Tiny Robots, Big Impact: Magnetic Microrobots are Set to Revolutionize Fertility Treatment

An estimated 186 million people worldwide are affected by infertility, with tubal blockages accounting for 11% to 67% of cases of female infertility. In AIP Advances from AIP Publishing, researchers at the SIAT Magnetic Soft Microrobots Lab have developed an innovative solution that uses a magnetically propelled robotic soft micro-screw to treat tubal obstruction.

“This new technology offers a potentially less invasive alternative to the conventional surgical methods currently used to clear tubal obstructions, which often involve the use of conventional catheters and guidewires,” said author Haifeng Xu.

Magnetically Driven Robotic Micro-Screws Offer a New Solution for Tubal Blockages

The microrobot is made of a nonmagnetic photosensitive resin coated with a thin layer of iron to give it magnetic properties. When an external magnetic field is applied, the robot rotates and generates translational motion, enabling it to navigate through a glass channel that simulates a fallopian tube. The robot successfully clears a cell cluster plug that was placed in the channel, mimicking a typical blockage in the female reproductive system. This magnetic control allows for precise navigation through the delicate and narrow structures of the fallopian tube. The microrobot’s design is another important innovation. It has a helical body with a spiral structure, a cylindrical central tube and a disc-shaped tail.

The helical structure is essential for propulsion, while the disc-shaped tail helps to stabilize the robot’s movement. When the screw turns, it creates a swirling field that helps push fragmented debris toward the tail and clear the blockage more effectively. In tests, the microrobot demonstrated both effectiveness and efficiency in clearing the simulated blockage, with the vortex created by the rotating screw sweeping debris away from the obstruction.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to make the microrobot smaller and more advanced. They also plan to test the robot on isolated organ models and equip it with in vivo imaging systems to track the microrobot’s movement and position in real time. The team also plans to expand the robot’s surgical capabilities, including automated control systems that could improve the efficiency of blockage clearance and other medical procedures. The ultimate goal is to provide a more effective, minimally invasive solution for patients suffering from infertility.