Groundbreaking ‘microcapsule’ robot promises drug delivery without side effects

• Medical marvel delivers drugs directly inside the body
• Micro-robot that can revolutionize cancer treatment
• Navigates blood vessels to target organs with surgical precision

Swiss scientists have developed a groundbreaking micro-robot, no larger than a grain of sand, capable of navigating blood vessels and cerebrospinal fluid to deliver drugs precisely to targeted organs.

Unlike conventional treatments, this approach minimizes the spread of medication throughout the body, potentially reducing the severe side effects that often impede clinical drug trials.

Led by Professor Bradley Nelson from ETH Zurich’s Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, the team designed the capsule to move using magnetic fields generated by six electromagnetic coils positioned around the patient. These fields allow the robot to maneuver even against blood flow, a major challenge for miniature medical devices.

Surgeons control the robot with a PlayStation-like device, guiding it through narrow vessels with unprecedented precision. Initial tests on pigs with human-like vascular systems and silicone models were successful, with the robot accurately reaching its targets. Clinical trials on humans are expected within three to five years.

The capsule is made from a safe mixture including tantalum, for X-ray visibility; iron oxide particles, for magnetic responsiveness; and medical gelatin, which binds the components and the drug together.

Once the robot reaches the target, the gelatin dissolves to release the medication directly where needed.

Experts say the technology could revolutionize treatment for complex conditions such as aggressive brain cancers, aneurysms, and arteriovenous malformations, significantly reducing harmful side effects.

Professors Howie Chuset and Mark Miskin described the development as a landmark achievement that could reshape the future of medical robotics and drug delivery.