Multi-stage microrobots with pH-responsive release of platelet-membrane-coated nanoparticles
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Targeted drug delivery in the gastrointestinal tract remains challenging because therapeutics must overcome multiple hierarchical barriers before reaching diseased tissue. Here, we present a multi-stage delivery platform that integrates magnetic microrobots, a pH-responsive protective coating,
and platelet membrane-coated nanoparticles (PNPs) in one platform. A fillable design enables formation of an internal magnetic layer for microrobot actuation, while the pH-responsive coating protects the cargo during transit and selectively degrades upon pH change, releasing cancer cell-targeting PNPs. In an in vitro colon cancer model that reproduces key gastrointestinal features, including flow, pH variation, and villi-like structures, this strategy increased nanoparticle retention and enhanced cancer cell cytotoxicity compared to nanoparticles administered alone. Ex vivo studies in porcine stomach and intestine further demonstrated robust locomotion on compliant and
folded tissue surfaces. These results establish an environment-responsive hierarchical delivery strategy for more precise oral delivery in complex gastrointestinal settings.
and platelet membrane-coated nanoparticles (PNPs) in one platform. A fillable design enables formation of an internal magnetic layer for microrobot actuation, while the pH-responsive coating protects the cargo during transit and selectively degrades upon pH change, releasing cancer cell-targeting PNPs. In an in vitro colon cancer model that reproduces key gastrointestinal features, including flow, pH variation, and villi-like structures, this strategy increased nanoparticle retention and enhanced cancer cell cytotoxicity compared to nanoparticles administered alone. Ex vivo studies in porcine stomach and intestine further demonstrated robust locomotion on compliant and
folded tissue surfaces. These results establish an environment-responsive hierarchical delivery strategy for more precise oral delivery in complex gastrointestinal settings.
Date Issued
2026-07-17
Date Acceptance
2026-06-04
Citation
Science Advances, 2026, 12 (29)
ISSN
2375-2548
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Journal / Book Title
Science Advances
Volume
12
Issue
29
Copyright Statement
© 2026 the Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. Distributed under a creative commons Attribution license 4.0 (CC BY).
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2026-07-15