Abstract

NOMED: Nanorobots Operating in Medical Exploration and Diagnostics

The imminent revolution in healthcare revolves around the groundbreaking potential of

nanorobots, bound to redefine diagnostics as well as targeted treatments. Our proposed

technology presents a medicinal goldmine with the potential to diagnose illnesses, bacterial

infections, and cancerous growths faster and more efficiently than current methods and provide

grounds for immediate intervention. Comprising artificial platelets, red blood cell membranes,

and microcameras, these nanorobots work in synchronization to bind to pathogens and neutralize

toxins produced in the human body. The micro camera allows for precise navigation and

real-time imaging within the body, whilst red blood cell membranes conceal the nanorobots,

allowing the nanorobots to evade immune responses. Artificial platelets provide a detection

mechanism through molecular recognition, delivering synthetic antibodies for targeted

intervention. Additional aspects of the nanorobots include advanced sensors, navigation systems,

and adaptive coatings, all of which ensure the overall functionality of our technology, as well as

precision and adaptability.

NOMED: Nanorobots Operating in Medical Exploration and Diagnostics

Nanotechnology, commonly defined as the manipulation of matter at the atomic and

molecular level, has made significant advances in the medical field, in turn leading to the

formation of a new area known as nanomedicine. Nanomedicine involves the use of

nanoparticles and nanorobots, which are nanosized machines capable of carrying payloads like

drugs and genes performing various biomedical functions such as diagnosis and therapeutic

actions, and targeting specific disease sites. They can harness power from external power sources

(NIR light, ultrasound, magnetic driving force, etc) as well as utilize existing energy sources in a

biological system. The scientific principles behind nanorobots involve assembling and deploying

functional bio-machinery at a “nanoscale.” This scale of nanotechnology is defined by “the

National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) as approximately 1 to 100 nanometers.” (Gao, 2023)

For context, a cell surface receptor is about 40 nanometers, a DNA strand is around 2 nanometers

in diameter, and an albumin molecule is approximately 7 nanometers. (Gao, 2023) Microbiology

has been instrumental in the development of nanobiotechnology, particularly in the creation of

microrobots and nanorobots. However, their use in the vascular system is limited due to

transportation and propulsion challenges. To overcome this, magnetotactic bacteria like

Magnetococcus and Magnetospirillum are coupled with these robots. These bacteria contain

magnetosomes, which respond to magnetic fields and can guide the robots in the desired

direction. (Giri, 2021) At 0.5 μm (500 nanometers), the marine magnetotactic spirillum is the

smallest known species of magnetotactic bacteria, but due to their slow speed, magnetotactic

cocci are more practical for intravascular function. These bacteria-robot hybrids have potential

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uses in delivering therapeutic compounds or functioning as sensors. A two-component robotic

system has been proposed for navigating both large vessels and capillaries, with a larger robot

for transport in large vessels and a smaller one for capillaries. Nanorobots have found different

uses in many diverse fields from neurosurgery to dentistry and are increasingly being used in

cancer diagnosis and treatment. The transition from theoretical applications to real-world

implementations of nanorobots for cancer treatments has been significant over the years, with

progress from in vitro experiments to in vivo applications. (Gao, 2023) However, the journey of

nanorobots in medicine is not without its challenges. The sheer complexity of the human body

demonstrates a significant obstacle in the development of medicinal nanorobots. The body’s

various barriers can disrupt the movement and function of nanorobots. Additionally, concerns

about potential toxicity and long-term health effects make further research necessary to ensure

the safety and efficiency of nanorobots in medical applications. (Burak, 2023) Despite these

challenges, the field of nanomedicine still holds incredible promise for the advancement of

healthcare and treatment outcomes. The potential of nanorobots to revolutionize targeted

medicine, particularly for cancer treatment, is being “explored with optimism.” Other problems

that require assessment include high development costs, determining a constant power source for

the nanorobots, and integrating nanorobots into medical treatment and diagnosis with FDA

approval. (Nanotechnology Guidance Documents, 2018)

History

After its first introduction to the public in 1959, the utilization of nanotechnology in medicine

has been increasing ever since. (Nanotechnology: There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom –

