Acoustic Propulsion of Vitamin C Loaded Teabots for Targeted Oxidative Stress and Amyloid Therapeutics.

We report the fabrication of ascorbic acid (AA) template nanomotors using buds of Camelia sinensis , undergoing fuel-free propulsion. The motors, namely, Teabots, display propulsion by converting the sound energy from the acoustic field into a mechanical one. The mesh-like structures of the anionic Teabots facilitate superior adsorption of ascorbic acid (AA-Teabots) undergoing a controlled release. The motors show antioxidant properties at the physiological pH range by scavenging intracellular reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, the percentage release of ascorbic acid is significantly higher under the influence of ultrasound exposure, as compared to the normal pH-dependent release. The motors were also efficient in the degradation of artificially synthesized toxic amyloid fibrils. The acoustic delivery of AA-Teabots could protect HEK-293 cells from oxidative injuries alongside preventing protein-aggregation derived diseases. Soon, such acoustic powered biocompatible AA-Teabots are envisioned to provide an attractive approach in proficient delivery and controlled release of therapeutic payloads at targeted zones.