Micro Soft Robots · Design and Fabrication of Micro, Magnetic and Shape-Memory Soft Robots

Current drug delivery methods often struggle with targeting hard-to-reach areas within the body, such as the brain. Traditional approaches, including endoscopic and surgical methods, are invasive, carry considerable risks, and face significant accessibility challenges. Systemic-based targeted drug delivery methods, like chemotherapeutics and targeted gene therapies, frequently fail to accurately reach and penetrate the desired tissues. There is a pressing need for innovative and effective techniques that enhance the precision and therapeutic efficacy of drug delivery, ultimately improving treatment outcomes and reducing risks. This project seeks to develop micro-scale magnetic and shape-memory soft robots for diagnostic and treatment applications within the brain's vascular system. These soft robots, measuring between 20 to 100µm, will be fabricated through additive manufacturing (AM) using a shape memory (SM) polymer embedded with magnetic nanoparticles (MP). This composition enables remote-controlled movement and actuation via external magnetic fields.Designed to deliver therapeutic molecules, these robots will allow for the precise release of substances such as drugs directly at the target site, significantly enhancing their effectiveness. Testing will be conducted using microfluidic in vitro models. In the near future, drug delivery to hard-to-reach regions could be as straightforward as performing a minor intravenous injection and spending a few minutes in a device similar to an X-ray machine.The knowledge and experience gained from this project will be crucial for the fellow to establishing a new research group, further enhancing the capabilities of soft robots for additional medical applications like blood clot retrieval and biopsy, thereby driving continuous innovation in healthcare technology.