细胞快递员兼私人教练？浙大等团队打造会健身的生物混合软体微型机器人

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges in cell therapy, highlighting the issues of cell delivery, survival, and functionality, which are critical for effective tissue repair and treatment of degenerative diseases [1][5][7] - A breakthrough research from a collaborative team introduces a magnetic soft robotic system that not only delivers cells to targeted areas but also provides mechanical stimulation to enhance cell function [2][4] Group 1: Challenges in Cell Therapy - Traditional methods of cell injection face significant limitations, including poor targeting, low survival rates, and loss of function after cells are detached from their physiological environment [5][6][7] - The demand for high cell quantities in clinical treatments (1 × 10⁶ to 2.5 × 10⁶ cells per square centimeter) is not met by existing magnetic micro-robots, which often serve only as passive carriers [7] Group 2: Innovative Robotic Solution - The newly developed magnetic soft robotic system integrates in-situ mechanical stimulation with targeted cell delivery, inspired by the muscle training process [8][9] - The robot is made from a soft silicone elastomer embedded with magnetic particles, allowing it to be controlled wirelessly through external magnetic fields [9][10] Group 3: Mechanism and Functionality - The robot's porous structure facilitates cell adhesion and growth, while its magnetic drive allows for precise movement and mechanical training of the cells [10][11] - Experimental results show that cells delivered by the robot exhibit over 85% survival rates and enhanced proliferation when subjected to mechanical stimulation [14] Group 4: Enhanced Cell Performance - Mechanical stimulation significantly improves muscle cell functionality, leading to better alignment and stronger contractions compared to unstimulated cells [16][18] - The robot's design allows for the creation of 3D cell-laden hydrogels, which also show improved cell orientation and tissue engineering potential after mechanical training [24] Group 5: Delivery and Navigation - The integrated robotic platform combines magnetic driving with ultrasound imaging for real-time navigation and control, demonstrating effective delivery through narrow bile ducts in a pig liver model [26][28] - The robot can adapt to varying pipe sizes and effectively deliver cells, achieving a survival rate of over 95% post-delivery [32] Group 6: Biocompatibility and Future Challenges - Initial biocompatibility tests in rats show no significant inflammation or necrosis, indicating the potential for safe medical applications [34] - Future challenges include developing biodegradable materials, exploring more complex stimulation patterns, and conducting in vivo validations to ensure long-term safety and efficacy [36][38]