Magnetic medical microrobots with memory-capable genetic circuits

Sci Adv. 2026 May 15;12(20):eaeb2528. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aeb2528. Epub 2026 May 13.

Abstract

Autonomous microrobots can reach hard-to-access regions in the human body for minimally invasive therapy. However, their microscale size limits the integration of on-board memory, making their operation dependent on external controls. Here, we develop a magnetic probiotic microrobot integrated with memory-capable genetic circuit to execute autonomous antitumor treatment. Through a one-time magnetic hyperthermia trigger, the biological thermal sensor in the microrobot perceives temperature change and activates the memory module Bxb1-ssrA-attB-P7-attP, transferring the microrobots into a therapeutic state to continuously degrade fibrin and soften the tumor microenvironment. The genetic memory remains active for at least 12 days. A synergy toward deep tumor penetration is subsequently established between the memory-encoded softening and the physical penetration through magnetically controlled wave-like locomotion of microrobots. Compared with memory-absent microrobots, the proposed microrobots achieve a 6.70-fold tumor matrix stiffness reduction and boost in vivo anticancer efficacy from 21.86 to 87.52%. Beyond oncology, the proposed system establishes a generalizable framework of memory-encoded medical microrobots.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Regulatory Networks*
  • Humans
  • Hyperthermia, Induced / methods
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Probiotics
  • Robotics* / instrumentation
  • Tumor Microenvironment