Table 1 Overview of some key components and their structures of medical nanorobots
From: Advances of medical nanorobots for future cancer treatments
Entry | Component | Description | Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Shell | The exterior casing of the medical nanorobot, which is designed to be biocompatible with the human body. The material used for the shell can vary, but common options include silicon, carbon, and diamond | The structure of the shell plays a crucial role in the performance and safety of a nanorobot. For instance, a smooth and spherical shell design reduces friction and decreases the likelihood of causing damages to surrounding tissues. On the other hand, a rough and irregular shell design can enhance the nanorobot’s ability to attach to target at cancer cells or tumor tissues. The shape, size, and surface features of the shell can be optimized for specific applications |
2 | Power source | Medical nanorobots need an energy source to function. This can be in the form of a battery, hydrogen fuel cell, or even energy derived from the body’s metabolism | The integration of the power source into the nanorobot’s design can greatly impact its performance, stability, and safety. The power source can be embedded within the shell or attached to the surface as an external component. The size and placement of the power source must be considered to ensure optimal functionality |
6 | Payload | This refers to the specific function that a nanorobot was designed to perform, such as targeted drug delivery, imaging, or tissue repair | The payload of a medical nanorobot can be integrated within its shell or attached to its surface as an external component. The type and the amounts of payloads required will depend on the intended application and the requirements for efficacy and safety. For instance, a nanorobot designed for drug delivery may have a payload of drugs or therapeutic agents, while a nanorobot designed for imaging may have a payload of imaging agents or contrast agents |
3 | Sensors | These are devices that allow a nanorobot to detect changes in the body, such as temperature, pH, or the presence of specific molecules | Sensors can be placed on the surface of a nanorobot or integrated within its shell. The type and the number of sensors required will depend on the intended application and the information necessary for effective operation. For instance, a nanorobot designed for imaging may have sensors to detect light or local oxygen concentrations, while a nanorobot designed for drug delivery may have sensors to detect specific biochemical signals, such as pH, GSH concentrations, etc. |
4 | Actuators | These are devices that enable the nanorobot to physically interact with the body, such as moving through the bloodstream, releasing drugs, or performing surgery | Actuators can be placed on the surface of a nanorobot or integrated within its shell. The type and number of actuators required will depend on the intended application and the actions necessary for effective operation. For instance, a nanorobot designed for drug delivery may have actuators to release drugs in response to specific local signals, while a nanorobot designed for surgery may have actuators to manipulate tissues or remove debris |
5 | Communications | Medical nanorobots may need to communicate with each other or with external devices, such as an antenna of a computer or a remote control system | Communications can be achieved through various means, such as wireless signals, electromagnetic wave signals, or physical connections. The type and range of communication required will depend on the intended application and the requirements for coordination and control. For instance, a nanorobot designed for imaging may communicate with a computer to transmit images, while a nanorobot designed for drug delivery may communicate with other nanorobots to coordinate the release of payload drugs |