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Magnetic Micro-Robots Target Sinus Infections in Promising Animal Trials

Activated by light under magnetic guidance, hair-thin robots cleared infections in animal tests without damaging tissue; they may reach hospitals in three to five years.

Tiny robots could soon tackle sinus infections from inside your nose, offering targeted relief without the need for extra medicines.
Representational image: Microbots could be used to treat sinuses.
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Overview

  • Scientists introduced hair-thin micro-robots into the sinus cavity through a fine tube and used external magnets to steer them to infection sites.
  • Once in position, the robots are heated by light delivered through an optical fiber, triggering reactions that break down bacterial defenses.
  • Recent animal tests showed complete infection clearance, safe extraction via nasal expulsion, and no damage to surrounding tissue.
  • The drug-free approach could curb antibiotic use and combat rising resistance by focusing treatment solely on infected areas.
  • Developers are expanding trials to target infections in the bladder, intestines, and around implants while addressing potential risks of residual robots ahead of human testing.