Use of Micro-Swimmers in Drug Delivery

According to researchers, it is now possible to make use of light as a form of fuel to move microbots or micro-swimmers in real body conditions for the delivery of drugs that are selectively sensitive toward the cancer cells.

About Microbots

Microbots are made using a two-dimensional compound named poly (heptazine imide) carbon nitride also known as PHI carbon nitride. These microbots range in size from 1 to 10 micrometre and after being energised by shining light they can self-propel.

How do the Microbots swim?

The microbots are photocatalytic in nature. Similar to solar cells the light received by the microdots is converted into electrons that cause reactions to occur in the surrounding liquid. This reaction combined with the electric field of the particle, makes the microbots swim. As long as the microbots receive light, electrons are produced that form into an electric field and ions around them. These ions then move around the microdots causing fluid to flow around them and this causes the microdots to swim. The ions continuously move from the microdot’s bright surface to its rear end.

About delivery of drugs

The researchers working on this have found that Doxo rubicin, a drug that is used for treating cancer, was absorbed easily. The release of the drug can be activated by triggering it with light or by changing the pH of the solution.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2022

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs