Microrobots Repair Spinal Cord Injuries

Researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich have developed biohybrid microrobots, called NPCbots, to treat spinal cord injuries. These microrobots combine neural progenitor cells with magnetoelectric nanoparticles, allowing them to be guided magnetically to injury sites and stimulate nerve cell regeneration. In animal experiments on zebrafish and mice, the NPCbots significantly improved motor function and reconnected nerve cells. This minimally invasive approach eliminates the need for implanted electrodes, making treatment safer and more precise. The research, published in Nature Materials, shows promising results for future human applications and potential expansion into other biomedical fields like cardiology and oncology.