Researchers at Tufts University (USA) have succeeded in creating mini biological robots from human cells. These are able to move and help repair neurons.
- Researchers at Tufts University have developed tiny biological robots they call Anthrobots from human tracheal cells.
- During laboratory tests, their inventions were able to move and promote the healing of injured neurons.
- The advantage of using human cells for mini-robots is to reduce the risk of immune responses and the use of immunosuppressants.
A seriously injured or sick patient saved by mini-robots who “repair” his body… Almost all science fiction films have this type of scene. This scenario is almost no longer futuristic. University researchers Tufts have managed to create tiny biological robots from human trachea cells.
Mini-robots based on human cells capable of treating neurons
Baptized Anthrobotsthese robots organic created by theteam have a size that can range from the width of a human hair to the tip of a well-sharpened pencil. During laboratory tests, researchers noticed that these small “biorobots” could move in different ways on a surface of neurons. humans and promote growth to repair damaged neuronal portions. The exact way in which Anthrobots achieve this result is unclear. However, the team confirms that the neurons located in the area covered by an assembly of several mini robots (superbot)have been developed. “The assemblies Anthrobot encouraged effective healing of living neuronal tissue”note the researchers in a communicated.
Using human cells has several advantages according to them: this makes it possible to manufacture biological robots from a patient’s own cells, thus avoiding immune responses or the use of immunosuppressants. Their lifespan varies from 45 to 60 days under laboratory conditions before biodegrade naturally.
How are mini biological robots created?
Each Anthrobot is initially a single cell from the surface of the trachea, taken from a human. The latter is covered with hair cells, quite similar has microscopic hairs or eyelashes. When grown in the laboratory, it spontaneously forms a tiny multicellular sphere, called an organoid. This is an advantage, because the team has developed a growth method that encourages the “hairs” to turn outwards. This provision allows the mini robot biological – after a few days – to have the ability to move. Hair cells acting like oars.
“The cell assemblies we build in the lab may have capabilities beyond what they do in the body”explains Pr Michael Levin responsible for the study ppublished in Advanced Science. “It is fascinating and completely unexpected that a patient’s normal tracheal cells, without changing their DNA, can move on their own and promote the growth of neurons in a damaged region”he adds. “We now look at how the healing mechanism works and wonder what these constructs can doother.“
The team suggests that with additional research and discoveries, biorobots could have applications in removing plaque buildup in the arteries of patients with atherosclerosis, repairing spinal cord or retinal nerve damage, recognizing bacteria or cancer cells, or delivering drugs in targeted tissues.
