Micro-nanorobots: important considerations when developing novel drug delivery platforms

Introduction: There is growing emphasis on the development of bioinspired and biohybrid micro/nanorobots for the targeted drug delivery (TDD). Particularly, stimuli-responsive materials and magnetically triggered systems, identified as the most promising materials and design paradigms. Despite the advances made in fabrication and control, there remains a significant gap in clinical translation.Areas covered: This review discusses the opportunities and challenges about micro/nanorobotics for the TDD as evolutionary evidence in bio-nanotechnology, material science, biohybrid robotics, and many more. Important consideration in context with the material’s compatibility/immunogenicity, ethics, and security risk are reported based on the development in artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning described in literature. The versatility and sophistication of biohybrid components design are being presented, highlighting stimuli-responsive biosystems as smart mechanisms and on-board sensing and control elements.Expert opinion: Focusing on key issues for high controllability at micro- and nano-scale systems in TDD, biohybrid integration strategies, and bioinspired key competences shall be adopted. The promising outlook portraying the commercialization potential and economic viability of micro/nanorobotics will benefit to clinical translation.