Intrinsic Properties Enabled Metal Organic Framework Micromotors for Highly Efficient Self-Propulsion and Enhanced Antibacterial Therapy

Abstract

Miniaturization of synthetic micro/nanomotors (MNMs) brings great application prospects but limits their functionalization ability. Here, we report self-fueled metal organic framework (MOF) micromotors that are endowed with capabilities of self-propulsion and antibacterial therapy by their material’s intrinsic properties. The spontaneous degradation of the MOF micromotors in water would release their own constituting components of ions which act as fuels to propel themselves by ionic diffusionphoresis with a high energy conversion efficiency. Meanwhile, the metal cations released from the MOF micromotors can also serve as antibacterial reagents to kill Escherichia coli (E. coli) with motion enhanced efficacy, which could significantly accelerate the wound closure in a bacterially infected wound model in vivo. Our work provides a general guidance for constructing functional MNMs by taking advantage of the motors’ own materials to achieve self-propulsion and on-demand task assignments, which would promote future development of highly integrated micro/nanorobotic systems at micro/nanoscale.

Pattern formation and collective effects during the process of the motion of magnetic nanomotors in narrow channels

“…There is wide research interest in the development and creation of micro/nanomotors [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] due to their numerous application perspectives in medicine, [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] biosensing, 18 and engineering. 19 The motors move due to either the transformation of fuel chemical energy into kinetic energy, 20,21 or the action of magnetic, [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] electric 31 and acoustic 32 fields or light.…”

Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-90-Based Pesticide Smart-Delivery System with Enhanced Antimicrobial Performance

“…Among various nanocarriers explored, Zn-based metal–organic frameworks (ZIF-90) as pesticide carriers for stimuli-responsive pesticide delivery systems have a number of unique advantages, such as facile synthesis route, high porosity, abundant aldehyde groups, outstanding biocompatibility, and being environmentally friendly [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. In addition, the Zn 2+ ions released from ZIF-90 have obvious antimicrobial properties against various pathogens (such as Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ) [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. More importantly, the highly reactive-free aldehyde groups of ZIF-90 can be covalently conjugated with the amino groups in drug molecules via a Schiff base reaction [ 20 , 21 ].…”

In vivoapplications of micro/nanorobots

“…3,4 In this regard, locomotion of micro/nanorobots represents a significant advantage compared to traditional systems. 5,6 For instance, previously inaccessible routes in the body can be utilized for active reach to target locations by utilizing various propulsion sources. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] In addition to locomotion features, micro/nanorobots enable modification possibilities, e.g., cargo loading, coating, and/or functionalization, depending on the intended application.…”