Every year, thousands of researchers worldwide grapple with understanding cell behaviour, aiming to uncover groundbreaking treatments for diseases.

One of the most significant challenges in this quest is navigating and interacting with individual cells in a non-invasive and precise manner.

Innovative Microbots from TUM: A Breakthrough in Cellular Studies

At the Technical University of Munich (TUM), a groundbreaking development has taken place with the invention of a novel microrobot, termed "microbot".

This minute yet potent device has been designed to seamlessly navigate within clusters of cells and stimulate them at an individual level. Introducing this technology could revolutionize how we approach the treatment of various diseases.

Design and Composition of Microbots

The microbots have a specific design tailored for their function. They possess a spherical form and their dimensions are astonishingly minuscule, being just half as thick as a human strand of hair. Their composition is intriguing; they are built from gold nanorods, encased in a biomaterial derived from algae, and infused with a fluorescent dye.

This unique construction allows them to be propelled by laser light, facilitating their movement amid cells. Furthermore, they have the capability to regulate their temperature, which they can also consistently display. This thermal attribute is pivotal to their function, given their primary task is to heat specific cells or entire cellular clusters.

The origin of these microbots can be traced back to the Microrobotic Bioengineering Lab at TUM, where they were conceived and developed under the keen oversight of Prof. Berna Özkale Edelmann. Their production involves a sophisticated process using microfluidic chips. What’s remarkable is the sheer scale of production; astonishingly, up to 10,000 microbots can be churned out in a single run.

The operational aspect of these microbots is governed by the TACSI system, an acronym for Thermally Activated Cell-Signal Imaging. This system is quintessential for the microbots, guiding them to their intended location for in-depth cellular analysis. But TACSI is not just a GPS for the microbots; it also allows them to stimulate individual cells by modulating their temperature.

The inclusion of the orange rhodamine B dye in the microbots is not just for aesthetics. It plays a critical role as its color intensity diminishes with rising temperatures, acting as a reliable temperature gauge.

Additionally, the gold nanorods embedded within them showcase a fascinating property. When subjected to laser light, these rods can heat up and cool down at a rapid pace, even achieving mobility speeds of up to 65 µm per second. Their thermal limit stands at 60°C.

Thermal Stimulation and Cellular Impact

Professor Özkale Edelmann has provided insights into the profound impact of temperature variations on cellular functions. For instance, when there's a minor surge in our body's temperature, such as from a physical injury, it can activate our immune defences.

This principle of "thermal stimulation" is under exploration for its potential in wound healing. Existing research already highlights the susceptibility of cancer cells at higher temperatures, hinting at therapeutic avenues for conditions like heart arrhythmias and even depression.

In their experiments, the TUM team used kidney cells as a testbed to elucidate the influence of the microbots on cellular ion channels. By strategically raising the temperature via an infrared laser, and subsequently monitoring the hue of the rhodamine B dye, the scientists deduced that the ion channels within cells can be coaxed open at specific temperatures, paving the way for ions like calcium to permeate.

The potential ramifications of this discovery are vast. As Prof. Özkale Edelmann opines, the capacity of these microbots to induce changes within cells even with subtle temperature adjustments could spearhead the development of innovative treatments. The horizon looks promising, with possibilities of directing drugs with pinpoint accuracy to individual cells.

Conclusion

TUM's invention of the "microbot" represents a significant stride in advancing cellular research. By seamlessly navigating and interacting with cells, these microbots have unlocked a realm of therapeutic possibilities. Their distinctive design and temperature modulation capabilities hint at transformative medical applications, from thermal stimulation to targeted drug delivery. The convergence of bioengineering and nanotechnology in this project illustrates the future's potential for more precise and efficient medical interventions.

COMPANIES TO WATCH:

Microbot Medical, Intuition Robotics, XACT Robotics

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Author:

Arnold Kristoff

Content Producer and Writer

Nano Magazine