Infertility impacts approximately 186 million people worldwide, with fallopian tube obstruction contributing to 11%-67% of female infertility cases. To address this widespread issue, a team of researchers has developed a cutting-edge solution: a magnetically controlled robotic microscrew designed to treat blockages in the fallopian tubes.
Developed by the SIAT Magnetic Soft Microrobots Lab in Guangdong, China, the microrobot is crafted from nonmagnetic photosensitive resin and coated with a thin layer of iron to give it magnetic properties. When subjected to an external magnetic field, the robot rotates, creating translational motion that enables it to navigate through a glass channel simulating the human fallopian tube. In experiments, the robot effectively removed a cell cluster obstruction from the channel, mimicking common blockages found in the female reproductive system. This magnetic control allows for precise movement within the delicate, narrow passages of the fallopian tubes.
The design of the microrobot is another breakthrough in its field. It features a screw-shaped body with a helical structure, a cylindrical central tube, and a disk-shaped tail. The helical structure plays a crucial role in propulsion, while the disk-shaped tail stabilizes the robot’s movement. As the screw rotates, it creates a vortex field that pushes debris toward the tail, efficiently clearing the blockage.
In a study published in AIP Advances, the microrobot demonstrated impressive effectiveness in clearing simulated blockages. The rotating screw generated a vortex that successfully moved debris away from the obstruction. The next step for the research team is to miniaturize the microrobot further and enhance its capabilities. They also plan to test the robot in isolated organ models and integrate real-time in vivo imaging systems to monitor its movement and positioning during procedures.
The research team envisions expanding the robot’s applications to broader surgical contexts, including the development of automated control systems that could improve the efficiency of blockage removal and other medical treatments.
“This new technology offers a potentially less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods for clearing tubal obstructions, which typically involve conventional catheters and guidewires,” said Haifeng Xu, one of the authors of the study. “The goal is to provide a more effective and minimally invasive solution for individuals experiencing infertility.”
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