Richard Feynman, n.d.) Nanotechnology, or mechanizations on the atomic level was announced

by famous scientist Richard Feynman at the American Physical Society meeting,

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which has been occurring every year since 1899. In his presentation to the crowd, Feynman

shared his revolutionary idea of creating nanoscopic contraptions capable of medical advances

that are on the molecular scale. Even though Feynman did not propose or exhibit an actual

prototype of his intention, he is regarded as the father of modern nanotechnology to the world as

a whole. Reaching into the 1960’s, the desire of nanotechnology to be used for medicinal

purposes did not show great improvement from the 1950’s. As would be expected, many

experiments and research was done after the thinking of scientists shifted from large-scale to

molecular scale. Electric circuits and many electronics as a whole were starting to be designed

based on the premise of making new inventions smaller. In the1970’s, the world was seeing no

enormous releases in terms of new nanotechnology products nor research to support or deny if

these types of mechanisms were possible for humans to create. The knowledge of this time

period in nanotechnology’s history was largely devoted to scientists Alfred Cho and Jon Arthur,

who worked together to create a process that was capable of forming single atomic layers.

Known as the Molecular beam epitaxy, the device, promoted by its popularity of being a

milestone in the history of molecular electronics, was capable of forming an atomic-sized

product of multiple layers of material. (McSwine, 2023) When functioning together as a whole,

all of the layers that were assembled to carry out specific functions would be able to hold a great

amount of storage. This new and improved model of nanotechnology did not conduct purposes

that were assistful to the enhancement in medicine, but instead gave humans a reference as to

what medical nanotechnology may appear as. Heading into the 1980’s, a time when technology

was advancing all around, renowned scientists Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Roher presented to the

people a new advancement known as the scanning tunneling microscope which became the first

tool that enabled individual atoms to be seen. (Quate, n.d.) Just five years later, in 1986, Gerd

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Binnig, Calvin Quate and Christopher Gerber shared an enhanced version of the recent

discovery, now identified by the name of the atomic force microscope. This microscope, unlike

the past one, allowed the atoms to not only be seen, but measured and manipulated at the same

time. This new found accomplishment permitted scientists to understand that if materials can be

maneuvered on the atomic scale, then functional products can be built from atoms as well. The

addition of a microscope that was capable of moving individual atoms was a great reach towards

the creation of medical nanotechnology. The 1990’s were the decade when nanotechnologies

were starting to be implemented in many household devices such as laptops and cameras. Also,

in 1991, scientist Iijima et al. discovered a material known as carbon nanotubes which were

believed to be helpful in the creation of nanotechnologies. These carbon nanotubes are both

strong and flexible, and are used to assist with the mechanical, electric and heat-related areas of

the products. (Quate, n.d.) They also showed possibilities of being able to assist with other areas

of electrical engineering as well. But, in the 2000s, human knowledge of medical

nanotechnology soared dramatically from what was known before. After endless research from

scientists, it was found that nanotechnology can play multiple roles in the lives of medical needs.

Nanotechnology can deliver drugs unlike any pill or medicine ever taken. The devices will carry

the drug through the body and deliver the medicine to the exact location where it is required, in

certain amounts, and even on a specific schedule. (Nano Based Drug Delivery Systems: Recent

Developments and Future Prospects - Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2018)

Future Technology

Over the next several decades, the medicinal goldmine of nanorobots will continue to

develop. Our proposed technology offers the potential to diagnose illness, bacterial infection, and

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cancerous growths faster than any currently known method while also providing grounds for

immediate intervention.

This feat can be achieved by three major components of these futuristic nanorobots:

artificial platelets, red blood cell membranes, and micro cameras. The initial two components are

formulated to replicate the roles of their counterparts, enabling the nanorobots to bind to

potential pathogens and neutralize toxins. However, these components' unique ability is their

function in neutralizing microscopic viruses by binding to them, which are typically capable of

bypassing the body’s natural defense mechanisms, including the cell membrane, without any

hindrance. (Nano Based Drug Delivery Systems: Recent Developments and Future Prospects -

Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2018)

Red cell membranes are used to conceal the nanorobots, aiding in preventing an immune

response. Although red blood cells themselves do not neutralize pathogens, the red blood cell

membrane can absorb and neutralize harmful toxins produced by bacteria and viruses. This is

largely due to their deformability and stability. (Esteban, 2018)

Artificial platelets provide the means for a detection mechanism, based on the concept of

molecular recognition. The delivery of artificial platelets, released by the nanorobots and further

facilitated by the circulatory system, enables the nanorobots to deliver synthetic antibodies that

match the antigen of the target cell. (Freitas & Kurzweil, n.d.)

