Researchers at ETH Zurich have made groundbreaking strides in the field of medical robotics, specifically in the development of tiny microrobots capable of navigating through the human body to deliver targeted therapies. This innovation comes in response to a staggering statistic: every year, approximately 12 million people around the world experience a stroke. Such events can lead to severe health complications, including death or permanent disability. Current treatment methods often involve injecting thrombolytic drugs designed to dissolve blood clots. Unfortunately, these medications must be administered in high doses to ensure sufficient concentration reaches the thrombus, often resulting in harmful side effects like internal bleeding.
The recent breakthrough involves a unique microrobot featuring a spherical capsule encased in a specialized gel shell. This ingenious design is manipulated using external magnetic fields, allowing for precise navigation through the bloodstream to the site of a clot. Integral to this system are iron oxide nanoparticles within the capsule, giving it the requisite magnetic properties that enable remote control. As lead author Fabian Landers notes, “The challenge lies in creating a capsule that is small enough to traverse the tiny blood vessels in the brain while still maintaining the necessary magnetic properties.”
For successful navigation, the microrobot also requires a contrast agent to enable tracking via X-ray imaging. The researchers chose tantalum nanoparticles, which pose a challenge due to their higher density and weight. This complexity necessitated a perfect interplay between materials science and robotics engineering, which ETH Professor Bradley Nelson highlights as a critical factor for success. Alongside chemist Professor Salvador Pané, the research team developed precision iron oxide nanoparticles, ensuring the microrobot operates effectively under various conditions.
Enhancing this microrobot’s functionality further, it is designed to carry medication to deliver directly to a thrombus. Researchers have successfully loaded it with commonly prescribed drugs, including those for dissolving clots, antibiotics, and anti-cancer agents. By employing a high-frequency magnetic field, the microrobot’s gel shell can be heated enough to dissolve and release its payload precisely where needed. This method promises to significantly reduce systemic side effects commonly seen with traditional drug delivery systems.
The process for deploying the microrobot involves an innovative two-step strategy. Initially, the microrobot is injected into the blood or cerebrospinal fluid through a custom-designed catheter. This catheter is based on a prevailing commercial model, which employs an internal guidewire connected to a flexible polymer gripper. Once positioned correctly, the gripper releases the microrobot, providing a straightforward yet effective means for delivering therapies directly to the target site.
Navigating through intricate blood vessels requires advanced technology, as the speed of blood flow varies considerably depending on the specific locations within the human body. To overcome these complexities, the research team developed a sophisticated electromagnetic navigation system. This system allows the microrobot to maneuver through the vascular network of the human head with remarkable accuracy, even against the forces of blood flow. The microrobot can roll along vessel walls at a controlled speed of 4 millimeters per second.
Moreover, another technique developed by researchers involves creating a magnetic field gradient. This method enables the microrobot to move toward areas of stronger magnetic fields, allowing it to swim upstream against the blood flow at impressive velocities exceeding 20 centimeters per second. The ingenious design and programming demonstrate the system’s capability to handle the significant challenges posed by the fast-moving blood within the body’s arteries.
When the microrobot encounters bifurcations in the vessels, where navigation could become problematic, in-flow navigation is employed to ensure accurate routing. In this scenario, the magnetic gradient is strategically directed along the vessel wall, guiding the microrobot into the correct pathway. The integration of these diverse navigation approaches grants the researchers a sophisticated level of control over the microrobot in a range of anatomical scenarios and flow conditions. Ultimately, a success rate exceeding 95 percent for delivering medication to the appropriate location has been achieved in trials.
To create a realistic testing environment for this microrobot technology, the researchers constructed silicone models that accurately mimic human and animal blood vessels. These models have proven so effective that they are now utilized in medical training sessions and are on offer through ETH’s spin-off, Swiss Vascular. Landers explains how essential these models have been for refining their strategy and techniques, offering a controlled environment conducive to extensive practice.
Following numerous successful trials in these silicone models, the research team transitioned to testing the microrobots in live animal subjects. Initial demonstrations successfully showcased the various navigation methods while allowing the microrobot to remain visible throughout procedures. Noteworthy achievements include guiding the microrobots through the cerebrospinal fluid of sheep, hinting at the immense potential for therapeutic applications in similar complex anatomical environments.
While the primary application of these microrobots focuses on treating thrombosis, their versatility suggests potential uses in combating localized infections or tumors. The development team has prioritized readiness for hospital use, aiming to progress into human clinical trials as soon as feasible. With each advancement, the overarching goal remains clear: to leverage technology to enhance the efficacy of medical treatments, offering new hope to patients in need.
Overall, the development of these magnetic microrobots not only marks a significant milestone in medical technology but also signifies a promising shift toward personalized and localized medical treatment strategies. As researchers continue to refine their designs and methodologies, the implications for patient care and outcomes are profound, heralding a new era of minimally invasive medical interventions. This transformative approach not only aims to improve the precision of treatments but also seeks to enhance the overall experience of patients undergoing therapeutic procedures.
With the foundation laid for clinical testing and further advancements, the research conducted at ETH Zurich stands poised to influence how medical treatments are delivered, potentially changing the trajectory of stroke treatment and beyond. The innovative design and multifaceted application of these microrobots highlight the brilliant intersections of robotics, materials science, and medicine, with the ultimate aim of saving lives and improving health outcomes.
This innovative methodology illustrates a shift not only in the technical capabilities of such systems but also emphasizes the ongoing commitment of researchers to create accessible and effective therapies. As the research progresses towards human trials, the excitement surrounding the potential real-world applications of this technology grows, promising to redefine the landscape of targeted drug delivery for years to come.
Through their dedicated pursuit of knowledge and practical application, the team at ETH Zurich exemplifies the spirit of innovation necessary to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges facing society today. Their pioneering work serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, ultimately paving the way for future advancements in medical technology and therapeutic interventions that prioritize patient well-being.
In conclusion, the successful development of these microrobots offers a glimpse into the future of targeted therapy, demonstrating the remarkable potential of robotics in medicine. As the team plans to advance into clinical trials, the hope remains that these advanced delivery systems will not only transform the treatment of strokes but also broaden the horizons of medical science, paving the way for an era defined by precision medicine.
Subject of Research: Development of magnetic microrobots for targeted drug delivery in stroke treatment.
Article Title: Clinically ready magnetic microrobots for targeted therapies.
News Publication Date: 13-Nov-2025
Web References: DOI
References: Landers F, Hertle L, Pustovalov V et al.: Clinically ready magnetic microrobots for targeted therapies. Science (2025), DOI:10.1126/science.adx1708
Image Credits: (Luca Donati / lad.studio Zurich)
Keywords
Magnetic microrobots, targeted therapies, stroke treatment, drug delivery, medical technology, ETH Zurich, nanoparticles, electromagnetic navigation, minimally invasive procedures.
