Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada have developed plant-based microrobots intended to facilitate medical procedures. The robots consist of a biocompatible hydrogel material and cellulose nanoparticles that respond predictably to environmental factors, such as changes in pH. Magnetic elements incorporated into the robots allow them to be moved and deliver cargoes throughout the body. This is an expansion of the role of larger soft robots in medicine, and the researchers have found that these tiny structures can navigate complex bodily environments. The material can be easily customized for different applications and has self-healing properties. This represents an innovative advancement and is detailed in a recent article from Nature Communications.
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Plant-Based Soft Medical Robots | Medgadget
