Magnetic microrobots for precision medicine: From locomotion mechanisms and advanced materials to clinical translation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: As minimally invasive surgery (MIS) ventures into increasingly confined and delicate anatomical regions, conventional tethered instruments encounter inherent limitations in miniaturization and maneuverability. Untethered magnetic microrobots, characterized by precise navigation, deep tissue penetration, and highly efficient propulsion in low‐Reynolds‐number fluids, have emerged as a transformative platform for targeted diagnostics and therapeutics with sub‐millimeter accuracy. This review systematically examines the state‐of‐the‐art breakthroughs and the clinical translation landscape of magnetic microrobotic systems. Specifically, we first categorize and analyze four distinct propulsion modalities—translation, swimming, tumbling, and jumping—alongside their adaptive strategies for navigating unstructured physiological environments. Subsequently, the core technological framework is detailed, encompassing material selection (ranging from functional to bio‐integrated materials) and cross‐scale fabrication techniques such as two‐photon polymerization and microfluidics. Finally, the discussion underscores recent milestones in vascular interventions, gastrointestinal diagnostics, and oncology, while exploring emerging frontiers such as ophthalmic surgery and tissue engineering.
DOI: 10.1002/btm2.70197
Authors: Gongxin Li, Yuting Mao, Fei Liu, Fangmei An, Qiang Zhan
Language: English
Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,890
OpenAlex ID: W7225652391