Microrobot with Magnetic Particles for Thrombus Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microrobots used for thrombectomy in cerebral stroke treatment are inefficient in mixing and dissolving thrombi, requiring longer treatment times and often necessitating auxiliary surgery due to their inability to generate sufficient mechanical force.
Innovation Solution
A microrobot comprising polydimethylsiloxane and neodymium magnet particles is designed, which can be manipulated on an electromagnet platform to enhance mixing and dissolving efficiency by generating a fluid vortex, allowing for precise movement and rotation within microscale flow channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If microrobots are used for thrombectomy to treat cerebral stroke, then manufacturing cost is reduced and safety concerns are minimized, but the microrobot cannot easily output mechanical force greater than a mechanical device, requiring more time to remove thrombus or auxiliary surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The microrobot incorporates a vibration module that generates high-frequency vibrations to enhance mechanical force output. This vibration mechanism allows the soft-bodied microrobot to deliver sufficient mechanical force for thrombus removal without requiring auxiliary surgery, thereby resolving the contradiction between low manufacturing cost and effective thrombus removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The microrobot uses composite materials including soft materials for the body and integrated magnetic particles for actuation. This composite structure enables the microrobot to maintain softness for safety while incorporating materials that respond to magnetic fields for controlled movement and force generation, balancing manufacturing simplicity with functional effectiveness.
2Productivity
If traditional mechanical thrombectomy devices are used, then sufficient mechanical force can be output to remove thrombus quickly, but manufacturing cost is high and safety concerns exist during research and development
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The microrobot contains magnetic particles that respond to external magnetic fields for movement and force generation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components, reducing manufacturing cost, and maintaining effective thrombus removal capability.
3Productivity
If anticoagulant drugs are improved to shorten treatment time, then survival rate increases and disability is reduced, but research and development costs are high and side effects may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The microrobot serves as an intermediary delivery system that transports anticoagulant drugs directly to the thrombus site. This targeted delivery mechanism improves treatment speed and effectiveness while reducing the need for high-dose systemic administration, thereby minimizing side effects and reducing overall treatment costs compared to developing new anticoagulant drugs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The microrobot significantly increases mixing and dissolution efficiency, potentially reducing cerebral stroke treatment time by loosening thrombi and improving anticoagulant drug distribution within the blood flow.
Implementation Method 1
placed on an electromagnet platform for manipulation
Implementation Method 2
the microrobot comprises polydimethylsiloxane and neodymium magnet particles
Data Source
AI summary
A microrobot and manufacturing method thereof are provided. The microrobot includes a first block, a second block, and a third block connected with each other. The first block is disposed between the second block and the third block. The first block includes polydimethylsiloxane. The second block and the third block include a mixture, and the mixture includes polydimethylsiloxane and neodymium magnet particles. The manufacturing method of the microrobot includes the steps of providing a first acrylic mold with an accommodating space and a second acrylic mold with a U-shaped groove; injecting polydimethylsiloxane into the accommodating space; placing the second acrylic mold in the accommodating space; taking out the second acrylic mold and injecting the mixture into the accommodating space to obtain a microrobot. Placing the microrobot on an electromagnet platform can achieve an object of mixing and dissolving an embolism in a flow channel.