Micromotors toward biomedicine: efforts to achieve precise drug delivery

Abstract

Micromotors, characterized by their minute size, remarkable motility, and facile surface modification capabilities, are synthetic multifunctional devices showcasing immense potential in the biomedical field. Specifically, in drug delivery, their powerful capacity for cargo loading and efficient transportation facilitates the precise targeting and release of therapeutic agents at designated sites within the organism's microenvironment. This review outlines recent advancements in the utilization of micromotors for precise drug delivery, meticulously examining key aspects: motors’ propulsion mechanisms, precise motion control, methodologies for drug loading and controlled release, the safety profiles of these devices, and their lifespan, essentially covering every facet of the precise drug delivery process. Additionally, it meticulously explores current challenges within this realm and forecasts prospective avenues for exploration, with the intent of steering research efforts that expedite the translation of micromotor application into clinical settings.