Date:04/04/16

Scientists are close to creating micro-robots that can cure cancer

Scientists at Swiss technology Zurich and IBM research laboratory learned how to create artificial molecules of nanoscale beads. According to the researchers, the new technology will allow us to create micro-robots that can treat cancer, or other devices. The paper was published in the journal Science Advances.

The size of artificial molecules composed of spherical modules, more than ordinary molecules, but by human standards remains tiny and is on the order of a few micrometers. The spheres consist of silicon or polymer materials and can possess different physical properties, e.g. electrical conductivity or magnetism. Combining these balls with each other, researchers have micro-objects with the desired geometry, structure, and other features that allow the particles respond differently to the environment. Artificial molecules can take the form of sticks, triangles, or complex three-dimensional objects.

To receive the micro-objects, scientists have used special forms with recesses of different sizes. Using them the researchers created tiny spheres, which are then fused into a single structure of short-term heating. The process itself differed from the usual 3D printing that is used for the latter, monotonous material, and the resulting objects have a uniform structure.

In the future, based on artificial molecules, the scientists plan to build a self-propelled device with complex geometry and chemical composition, which are driven by magnetic fields. Such micro-objects can be used in medical research as drug carriers and chemotherapeutic drugs. Also, the engineers will create molecules that can interact with each other and connect in the superstructure that can interact with light. Such devices could be successfully applied in Photonics.

Photonics is a field of science that deals with the creation of systems in which as a carrier signal is light emission.

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