@article{Nie2024, 
author = {Mingzhe Nie and Qilong Zhao and Xuemin Du},
title = {Recent advances in small-scale hydrogel-based robots for adaptive biomedical applications},
year = {2024},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {649-662},
keywords = {hydrogel, multi-function, locomotion, adaptability, small-scale robot},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.1007/s12274-023-6184-y},
doi = {10.1007/s12274-023-6184-y},
abstract = {Small-scale robots, ranging in size from micrometers to centimeters, have gained significant attention in the biomedical field. However, conventional small-scale robots made of rigid materials encounter challenges in adapting themselves to the soft tissues and complicated environments of human body. Compared to the rigid counterpart, small-scale hydrogel-based robots hold great promises due to their tissue-like low modulus, outstanding biocompatibility and accessible stimuli-responsive capabilities. These attributes offer small-scale hydrogel-based robots with multimodal locomotion and reinforced functions, further enhancing the adaptability in manipulation and tasks execution for various biomedical applications. In this review, we present recent advances in small-scale hydrogel-based robots. We first summarize the design principles of small-scale hydrogel-based robots including materials, fabrication techniques and manipulation strategies, then highlighting their upgraded functions and adaptive biomedical applications. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and future perspectives for small-scale hydrogel-based robots.}
}