Scientists from Germany were successful in creating biohybrid microrobots that can surround a cancer cell and kill it. Read to know more about this new advancement.
What are these cancer-killing microrobots all about?
Scientists at the Physical Intelligence Department in Max Planck Institute, Germany have created microrobots that can help fight cancer. These microrobots can reach tumor cells and fight cancer. The robots only fight off diseased cells and keep the healthy ones intact.
They used E.coli bacteria, the ‘superhero of the microbial world’ since they can easily traverse through various materials.
The scientists attached magnetic nanoparticles to this bacterium and when exposed to a magnetic field, managed to enhance its speed, allowing it to reach the desired spot quicker.
Meanwhile, spherical-shaped carriers called liposomes that contain the medication were also attached. After reaching the tumor spot, the microrobots grow there and start their ‘miracle’ work.
More on the study
“Imagine we would inject such bacteria-based microrobots into a cancer patient’s body. With a magnet, we could precisely steer the particles towards the tumor. Once enough microrobots surround the tumor, we point a laser at the tissue, and that triggers the drug release. Now, not only is the immune system triggered to wake up, but the additional drugs also help destroy the tumor,” stated Birgül Akolpoglu. Akolpoglu is a Ph.D. student and the first author of the study. He decoded the process for using microrobots to awaken the immune systems in the patients.
“Bacteria-based biohybrid microrobots with medical functionalities could one-day battle cancer more effectively. It is a new therapeutic approach not too far away from how we treat cancer today,” added Dr. Metin Sitti. Dr. Sitti is the co-author of the study.
The region around a tumor is low in oxygen and high in acidity. The atmosphere is similar to where E.coli thrives. Hence, the approach is unique involving the natural conditions and programmable-modified introduction of E.coli for tackling cancer.
