Researchers are developing grain-sized robots that can transport multiple medications

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have developed a highly innovative drug delivery solution: a magnetically guided, bead-sized robot capable of delivering multiple drugs directly to specific areas in the body. These advances, led by NTU’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, could soon transform medical treatments by providing highly controlled and non-invasive drug delivery.

Advanced materials that enable precise navigation

The microrobot’s construction from biocompatible polymers and magnetic microparticles allows it to move seamlessly through narrow, complex parts of the body. It is designed with precision in mind. The robot can operate smoothly over different surfaces. This makes it ideal for delivering medicines to hard-to-reach places. Tests have now shown that these robots operate at speeds between 0.30 mm and 16.5 mm per second. This helps in efficient transport and release of various drugs in controlled quantities even under challenging conditions.

From science fiction to medical reality

The research team was inspired by the classic science fiction film Fantastic Voyage. They wanted to bring this concept into medical reality. Assistant Professor Lum Guo Zhan, who leads the project, said this approach could ultimately eclipse traditional medicine methods, and provide a path to precise drug delivery exactly where it is needed, which could notably reduce side effects.

Transform minimally invasive procedures

Dr. Yeo Leong Litt Leonard, a neurosurgeon at Singapore’s National University Hospital, has highlighted how such technology could soon replace current tools for minimally invasive procedures. Instead of relying on catheters and wires, these robots could one day autonomously navigate blood vessels and safely deliver medications over longer periods of time.

Next steps for the future of healthcare

The NTU team has plans to further test these micro-robots in systems that closely resemble human physiology. Their long-term vision is to adapt the technology to specific medical conditions, including various types of cancer. As this technology continues to develop, it could usher in a new era in healthcare, where small-scale robots provide highly precise, non-invasive solutions to challenging medical problems.