Magnetic Hexapod Microrobots for Biofilm Eradication on Medical Implants

ABSTRACT Medical implant‐associated biofilm infections persist as a clinical challenge due to their profound tolerance to antibiotics. While magnetic micro/nanorobots offer a promising physical alternative for biofilm disruption, existing designs are often limited by simple geometries or composite materials that compromise both magnetic responsiveness and mechanical efficiency. Here, we report monolithic magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) hexapod microrobots (HM‐bots) engineered for the high‐efficiency mechanical eradication of biofilms. Owing to their fully magnetic composition and a hierarchical architecture comprising six sharp primary limbs with secondary spike arrays, HM‐bots achieve high‐torque rolling propulsion, precise maneuverability under rotating magnetic fields, and strong localized mechanical interactions capable of disrupting dense biofilm matrices on various medical implant surfaces. Using a rabbit postoperative drainage infection model, we further establish a comprehensive in vivo workflow encompassing distal injection, magnetic navigation, targeted biofilm disruption, and active retrieval, achieving biofilm eradication efficiencies exceeding 99% while preventing residual material retention. This microrobotic paradigm provides a resistance‐averse alternative to antibiotic therapies and establishes a robust mechanical strategy for managing implant‐related infections.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-08-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.77535
Primary Topic
Micro and Nano Robotics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Magnetic Hexapod Microrobots for Biofilm Eradication on Medical Implants

Fangzhi Mou, Jianguo Guan, Xiaokang Wu, Wei Yi et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Micro and Nano Robotics
article

Magnetic Hexapod Microrobots for Biofilm Eradication on Medical Implants

Fangzhi Mou, Jianguo Guan, Xiaokang Wu, Wei Yi, Ke Wang, Xiao Wang, Zhengqiao Lin, Zhi Li, Hanzhi Zheng
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Medical implant‐associated biofilm infections persist as a clinical challenge due to their profound tolerance to antibiotics. While magnetic micro/nanorobots offer a promising physical alternative for biofilm disruption, existing designs are often limited by simple geometries or composite materials that compromise both magnetic responsiveness and mechanical efficiency. Here, we report monolithic magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) hexapod microrobots (HM‐bots) engineered for the high‐efficiency mechanical eradication of biofilms. Owing to their fully magnetic composition and a hierarchical architecture comprising six sharp primary limbs with secondary spike arrays, HM‐bots achieve high‐torque rolling propulsion, precise maneuverability under rotating magnetic fields, and strong localized mechanical interactions capable of disrupting dense biofilm matrices on various medical implant surfaces. Using a rabbit postoperative drainage infection model, we further establish a comprehensive in vivo workflow encompassing distal injection, magnetic navigation, targeted biofilm disruption, and active retrieval, achieving biofilm eradication efficiencies exceeding 99% while preventing residual material retention. This microrobotic paradigm provides a resistance‐averse alternative to antibiotic therapies and establishes a robust mechanical strategy for managing implant‐related infections.

Advanced Functional Materials
Wuhan University of Technology (CN), Central Hospital of Wuhan (CN), Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou (CN), Wuhan University of Science and Technology (CN)
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, National Science and Technology Major Project, National Key Research and Development Program of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 15%
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.