can be used in vivo, we divided into three teams; synthesis, integration, and biological demonstration. As a result, we succeeded in developing a micro helical coil robot with metal-organic frameworks, which can be manipulated by a magnetic field and remotely moved to target cells.

Future Prospects

In the future, we will develop porous materials that release molecules in response to light, temperature, pH, and other physical/chemical stimuli. By integrating them to microrobots, we aim to build a system that releases molecules when the environment of the targeted cell changes. In addition, we will develop a robot that can release molecules in response to movement by fusing it with a robot that can move in various ways.

Figure

Joint Research/Academic Institutions Abroad

Konan University, ETH Zurich, TU Graz

Principal Investigator