Lipid vesicle-based molecular robots
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
A molecular robot, which is a system comprised of one or more molecular machines and computers, can execute sophisticated tasks in many fields that span from nanomedicine to green nanotechnology. The core parts of molecular robots are fairly consistent from system to system and always include (i) a body to encapsulate molecular machines, (ii) sensors to capture signals, (iii) computers to make decisions, and (iv) actuators to perform tasks. This review aims to provide an overview of approaches and considerations to develop molecular robots. We first introduce the basic technologies required for constructing the core parts of molecular robots, describe the recent progress towards achieving higher functionality, and subsequently discuss the current challenges and outlook. We also highlight the applications of molecular robots in sensing biomarkers, signal communications with living cells, and conversion of energy. Although molecular robots are still in their infancy, they will unquestionably initiate massive change in biomedical and environmental technology in the not too distant future.
Date Issued
2024-03-07
Date Acceptance
2023-12-12
Citation
Lab on a Chip: miniaturisation for chemistry, physics, biology, materials science and bioengineering, 2024, 24 (5), pp.996-1029
ISSN
1473-0189
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Start Page
996
End Page
1029
Journal / Book Title
Lab on a Chip: miniaturisation for chemistry, physics, biology, materials science and bioengineering
Volume
24
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2023. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38239102
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Date Publish Online
2024-01-19