Imaging-guided bioresorbable acoustic hydrogel microrobots

A method of using a bioresorbable acoustic microrobot (BAM) for targeted therapeutic delivery, comprising:

• navigating the BAM through biological fluids utilizing acoustic propulsion, wherein an entrapped gaseous bubble oscillates at its resonant frequency to generate microstreaming vortices;
• controlling the movement of the BAM via magnetic fields, leveraging magnetic nanoparticles embedded in a polymeric matrix for steering;
• releasing encapsulated therapeutic agents from the BAM at a target site, facilitated by passive diffusion of the polymeric matrix;
• and
• monitoring the position and movement of the BAM using ultrasound imaging, enabled by the entrapped gaseous bubble serving as a contrast agent.

A bioresorbable acoustic microrobot (BAM) for targeted therapeutic delivery, comprising:

• a hydrogel matrix, comprising:
• poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and pentaerythritol tetra acrylate (PETA);
• embedded magnetic nanoparticles distributed within the hydrogel matrix;
• and
• encapsulated therapeutic agents disposed within the hydrogel matrix;
• a dual-surface layer encapsulating the hydrogel matrix, comprising:
• an inner hydrophobic surface chemically modified with trichloro(1H, 1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl) silane;
• and
• an outer hydrophilic surface constructed from O2 plasma etching;
• a dual-opening cavity disposed internal to the dual-surface layer, comprising:
• an entrapped gaseous bubble;
• an asymmetric configuration wherein a geometric center of the entrapped gaseous bubble deviates from a geometric center of the BAM;
• and
• two openings positioned at an angle, in relation to each other, configured to improve acoustic propulsion and microstreaming effects.