Robotics for enzyme technology: innovations and technological perspectives

Abstract

The use of robotics in the life science sector has created a considerable and significant impact on a wide range of research areas, including enzyme technology due to their immense applications in enzyme and microbial engineering as an indispensable tool in high-throughput screening applications. Scientists are experiencing the advanced applications of various biological robots (nanobots), fabricated based on bottom-up or top-down approaches for making nanotechnology scaffolds. Nanobots and enzyme-powered nanomotors are particularly attractive because they are self-propelled vehicles, which consume biocompatible fuels. These smart nanostructures are widely used as drug delivery systems for the efficient treatment of various diseases. This review gives insights into the escalating necessity of robotics and nanobots and their ever-widening applications in enzyme technology, including biofuel production and biomedical applications. It also offers brief insights into high-throughput robotic platforms that are currently being used in enzyme screening applications for monitoring and control of microbial growth conditions. Key points• Robotics and their applications in biotechnology are highlighted.• Robotics for high-throughput enzyme screening and microbial engineering are described.• Nanobots and enzyme-powered nanomotors as controllable drug delivery systems are reviewed.

GOx-Powered Janus Platelet Nanomotors for Targeted Delivery of Thrombolytic Drugs in Treating Thrombotic Diseases

“…When platelets become drug carriers, due to their low dynamics, there will be some shortcomings, such as low binding efficiency, slow transport speed, limited therapeutic effect, and so on. Nanomotors can convert energy into propulsive force, which makes them a viable route for drugs delivery. , In addition, nanomotors accelerate self-drive in response to specific triggers, such as light, chemicals fuels, heat, and magnetic fields. − However, such systems may experience limitations because of the requirement for complex actuation equipment and are significantly different from the biological environment. , Therefore, the use of enzymes to modify nanomotors is a practical approach, as they can transform substrate biofuels into the driving forces. − These enzyme-powered nanomotors can produce sufficient power to overcome the random Brownian motion when used in biological media containing biofuels. , In particular, enzymatic modification of nanomotors in a Janus-mediated manner has been demonstrated to be feasible for various applications. Generating an efficient directional propulsion system and obtaining an asymmetric driving force is vital.…”

“…29−31 These enzyme-powered nanomotors can produce sufficient power to overcome the random Brownian motion when used in biological media containing biofuels. 32,33 In particular, enzymatic modification of nanomotors in a Janus-mediated manner has been demonstrated to be feasible for various applications. Generating an efficient directional propulsion system and obtaining an asymmetric driving force is vital.…”