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Shape Memory Alloy Helical Microrobots with Transformable Capability towards Vascular Occlusion Treatment.

Hehua ZhangBorui XuYi OuyangYunqi WangHong ZhuGaoshan HuangJizhai CuiYongFeng Mei
Published in: Research (Washington, D.C.) (2022)
Practical implementation of minimally invasive biomedical applications has been a long-sought goal for microrobots. In this field, most previous studies only demonstrate microrobots with locomotion ability or performing a single task, unable to be functionalized effectively. Here, we propose a biocompatible shape memory alloy helical microrobot with regulative structure transformation, making it possible to adjust its motion behavior and mechanical properties precisely. Especially, towards vascular occlusion problem, these microrobots reveal a fundamental solution strategy in the mechanical capability using shape memory effect. Such shape-transformable microrobots can not only manipulate thrust and torque by structure to enhance the unclogging efficiency as a microdriller but also utilize the high work energy to apply the expandable helical tail as a self-propulsive stent. The strategy takes advantage of untethered manipulation to operate microsurgery without unnecessary damage. This study opens a route to functionalize microrobots via accurate tuning in structures, motions, and mechanical properties.
Keyphrases
  • minimally invasive
  • working memory
  • healthcare
  • high resolution
  • oxidative stress
  • genome wide
  • single cell
  • combination therapy
  • robot assisted
  • high speed
  • smoking cessation
  • tandem mass spectrometry
  • molecularly imprinted