Work

Magnetic Hexapod Microrobots for Biofilm Eradication on Medical Implants

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Medical implant‐associated biofilm infections persist as a clinical challenge due to their profound tolerance to antibiotics. While magnetic micro/nanorobots offer a promising physical alternative for biofilm disruption, existing designs are often limited by simple geometries or composite materials that compromise both magnetic responsiveness and mechanical efficiency. Here, we report monolithic magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) hexapod microrobots (HM‐bots) engineered for the high‐efficiency mechanical eradication of biofilms. Owing to their fully magnetic composition and a hierarchical architecture comprising six sharp primary limbs with secondary spike arrays, HM‐bots achieve high‐torque rolling propulsion, precise maneuverability under rotating magnetic fields, and strong localized mechanical interactions capable of disrupting dense biofilm matrices on various medical implant surfaces. Using a rabbit postoperative drainage infection model, we further establish a comprehensive in vivo workflow encompassing distal injection, magnetic navigation, targeted biofilm disruption, and active retrieval, achieving biofilm eradication efficiencies exceeding 99% while preventing residual material retention. This microrobotic paradigm provides a resistance‐averse alternative to antibiotic therapies and establishes a robust mechanical strategy for managing implant‐related infections.

Source: Advanced Functional Materials

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.77535