New York, March 31 (SANA) Researchers have developed soft, microscopic robots inspired by the movement of snails that could improve cancer treatment by delivering drugs directly to tumors, potentially reducing side effects linked to conventional therapies.
The technology, reported by Interesting Engineering, is being developed by researchers at the University of Manchester and focuses on using soft robots to transport medication precisely to affected areas.
Designed to anchor within tumor tissue, the robots can release controlled doses of drugs, aiming to increase treatment effectiveness while minimizing damage to healthy cells. The approach could also reduce toxicity and enhance drug concentration at the tumor site.
The design draws on the movement of snails and slugs, which use slow, wave-like motion and a sticky secretion to move across uneven surfaces.
By replicating this mechanism, researchers aim to create robots capable of navigating the human body with high precision, particularly within complex environments such as the digestive system.
“This research brings together biology, materials science and robotics in a way that could transform cancer treatment in the future,” said Dr. Mustafa Nabawi, a member of the research team.
The robots are made from nanoscale biomaterials that can be controlled at the molecular level, allowing doctors to guide them remotely using magnetic fields without the need for surgery.
k.Abdul
