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Nanomotors: Preparation Strategies, Propulsion Mechanisms, and Applications in Cancer Therapeutics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Cancer remains one of the leading causes of human death globally. The capabilities of tumor cells for rapid proliferation, resistance to death, and metastasis have become major hurdles in the successful treatment of cancer. Nanomotors, with distinct advantages such as tumor targeting and excellent biocompatibility, have emerged as a crucial research area in cancer therapy. This type of nanoscale dynamic system can convert external energy sources like magnetic fields, light fields, and sound fields, as well as endogenous chemical energy such as hydrogen peroxide, into autonomously driven mechanical energy. These distinctive motion characteristics remarkably enhance the penetration efficiency of nanocarriers into tumor tissue. This offers a promising approach to overcome the physiological barriers of the tumor microenvironment and improve therapeutic efficacy. In this review, the latest advancements in tumor treatment using nanomotors are systematically summarized. The content encompasses the preparation strategies, driving mechanisms, and therapeutic applications, providing crucial references for the further development of nanomotors in the field of cancer treatment.

Source: Small

DOI: 10.1002/smll.76220

Authors: Heyi Zhang, Ben Shi, Lianzhen Li, Qinrui Fu, Zeyu Jiang

Institutions: Qingdao University, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province