#Hong Kong #nanotechnology #Hong Kong Baptist University #Nanorobots

New Breakthrough in Nanotechnology

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has spearheaded an innovative project that promises to redefine how pollutants and harmful bacteria are addressed in various environments. A cutting-edge research team created a multifunctional nanorobot that stands at the forefront of nanotechnology, offering a groundbreaking solution for pollution degradation and bacterial removal. With its unique design and capabilities, this nanorobot is set to have broad applications in fields such as biomedicine and sewage management.

The Challenge of Chemical Pollution

Chemical pollution, along with pathogenic bacteria and biofilm formation, poses substantial health risks to communities worldwide. The scientific community has recognized the need for effective solutions. Despite advancements in nanotechnology to create platforms with catalytic and antibacterial properties, developing a controllable nanorobot with precise targeting and propulsion has been a daunting challenge.

The team, led by Professor Ken Leung Cham-fai from the HKBU Department of Chemistry, collaborated with experts from the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei University of Technology, and Anhui Medical University's First Affiliated Hospital. Together, they designed a nanorobot capable of efficiently breaking down organic pollutants, demonstrating remarkable antibacterial properties, and effectively removing biofilms.

Design and Functionality of the Nanorobot

The multifunctional nanorobot features a sophisticated hollow spherical structure composed of various materials, each serving a unique purpose:

• - Core Component: The core comprises iron oxide, which is a magnetic material allowing the manipulation of the nanorobot's movement through the application of magnetic fields. This enables precise navigation along predetermined paths.
• - Middle Layer: Incorporated with silver and gold bi-metallic nanorods, this layer acts as a catalyst to foster chemical reactions that aid in the breakdown of organic pollutants while inhibiting or disrupting bacterial function.
• - Outer Layer: Made from polydopamine, a biocompatible material, this layer serves to protect and stabilize the inner components.
• - Mesoporous Structure: The nanorobot features a large cavity that can serve as a drug carrier, further enhancing its potential applications.

Laboratory Success Stories

In laboratory experiments, the research team simulated miniature wastewater pools to evaluate the effectiveness of their innovative creation. Guided by magnetic forces, the nanorobots moved skillfully to designated chambers and remained there for one minute. The results were striking – the levels of organic pollutants such as 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue were significantly reduced in these tests, demonstrating the nanorobot's efficacy in tackling pollution.

Beyond pollutant degradation, the team discovered that these nanorobots also possess noteworthy antibacterial capabilities. By loading the nanorobots with zinc phthalocyanine, they were able to examine the antibacterial impacts of silver and gold against common bacteria like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Through the application of magnetic fields and various light sources, including near-infrared lasers and xenon lamps, the nanorobots achieved an impressive bacterial inhibition rate of up to 99.99%.

Moreover, the magnetic propulsion capabilities of these nanorobots facilitate the effective removal of bacterial biofilms. Tests conducted in controlled environments showed that the introduction of nanorobots into biofilm formations, coupled with magnetic and light exposure, resulted in remarkable disruption and clearance of biofilms.

Future Implications

Professor Ken Leung Cham-fai stated, "Our research highlights the multifunctional nanorobot's precise catalytic abilities, high antibacterial activity, and significant biofilm removal properties. With magnetic field navigation, this technology allows targeted pollutant degradation and antibacterial actions in a controlled manner. It hints at immense potential for applications in sewage treatment, biomedicine, and more."

This innovative creation could revolutionize how we tackle environmental and health challenges, presenting a promising avenue for future research and application. The team’s findings have been published in the esteemed journal Advanced Healthcare Materials, reflecting the significance of this advancement in science and technology. As research continues, the impact of these multifunctional nanorobots may soon become an integral part of strategies aimed at improving public health and environmental sustainability.