Innovative Microrobots Show Promise in Healing Spinal Injuries
Microrobots that could heal spinal injuries
Image: The Week
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed injectable microrobots made from stem cells and magnetic nanoparticles that could potentially heal spinal cord injuries. Initial studies on zebrafish and mice show promising results, with significant recovery of motor functions observed. Further research is needed before human trials can begin.
- 01Microrobots are engineered from neural progenitor cells and magnetic nanoparticles, allowing them to be guided and stimulated electrically.
- 02In trials, zebrafish larvae showed near-complete recovery of swimming behaviors within three days after treatment.
- 03Mice with severed spinal cords exhibited substantial improvements in motor function within four weeks of receiving the microrobots.
- 04The production of these microrobots is reproducible and scalable, indicating potential for broader medical applications beyond spinal injuries.
- 05Future uses could include wound healing and enhancing treatments in cardiology and oncology.
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Spinal cord injuries present significant challenges in recovery, as nerve cells typically struggle to regenerate. Researchers at the Multi-Scale Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich have developed innovative injectable microrobots, approximately six micrometers wide, composed of stem cells and magnetic nanoparticles. These microrobots aim to facilitate nerve cell repair and regeneration. Initial studies conducted on zebrafish and mice demonstrated remarkable outcomes; zebrafish larvae showed near-complete recovery in swimming behaviors within three days, while mice with severed spinal cords displayed substantial motor function improvements after four weeks. The microrobots can be guided by magnets and electrically stimulated to mature into new nerve tissue. Although further research is necessary before human trials, the Zurich team envisions applications in various medical fields, including wound healing and enhancing the safety and effectiveness of cardiology and oncology treatments.
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The development of these microrobots could significantly change treatment protocols for spinal injuries, potentially improving recovery rates and quality of life for patients.
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