Magnetic-field driven colloidal microbots, methods for forming and using the same
Inventors
Tasci, Tonguc Onur • Neeves, Keith B. • Marr, David W. M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10722250-B2
Publication Date
2020-07-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention relates to a magnetic-field driven colloidal microbot that employs wall-based propulsion, method of forming the microbot and a method of using the microbot. The microbot can be formed in situ with the use of magnetic fields, and the magnetic fields can be used to translate the microbot to a specified location in a patient. The microbot does not depend on “swimming” or flow currents within a patient to move, but instead can propel itself along a surface using a magnetic field. Once the magnetic field is removed, the microbot disassembles into colloidal particles.
Core Innovation
A microbot system is formed in a biological system by using a magnetic field to activate at least two colloidal particles that comprise magnetic properties. The magnetic field activates the at least two colloidal particles to form the microbot system and enables propagation by rolling on a surface that is external to the rotating microbot system with the magnetic field, while at least two of the colloidal particles remain in contact with each other during propulsion.
The rolling propulsion uses oscillating magnetic fields to rotate a rotating microbot and convert rotational energy into translational energy via wall friction. The microbot stands up to a camber angle and can control direction and patterning, while disassembling back into the colloidal particles when the magnetic field is removed.
The microbot system is presented with biological use in a patient and with functionalized or targeted particle configurations. Surface coatings and payload options are described for antimicrobial and antiplatelet/anticoagulant functions, fibrinolytic and antibacterial functions, and cancer therapeutic medicine, including the use of ligands such as selectins and MAC-1.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a microbot system and associated methods, with inventive features centered on magnetic-field activated in situ microbot formation, rolling propulsion on an external surface while keeping at least two particles in contact, patient/biological system use, and disassembly upon magnetic-field removal. Across the independent claims, the main inventive features are structured around a microbot system definition and propulsion condition, a method of forming a rotating microbot in a biological system, and a method of using the microbot to treat a patient by rolling it to a predetermined location.
Magnetic-field activated in situ microbot formation
A microbot system for use in a biological system, comprising at least two colloidal particles comprising magnetic properties, and a magnetic field activating the at least two colloidal particles to form the microbot system.
Rolling propulsion on external surface while retaining particle contact
Propelling the microbot system by rolling the microbot system on a surface that is external to the rotating microbot system with the magnetic field, wherein at least two of the at least two colloidal particles are in contact with each other and remain in contact with each other during the propelling.
Patient method to form a rotating microbot by magnetic-field exposure
Applying a magnetic field to at least two colloidal particles; forming the rotating microbot comprising the at least two colloidal particles in a biological system of a patient in the presence of the magnetic field; rotating the rotating microbot by rolling propulsion on a surface that is external to the rotating microbot in the presence of the magnetic field.
Magnetic-field driven disassembly into colloidal particles
Disassembling the rotating microbot to the at least two colloidal particles when the magnetic field is removed, wherein at least two of the at least two colloidal particles are in contact with each other and remain in contact with each other during the rolling propulsion.
Treating a patient by inserting particles, forming, and rolling to a predetermined location
A method for using a microbot in a biological system to treat a patient, comprising inserting at least one particle in the biological system of the patient; applying a magnetic field to the at least one particle to form the microbot; and rolling the microbot to a predetermined location in the biological system of the patient by propelling the microbot as a result of a rotational force created by the magnetic field on a surface that is external to the microbot in the biological system.
Maintained contact between at least two particles during propulsion
Wherein at least two of the at least one particle are in contact with each other and remain in contact with each other during the propelling.
The independent claims collectively require magnetic-field activated activation/formation of a microbot from magnetically responsive colloidal particles, rolling propulsion on an external surface using the magnetic field while keeping at least two particles in contact during propulsion, a biological system or patient-based context for formation and use, and disassembly into colloidal particles when the magnetic field is removed.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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