Biodegradable microrobots for targeting cell delivery

Med Hypotheses. 2017 May:102:56-60. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.02.015. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

Abstract

These days, cell delivery is considered a potential method for treatment of many genetic diseases or tissue regeneration applications. In conventional cell delivery methods, cells are encapsulated in or cultured on biocompatible polymers. However, the main problem with these carriers is their lack of targeting ability. For tissue regeneration or many cell treatments, it is needed to deliver cells to a specific site of action. Magnetic microrobots based on industrial photoresists have been studied in literature for magnetically controllable carriers. However, there are some issues about biodegradation and removal of these microrobots from the body. In this paper, we hypothesis fabrication of new generation of biodegradable magnetic microrobots based on additive manufacturing methods to overcome this problem and to bring this evolving field to a new level.

MeSH terms

  • Absorbable Implants*
  • Cell Transplantation / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Design
  • Immunomagnetic Separation / instrumentation*
  • Miniaturization
  • Robotics / instrumentation*
  • Tissue Scaffolds*