journal article·2026-06-16

Biodegradable Core–Shell Magnetic Microrobots With High Cell Capacity for Precise Co‐Delivery of Stem Cells and Bioactive Molecules

Tan Tang, Han Gao, Lanyu Xing, Yongyan Hu, Yuqiong Wang, Hongxing Jia, Penghui Nie, Qiuting Zhang, Tujun Weng, Ye Xu

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Cell‐loaded magnetic microrobots hold promise for the targeted delivery of stem cells in tissue regeneration. However, achieving high cell‐loading capacity alongside effective co‐delivery of functional bioactive molecules remains a major challenge. Herein, we present a biodegradable magnetic microrobot featuring a core–shell architecture, designed to co‐deliver stem cells and bioactive molecules. These microrobots are fabricated using a rotation‐induced inertial focusing technique, which allows control over their size and morphology while significantly enhancing cell‐loading capacity. The core, composed of a biodegradable magnetic microsphere (MMS), enables external magnetic navigation and sustained drug release, while the outer shell, formed by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), ensures therapeutic viability. The microrobots demonstrate robust magnetic maneuverability and spatial control even in complex and viscous environments. We validated their efficacy in both a rabbit in vivo model and an ex vivo human cartilage model, where co‐delivery of MSCs and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β) led to significant improvements in cartilage repair and functional tissue regeneration. This biodegradable core–shell microrobot offers a scalable, multifunctional platform for efficient co‐delivery of cells and bioactive molecules, with strong potential for clinical translation in regenerative medicine.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Micro and Nano Robotics · Soft Robotics and Applications · 3D Printing in Biomedical Research

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Affiliations

School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation Beihang University Beijing China

Hangzhou International Innovation Institute Beihang University Hangzhou China

Laboratory Animal Center Peking University First Hospital Beijing China

Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China

Senior Department of Orthopaedics the Fourth Medical Centre Chinese PLA General Hospital Beijing P. R. China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities · National Key Research and Development Program of China

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