Empowering tomorrow's medicine: energy-driven micro/nano-robots redefining biomedical applications

Micro/nano-robots (MNRs) have gained attention as a rapidly developing field with significant potential in advanced therapies and futuristic solutions. These self-propelled robots offer a promising strategy to enhance monitoring, overcome diffusion limitations, and interact effectively with target factors. Research in MNRs has become highly influential, especially in addressing critical issues like cancer. The progression from passive micro- and nanomaterials to active MNRs and ultimately to intelligent MNRs has led to advancements in motion abilities, multifunctionality, adaptive responses, swarming behaviour, and communication among robots. Nanorobotics, featuring sophisticated submicron devices made from nanocomponents, holds great promise for revolutionizing the healthcare industry. This review aims to highlight recent progress in propulsion mechanisms, including chemically controlled micromotors, field control, and biohybrid approaches, which serve as power sources for various biomedical and environmental applications. These applications utilize different energy sources such as magnetic, light, auditory, electric, and chemical reactions, particularly in drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. This review also discusses the challenges and future directions in the practical implementation of smart MNRs, paving the way for their real-world applications.