Design Fundamentals of Nanorobots for In Vivo Applications

Abstract Nanorobots, as a new generation of drug delivery platforms, have shown great potential in the treatment of various diseases by virtue of their precise targeting, controllable release, and autonomous movement capabilities. However, its clinical application still faces challenges such as low blood circulation stability, difficulty in cellular uptake, and insufficient targeting efficiency. This review focuses on the fate of nanorobots after administration into the body, highlights the major challenges they encounter during in vivo applications, and summarizes the basic design strategies to enhance their stability, compatibility, and therapeutic outcomes. The fundamental design principles of nanorobots include blood circulation stability and immune escape, targeting and biodistribution, motion design, drug loading and release, and biosafety. Addressing these principles will enhance the therapeutic and translational potential of nanorobots for various in vivo applications.