The third major component, the micro camera, offers a crucial role in the overall

functionality of these nanorobots, as well as the ability to diagnose. It allows for precise

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navigation and real-time imaging within the body, enabling the nanorobots to reach specific

locations, such as sites of tumors, and perform targeted treatments. (I'mnovation Hub, 2020)

Two additional components contributing to the functionality of nanorobots are the power

supply and advanced sensors. Throughout the years energy sources have had a significant

decrease in size, enabling the development of compact and efficient power units that can sustain

the continuous operation of nanorobots within the human body. Two prime examples of such

energy storage technologies include nanoscale batteries and energy-harvesting mechanisms,

enabling the nanorobots to operate independently and efficiently for extended periods.

(McGovern, 2019)

The advanced sensors function in gathering live data about the body's internal

environment, contributing to the nanorobot’s ability to diagnose. An example of this would be

pH sensors, as they can help identify acidic conditions associated with certain diseases, while

temperature sensors aid in identifying areas of inflammation or infection. These sensors provide

crucial information for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatments. (Gao, 2023)

Nanorobots also utilize advanced navigation systems that allow them to navigate

complex and sophisticated structures of the human body. These navigation systems, inspired by

biological principles, mimic the capabilities of microorganisms to move through tissues and

fluids (biomimetic locomotion). Nano GPS-like technology allows for an accurate placement of

the nanorobots, enabling them to reach specific bodily sites flawlessly. (McSwine, 2023)

Furthermore, the coating of nanorobots is designed with adaptive materials (such as

polymers, lipid-based structures like liposomes, and smart hydrogels) that respond to

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environmental cues, including changes in temperature, pH, or specific biochemical signals. This

adaptability is crucial for evading the immune system and ensuring little to no interference with

the nanorobots active in the bloodstream. (Chemical Tunability of Advanced Materials Used in

the Fabrication of Micro/nanobots, n.d.)

To address concerns about potentially harmful side effects or misuse, various fail-safe

mechanisms, and programmed self-destruction protocols are implemented into the nanorobots.

For example, target-specific functionality allows nanorobots to only operate in specific locations,

deactivating upon completion of their task. Time-dependent self-destruction protocols may also

be employed, giving nanorobots a predetermined lifespan to prevent long-term effects. (Seppala,

2015)

Breakthroughs

In order for our technology to come to fruition, multiple breakthroughs are necessary to

fully realize the potential of nanorobots. Firstly, progress is necessary in the design and

development of the nanorobot’s components, specifically artificial platelets, red blood cell

membranes, and microcameras. Achieving an accurate replication of their natural counterparts'

roles whilst maintaining their unique capabilities, particularly in countering microscopic viruses,

requires a more precise engineering model and innovation in the material.

The strategy of concealing nanorobots with red blood cell membranes welcomes

possibilities for breakthroughs in immune evasion. The technique calls for improvement in both

the deformability and stability of nanorobots to consistently avoid immune responses. In addition

to this, developing efficient detection mechanisms based on molecular recognition for artificial

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platelets and engineering a feasible delivery system would also make for a major milestone.

(Oppermann, 2023)

On the topic of power supply, the ongoing trend of minimizing energy sources,

demonstrated by nanoscale batteries and energy-harvesting mechanisms, represents a

breakthrough in sustaining the nanorobot’s operations within the human body for extended

periods of time. However, these advancements need further optimization for enhanced energy

efficiency and longevity. (McGovern, 2019)

The role of advanced sensors in real-time data gathering is critical for accurate diagnosis.

Breakthroughs in sensor technologies, especially in pH and temperature sensors, are of incredible

importance for identifying specific disease conditions and areas of inflammation or infection,

contributing to a more precise and targeted course of treatment. (Gao, 2023)

The adaptation of nanorobot coatings with adaptive materials is another critical aspect

that requires breakthroughs. Advancing polymers, lipid-based structures, and smart hydrogels to

respond efficiently to environmental cues, such as changes in temperature, pH, or biochemical

signals, is vital for ensuring the nanorobots' adaptability, aiding in evading the immune system.

(Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Smart Hydrogels, n.d.)

