Medical Imaging of Microrobots: Toward in Vivo Applications

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Azaam Aziz - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Stefano Pane - , Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (Author)
  • Veronica Iacovacci - , Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (Author)
  • Nektarios Koukourakis - , Chair of Measurement and Sensor System Technique (Author)
  • Jürgen Czarske - , Chair of Measurement and Sensor System Technique, Clusters of Excellence PoL: Physics of Life (Author)
  • Arianna Menciassi - , Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (Author)
  • Mariana Medina-Sánchez - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Oliver G. Schmidt - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, Chemnitz University of Technology, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Medical microrobots (MRs) have been demonstrated for a variety of non-invasive biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and assisted fertilization, among others. However, most of these demonstrations have been carried out in in vitro settings and under optical microscopy, being significantly different from the clinical practice. Thus, medical imaging techniques are required for localizing and tracking such tiny therapeutic machines when used in medical-relevant applications. This review aims at analyzing the state of the art of microrobots imaging by critically discussing the potentialities and limitations of the techniques employed in this field. Moreover, the physics and the working principle behind each analyzed imaging strategy, the spatiotemporal resolution, and the penetration depth are thoroughly discussed. The paper deals with the suitability of each imaging technique for tracking single or swarms of MRs and discusses the scenarios where contrast or imaging agent's inclusion is required, either to absorb, emit, or reflect a determined physical signal detected by an external system. Finally, the review highlights the existing challenges and perspective solutions which could be promising for future in vivo applications.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10865-10893
Number of pages29
JournalACS nano
Volume14
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - 22 Sept 2020
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 32869971

Keywords

Keywords

  • in vivo imaging, in vivo navigation, medical microrobots, micromotors imaging, microrobot actuation, real-time tracking, swarm tracking, target monitoring, targeted therapy