Microrobots for pulmonary drug delivery

Abstract

Pulmonary drug delivery offers several advantages over systemic administration, including localized targeting of diseased lung tissue, rapid absorption through the extensive alveolar surface area, and minimized systemic side effects owing to reduced off-target distribution. These benefits make it a promising approach for treating a range of respiratory and systemic conditions. However, mucociliary clearance, immune surveillance and enzymatic degradation pose major challenges to drug retention in the lungs. In this Review, we discuss microrobotic delivery systems for tackling the challenges of pulmonary drug delivery. We first outline key considerations for the design of microrobots for pulmonary delivery, including propulsion systems, targeting, controlled drug release, overcoming of biological barriers, delivery routes and clearance, and we then highlight applications for lung-related conditions. In particular, we outline biohybrid platforms based on green algae and inhalable platforms for the treatment of pneumonia and lung metastasis. Finally, we examine the engineering of microrobotic swarms and survey future opportunities and milestones for microrobotic pulmonary delivery. Delivering drugs directly to the lungs enables targeted treatment and long-term drug retention, while minimizing systemic side effects. This Review explores the design of microrobotic platforms engineered for pulmonary drug delivery.