Imaging Guided Microrobot for In Vivo Biomedical Applications

While synthetic micromotors have been evaluated extensively under in vitro conditions for over a decade, their in vivo function has rarely been explored. In particular, existing micro/nanomotor platforms face major challenges for deep tissue imaging and motion control in vivo. I will introduce our works on photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT)–guided micromotors for applications in intestines in vivo. The micromotors enveloped in microcapsules are stable in the stomach and exhibit efficient propulsion in various biofluids once released. The migration of micromotor capsules toward the targeted regions in the intestines has been visualized by PACT in real time in vivo. Near-infrared light irradiation induces disintegration of the capsules to release the cargo-loaded micromotors. The intensive propulsion of the micromotors effectively prolongs the retention in intestines. The integration of the newly developed microrobotic system and PACT enables deep imaging and precise control of the micromotors in vivo and opens the door to a number of in vivo and clinical applications of synthetic motors.