To address ethical concerns and potential misuse, breakthroughs in fail-safe mechanisms

and programmed self-destruction protocols are vital. Developing foolproof target-specific

functionality and time-dependent self-destruction protocols will be crucial to ensure nanorobots'

safe and responsible deployment in medical applications. (Strong et al., 2012)

Design Process

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 At first, we thought of a simple nano robot that could detect pathogens and viruses by

programming the robot to look for certain viruses in the blood so once detected, the robot could

alert an app in your phone or a program sent to your doctor so a treatment plan could be

developed but then, after talking to our teachers we realized that if the robot did detect a virus

already in the system and alerts your phone or doctor, it could cause an alarm. Hundreds of

single-cell viruses could be detected in the body, there would not be cause for concern until the

virus bypasses the natural immune system.

Then we thought of a more complex system with cameras all around the robot and a

system that watches over the film live to help any cells that appear dangerous. Once a virus cell

has been detected the nanorobot would send a signal to the immune system to activate an

immune response to help regulate the presence of the virus. After thinking, we realized that cells

have many different shapes and their shape does not determine if it's dangerous or not. If the

nanorobot determines a cell is dangerous, but in reality, it is crucial or harmless to the body, the

immune system could attack the cell and any other cell similar, destroying anything beneficial

that cell could have been doing for the body.

Afterward, we thought of attaching a program that can detect slight changes to the

blood’s environment then once the robot detects a change, it flows through the blood finding the

source of the change, assessing if the change was caused or could cause something that affects

the health of its user. This idea was clever but the response to the environmental change was the

issue. The body could have multiple changes all at once, even if the user has multiple nanorobots

in their body, the robots could all respond to the one specific change, leading back to the one

specific choice.

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 In the end, our team came up with a nanorobot that can use artificial platelets that aid the

robot in detecting harmful toxins. The platelets rely on molecular recognition to detect pathogens

which is better than relying on imaging. Once detected the robots use micro cameras to allow for

precise navigation and imaging making the robot’s diagnosis more accurate to avoid (With the

usage of multiple nanorobots) misdirection of robots, causing an overstock of robots in one

concern site, and an understock of robots in another. The nanorobot would treat harmful toxins

utilizing its red blood cells’ membranes, preventing the user, or their doctor, from being alarmed.

Consequences

It is widely recognized that any new technologies or innovations introduced to society will have

both backlash and acceptance by many. This is due to either the presence of fear in one or, on the

opposing side, the desire for something new in one’s life. The idea of implementing

nanotechnology or robots on the molecular level into someone’s body would cause a disturbance

and major concern.

Two significant concepts of the nanorobot that permit it to carry out its function are the

nano camera, as well as the sensors all around the exterior of the technology. But, to allow these

devices to function with this technology, there must be an energy source to provide long-range

operation, especially in a person who is very ill. This energy source must be in the form of a

nano battery. This is when a possible consequence becomes acknowledged and thought upon. To

allow the nanorobots to function, there must be great sums of them, since they are so tiny and

individually, will not operate as well as in large masses. Since there will be great sums of the

robots, large amounts of energy will be required. This results in there being many nano batteries

in one’s body as long as they have the robots present. Batteries themselves already present a

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grave danger to health on the exterior of the body due to the acid that they hold within them. If

battery acid is to leak onto the skin, then that skin will face very serious burns that will last long

periods. Now, we are considering placing very large quantities of batteries, evidently not as great

in size, into the bloodstream of humans. In current times, the risk of a battery leaking is very slim

because of new technologies, however, it will never be impossible. Any volume of battery acid

that leaks from a battery can cause severe harm to the tissue of the veins, arteries, or capillaries,

and can even burn a hole through the transport tube, causing severe damage. The possible risk of

allowing the nanorobots to travel throughout the body is not great, yet there is always risk

associated with new devices, particularly in the medical field where they have direct contact with

the internal body.

The other consequence that could arise from the introduction of this technology to society

is that a vast majority of people will not want to utilize nanorobots for treatment. Already in

present-day times, nearly half of all people have a fear recognized as pharmacophobia or fear of

medications. That statistic only factors in the medications that are widely known such as in pill

form, not medical technologies. Based on that information, it can be assumed that if so many

people already refuse to use basic medications, then nanorobots are not going to be brought in

with open arms. That percentage of people can jump up to most likely around sixty-five percent

of those who will not consider nanotechnology. Fear is what drives the human mind to take

action or not take action in certain situations. As one can see, fear is already a major factor in

determining if people will take medications or not.

The ideas and purpose behind the medical nanorobots make complete sense and cause the

future to look bright. But, after considering both the positives and consequences of

nanotechnology in humans, many could be turned away from considering this viable option.

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