High‐Resolution SPECT Imaging of Stimuli‐Responsive Soft Microrobots. Issue 34 (15th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Iacovacci, Veronica; Blanc, Alain; Huang, Henwei; Ricotti, Leonardo; Schibli, Roger; Menciassi, Arianna; Behe, Martin; Pané, Salvador; Nelson, Bradley J.
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 15:Issue 34(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-07-15
• Subjects: drug delivery -- imaging -- microrobotics -- soft microrobots -- SPECT; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201900709
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract: Untethered small‐scale robots have great potential for biomedical applications. However, critical barriers to effective translation of these miniaturized machines into clinical practice exist. High resolution tracking and imaging in vivo is one of the barriers that limit the use of micro‐ and nanorobots in clinical applications. Here, the inclusion of radioactive compounds in soft thermoresponsive magnetic microrobots is investigated to enable their single‐photon emission computed tomography imaging. Four microrobotic platforms differing in hydrogel structure and four 99m Tc[Tc]‐based radioactive compounds are investigated in order to achieve optimal contrast agent retention and optimal imaging. Single microrobot imaging of structures as low as 100 µm in diameter, as well as tracking of shape switching from tubular to planar configurations by inclusion of 99m Tc[Tc] colloid in the hydrogel structure, is reported. Abstract : The lack of high resolution imaging techniques in vivo limits the use of microrobots in clinical applications. The inclusion of radioactive compounds in soft thermoresponsive magnetic microrobots is investigated to enable single‐photon emission computed tomography imaging. Single microrobots down to 100 µm in diameter are successfully imaged also upon shape switching by inclusion of 99m Tc[Tc] colloids in the hydrogel structure.