Biodegradable Spiny Milli-Ball Robot for Targeted Drug Delivery

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from non-degradable materials to biodegradable materials for the needle components. The microneedles are constructed from biocompatible and biodegradable materials that can be safely digested or eliminated after delivering the therapeutic payload, thereby resolving the harmful effects of immune rejection and intestinal obstruction while maintaining sufficient structural strength during the delivery process.

The patent employs disposable biodegradable microneedles that serve their function temporarily and then degrade naturally. These microneedles are designed to fulfill their injection purpose and then break down into harmless byproducts that can be eliminated by the body, eliminating the need for retrieval and avoiding long-term complications associated with non-degradable materials.

The patent introduces an intermediary delivery system - a robot comprising biodegradable microneedles that bridges the gap between oral administration and effective drug delivery. The robot is orally ingested by the patient (maintaining ease of administration) and then actively penetrates the intestinal mucosa to deliver the therapeutic payload directly into the bloodstream or tissue, thereby achieving high bioavailability for macromolecular drugs while preserving the non-invasive oral administration route.

The patent replaces the passive mechanical process of conventional oral dissolution with an active mechanochemical system. The robot incorporates magnetic actuators that enable active penetration through the intestinal mucosa, substituting the inadequate passive diffusion process with an active mechanical penetration mechanism that ensures reliable drug delivery regardless of the drug's inherent absorbability.

The patent employs composite materials in the robot construction, combining biodegradable structural materials with magnetic actuator components. The microneedles are made from biocompatible and biodegradable materials that provide both mechanical strength for penetration and the capability to degrade after use. The integration of magnetic actuators with biodegradable housing creates a composite system that achieves both active actuation and biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and desired functionality.

The patent creates a multi-functional robot that combines drug delivery, active locomotion, targeted penetration, and controlled release capabilities in a single system. The robot serves multiple functions: it navigates to the target site using magnetic actuation, penetrates the mucosa with biodegradable microneedles, delivers the therapeutic payload, and then degrades naturally. This multi-functionality integrates previously separate capabilities into a unified system that overcomes the limitations of existing single-function devices.