A review on fabrication, actuation, and application of magnetic force driven, light driven and DNA nano/microrobots in modern theranostics

Abstract

Consistent progress in therapeutics is important to overcome the emerging challenges in human health and diseases. Nano/microrobots are one of the most advanced types of nano/microscale particles with self-propagating ability, and have significantly addressed human health related challenges. These nano/microrobots are the combinational outcomes of technology with nanoscience, and piqued the interest of many researchers worldwide. The most notable achievement in this field is active targeting and on-demand controlled motion of nano/microrobots, reducing the driving time in the circulatory system and off-target accumulation, which is difficult to achieve in traditional drug delivery systems. Our discussion in the review includes fabrication processes, actuation mechanisms of DNA, magnetic force driven and light driven nano/microrobots, and their applications in various disease theranostics. Finally, we concluded with the advantages of nano/microrobots over conventional nano/microparticles and their limitations and future prospects.