Affiliation:
1. Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture University of Udine 33100 Udine Italy
2. Delft University of Technology Department of Materials Science and Engineering Mekelweg 2 2628 CD Delft The Netherlands
3. Multi‐Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL) Institute of Robotics & Intelligent Systems (IRIS) ETH Zurich 8092 Zurich Switzerland
4. Department of Materials Engineering The University of British Columbia Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
5. CIDETEC Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) Donostia 20014 San Sebastián Spain
Abstract
AbstractThe last two decades have witnessed the emergence of micro‐ and nanoswimmers (MNSs). Researchers have invested significant efforts in engineering motile micro‐ and nanodevices to address current limitations in minimally invasive medicine. MNSs can move through complex fluid media by using chemical fuels or external energy sources such as magnetic fields, ultrasound, or light. Despite significant advancements in their locomotion and functionalities, the gradual deterioration of MNSs in human physiological media is often overlooked. Corrosion and biodegradation caused by chemical reactions with surrounding medium and the activity of biological agents can significantly affect their chemical stability and functional properties during their lifetime performance. It is therefore essential to understand the degradation mechanisms and factors that influence them to design ideal biomedical MNSs that are affordable, highly efficient, and sufficiently resistant to degradation (at least during their service time). This review summarizes recent studies that delve into the physicochemical characteristics and complex environmental factors affecting the corrosion and biodegradation of MNSs, with a focus on metal‐based devices. Additionally, different strategies are discussed to enhance and/or optimize their stability. Conversely, controlled degradation of non‐toxic MNSs can be highly advantageous for numerous biomedical applications, allowing for less invasive, safer, and more efficient treatments.
Funder
H2020 European Research Council
H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
Subject
Electrochemistry,Condensed Matter Physics,Biomaterials,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Cited by
2 articles.
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