Engineering Autonomous Micro‐/Nanorobots for Neurological Diseases: From Barrier Crossing to Neuroenergetic Restoration

Abstract Neurological diseases (NDs) are associated with barrier transport dysfunction, abnormal protein aggregation, and impaired cellular energy metabolism, with bioenergetic deficits increasingly recognized as a central factor in disease progression. Micro‐/nanorobots offer a promising strategy to address these challenges by enabling active and targeted regulation of neuronal metabolism. Unlike passive nanocarriers, micro‐/nanorobots can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) under external guidance and deliver therapeutic agents with subcellular precision. By integrating mitochondrial‐targeting components, ATP‐generating modules, and redox‐ or ion‐responsive release systems, they can restore cellular energy supply and attenuate oxidative stress, thereby improving metabolic function, synaptic activity, and neural repair. This minireview summarizes recent advances in micro‐/nanorobot applications for drug delivery, barrier penetration, stem‐cell differentiation, and metabolic regulation. It explores their potential roles in improving neuronal function, limiting pathological protein aggregation, and facilitating neural network reconstruction. Also, clinical translation faces significant challenges, including safety evaluation, large‐scale manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. A therapeutic framework centered on micro‐/nanorobot‐mediated metabolic regulation may provide a novel and effective approach for treating NDs.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Angewandte Chemie
Published
2025-10-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202519696
Primary Topic
Micro and Nano Robotics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Engineering Autonomous Micro‐/Nanorobots for Neurological Diseases: From Barrier Crossing to Neuroenergetic Restoration

Meng Mao, Qiang Zhi He, Shaohua Peng
Angewandte Chemie
Micro and Nano Robotics
article

Engineering Autonomous Micro‐/Nanorobots for Neurological Diseases: From Barrier Crossing to Neuroenergetic Restoration

Meng Mao, Qiang Zhi He, Shaohua Peng
article en

Abstract

Abstract Neurological diseases (NDs) are associated with barrier transport dysfunction, abnormal protein aggregation, and impaired cellular energy metabolism, with bioenergetic deficits increasingly recognized as a central factor in disease progression. Micro‐/nanorobots offer a promising strategy to address these challenges by enabling active and targeted regulation of neuronal metabolism. Unlike passive nanocarriers, micro‐/nanorobots can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) under external guidance and deliver therapeutic agents with subcellular precision. By integrating mitochondrial‐targeting components, ATP‐generating modules, and redox‐ or ion‐responsive release systems, they can restore cellular energy supply and attenuate oxidative stress, thereby improving metabolic function, synaptic activity, and neural repair. This minireview summarizes recent advances in micro‐/nanorobot applications for drug delivery, barrier penetration, stem‐cell differentiation, and metabolic regulation. It explores their potential roles in improving neuronal function, limiting pathological protein aggregation, and facilitating neural network reconstruction. Also, clinical translation faces significant challenges, including safety evaluation, large‐scale manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. A therapeutic framework centered on micro‐/nanorobot‐mediated metabolic regulation may provide a novel and effective approach for treating NDs.

Angewandte ChemieVol. 137(47)
Harbin Institute of Technology (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 82%
Micro and Nano Robotics
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.