Magnetically actuated microrobotic system for sequential treatment of biofilm.

Authors

Shunyao Li, Yu Mei, Kai Xu, Huaixuan Sheng, Yu-An Chen, Mingda Teng, Bohan Xu, Bingqian Jiang, Chengxuan Yu, Huizhu Li, Shiyun Zhao, Yi Wang, Xiao Zhang, Yiyang Zhao, Yueming Wang, Yan Wo, Zhaochen Li, Siwen Shen, Yunxia Li, Min Tang, Yongfeng Mei, Jun Chen, Gaoshan Huang, Sijia Feng

Published in

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Volume 123. Issue 28. Pages e2535216123. Jul 14, 2026. Epub Jul 06, 2026.

Abstract

Biofilm-associated infections present a critical therapeutic challenge due to antibiotic resistance and impaired tissue healing. Here, we present a microrobotic system (MZ-8) that integrates real-time human-steered navigation with autonomous, microenvironment-responsive therapy to actively eradicate biofilms and promote tissue regeneration. This microrobotic system features a spine-inspired structure for mechanical biofilm disruption, a pH-responsive ZIF-8 coating for immunomodulatory Zn²⁺ release, and closed-loop actuation under second near-infrared fluorescence guidance. In a rat model of periprosthetic joint infection, MZ-8 achieved effective biofilm removal, induced a pro-regenerative immune response by polarizing macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, and significantly enhanced tissue regeneration. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed the activation of immunomodulatory pathways and upregulation of M2-associated genes, confirming the system's sequential shift from eradication to repair. Moreover, validation in a rabbit model and human knee joint confirmed its operational feasibility under clinical imaging guidance and excellent biosafety. This work establishes that integrating physical eradication, biochemical immunomodulation, and interactive control within a single system is essential for advancing from infection clearance to functional tissue restoration. Thus, it provides a therapeutic paradigm for biofilm-associated diseases and lays a foundation for future intelligent, clinically adaptive anti-infective systems.

PMID:
42406953
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 07 Jul 2026.

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