Lipid Vesicle-based Molecular Robots

Overview

Journal Lab Chip

Publisher Royal Society of Chemistry

Specialties Biotechnology
Chemistry

Date 2024 Jan 19

PMID 38239102

Authors

Zugui Peng

Shoji Iwabuchi

Kayano Izumi

Sotaro Takiguchi

Misa Yamaji

Shoko Fujita

Harune Suzuki

Fumika Kambara

Genki Fukasawa

Aileen Cooney

Lorenzo Di Michele

Yuval Elani

Tomoaki Matsuura

Ryuji Kawano

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

A molecular robot, which is a system comprised of one or more molecular machines and computers, can execute sophisticated tasks in many fields that span from nanomedicine to green nanotechnology. The core parts of molecular robots are fairly consistent from system to system and always include (i) a body to encapsulate molecular machines, (ii) sensors to capture signals, (iii) computers to make decisions, and (iv) actuators to perform tasks. This review aims to provide an overview of approaches and considerations to develop molecular robots. We first introduce the basic technologies required for constructing the core parts of molecular robots, describe the recent progress towards achieving higher functionality, and subsequently discuss the current challenges and outlook. We also highlight the applications of molecular robots in sensing biomarkers, signal communications with living cells, and conversion of energy. Although molecular robots are still in their infancy, they will unquestionably initiate massive change in biomedical and environmental technology in the not too distant future.

Citing Articles

Autonomous Nucleic Acid and Protein Nanocomputing Agents Engineered to Operate in Living Cells.

Panigaj M, Basu Roy T, Skelly E, Chandler M, Wang J, Ekambaram S ACS Nano. 2025; 19(2):1865-1883.

PMID: 39760461 PMC: 11757000. DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c13663.

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