Scientists at the University of California San Diego, USA, have developed microrobots capable of delivering cancer drugs directly to metastatic lung tumours in mice. These microrobots are made from algae cells loaded with nanoparticles containing doxorubicin. The algae allow the microrobots to swim through the lungs, and the nanoparticles are coated with red blood cell membranes, which help them evade the immune system.
In a study published in the journal Science Advances, the microrobots were tested on mice with advanced lung cancer. The treated mice showed significantly longer survival rates compared to untreated mice or those treated with the drug alone. This approach represents a novel way of using microrobots to target hard-to-reach tumours, potentially improving the efficacy of cancer treatments.
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The algae cells, a type of single-celled organism, are chosen for their ability to move in biological fluids. By attaching drug-filled nanoparticles to these cells, researchers can exploit their mobility to navigate the complex environment of the lungs. Once the microrobots reach the tumour sites, the drug is released, maximising the concentration of the medication directly where it is needed while minimising side effects.
The technology combines elements of bioengineering and nanotechnology to create a new form of drug delivery. The nanoparticles used are specially designed to be biocompatible and to release the drug gradually, ensuring a sustained therapeutic effect. The red blood cell membrane coating further aids in evading the immune response, allowing the microrobots to circulate longer in the body.
This research builds on previous studies where microrobots were used to treat bacterial pneumonia. The successful application in cancer therapy opens new possibilities for treating other types of cancers and diseases that require precise drug delivery to specific sites in the body. Future research will focus on refining the technology, testing it in larger animals, and eventually moving towards human clinical trials.
Paper: Fangyu Zhang et al. Biohybrid microrobots locally and actively deliver drug-loaded nanoparticles to inhibit the progression of lung metastasis. Sci. Adv. 10,eadn6157(2024). Access online here.