Experimental study demonstrates frequency-controlled dual-mode locomotion in vascular models, highlighting flexible microrobots for targeted drug delivery.
Key Points
To develop a soft, magnetically driven microrobot that switches locomotion modes via magnetic frequency modulation to navigate heterogeneous biological channels and execute targeted drug delivery.
Fabricated a millimeter-scale flexible microrobot featuring a programmed magnetization profile capable of frequency-dependent C-shaped oscillation and helical rotation.
Evaluated locomotion performance across distinct frequency bands in glycerol–water mixtures, a biomimetic vascular model, and ex vivo porcine organs.
Integrated a photothermal-responsive methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) carrier triggered by near-infrared (NIR) irradiation under dynamic flow conditions.
Identified distinct, non-overlapping frequency bands enabling rapid C-shaped oscillatory propulsion at low frequencies and stable helical rotation at high frequencies.
Achieved successful adaptive navigation via mode switching across varying channel diameters in biomimetic vascular networks and ex vivo porcine tissue.
Demonstrated site-specific drug release triggered by near-infrared irradiation following magnetically guided navigation in a dynamic fluid environment.