Sending miniature robots deep inside the human skull to treat brain disorders has long been the stuff of science fiction — but it could soon become reality, according to a California start-up.

Bionaut Labs plans its first clinical trials on humans in just two years for its tiny injectable robots, which can be carefully guided through the brain using magnets. "The idea of the micro robot came about way before I was born," said co-founder and CEO Michael Shpigelmacher. [1]

Figure 1. California start-up sends tiny robots on voyage into brains

Figure 1 shows magnetic coils placed outside the patient's skull are linked up to a computer that can remotely and delicately maneuver the micro-robot into the affected part of the brain, before removing it via the same route. The entire apparatus is easily transportable, unlike an MRI, and uses 10 to 100 times less electricity. [2]

'You're stuck'

In a simulation watched by AFP, the robot — a metal cylinder just a few millimeters long, in the shape of a tiny bullet — slowly follows a pre-programed trajectory through a gel-filled container, which emulates the density of the human brain.

Once it nears a pouch filled with blue liquid, the robot is swiftly propelled like a rocket and pierces the sack with its pointed end, allowing liquid to flow out.

Inventors hope to use the robot to pierce fluid-filled cysts within the brain when clinical trials begin in two years. [2]

Heat’

Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Bionaut Labs approvals that pave the way for clinical trials to treat Dandy-Walker syndrome, as well as malignant gliomas, cancerous brain tumors that they are often considered inoperable.

In the latter case, microrobots will be used to inject anticancer drugs directly into brain tumors in a “surgical attack.”

Existing treatment methods involve bombarding the entire body with drugs, leading to potentially serious side effects and loss of efficacy, Shpigelmacher said.

Micro-robots can also take measurements and collect tissue samples while inside the brain. [3]

References:

1. https://newslogic.in/science/california-startup-bionaut-labs-wants-to-send-tiny-robots-inside-human-skull-to-treat-brain-disorders
2. https://gadgets360.com/science/features/bionaut-labs-tiny-robot-inside-human-skull-treat-brain-disorder-2885345
3. https://newzflash.in/california-startup-bionaut-labs-wants-to-send-tiny-robots-inside-the-human-skull-to-treat-brain-disorders/

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), California start-up sends tiny robots on voyage into brains, Anatechmaz, pp.150