Next-Generation Intelligent Adaptive Micro/Nanorobots for Precise Intervention of Central Nervous System Injuries: Advances, Clinical Hurdles, and Future Directions

Abstract Central nervous system (CNS) injuries, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and stroke, are associated with high rates of disability and mortality. Challenges such as the obstruction of drug delivery by biological barriers, disrupted neuronal energy metabolism, complex microenvironments, and difficulties in neural regeneration severely impede the treatment of CNS injuries. Micro/nanorobots have emerged as a promising system for the treatment of CNS injuries, owing to their advantages such as active locomotion, controllable navigation and multifunctional integration. This article systematically reviews the research progress of micro/nanorobots in crossing biological barriers, targeted delivery, and multifunctional regulation, and focuses on analyzing their potential mechanisms in repairing damaged neural networks and restoring neuronal energy homeostasis. Finally, the article discusses the relevant challenges in the clinical application of micro/nanorobots. It also looks forward to the future development of intelligent, adaptive micro/nanorobots for precise medical treatment of CNS injuries.