Magnetically actuated microrobotic system for sequential treatment of biofilm
- Shunyao Li
- Yu Mei
- Kai Xu
- Huaixuan Sheng
- Yu-an Chen
- Mingda Teng
- Bohan Xu
- Bingqian Jiang
- Chengxuan Yu
- Huizhu Li
- Shiyun Zhao
- Yi Wang
- Xiao Zhang
- Yiyang Zhao
- Yueming Wang
- Yan Wo
- Zhaochen Li
- Siwen Shen
- Yunxia Li
- Min Tang
- Yongfeng Mei
- Jun Chen
- Gaoshan Huang
- Sijia Feng
2026-07-06
Biofilm-associated infections present a critical therapeutic challenge due to antibiotic resistance and impaired tissue healing. Here, we present a microrobotic system (MZ-8) that integrates real-time human-steered navigation with autonomous, microenvironment-responsive therapy to actively eradicate biofilms and promote tissue regeneration. This microrobotic system features a spine-inspired structure for mechanical biofilm disruption, a pH-responsive ZIF-8 coating for immunomodulatory Zn 2+ release, and closed-loop actuation under second near-infrared fluorescence guidance. In a rat model of periprosthetic joint infection, MZ-8 achieved effective biofilm removal, induced a pro-regenerative immune response by polarizing macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, and significantly enhanced tissue regeneration. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed the activation of immunomodulatory pathways and upregulation of M2-associated genes, confirming the system’s sequential shift from eradication to repair. Moreover, validation in a rabbit model and human knee joint confirmed its operational feasibility under clinical imaging guidance and excellent biosafety. This work establishes that integrating physical eradication, biochemical immunomodulation, and interactive control within a single system is essential for advancing from infection clearance to functional tissue restoration. Thus, it provides a therapeutic paradigm for biofilm-associated diseases and lays a foundation for future intelligent, clinically adaptive anti-infective systems.