CuS nanodots-loaded biohybrid magnetic helical microrobots with enhanced photothermal performance

Magnetic helical microrobots swimming at low Reynolds numbers have attracted much interest because of their great potentials for biomedical applications. However, to endow them with sophisticated function integration toward targeted disease treatment still remains a major challenge. Here, we proposed a novel strategy of using Spirulina scaffolds to fabricate biohybrid magnetic helical microrobot (BMHM) with enhanced photothermal performance to fight against cancer cells and pathogenic bacteria. For the first time, CuS nanodots were densely and uniformly loaded intracellularly inside Spirulina cells after permeabilization, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were subsequently deposited on the cell walls for magnetization. The BMHMs could be actuated forward at a high velocity and flexibly steered under rotating magnetic fields. Rapid and great photothermal temperature raise with robust cycling stability was achieved under 808 nm near-infrared laser irradiation. The BMHMs showed good biocompatibility with minor toxicity to HeLa cancer cells and Escherichia coli bacteria. Moreover, significant photothermal performance was further verified via a series of experiments for anticancer therapy and bacteria killing. Because of the remarkable features and facile cost-effective fabrication, the BMHMs demonstrated great potentials as an integrated microrobot platform for future anticancer and antibacteria applications.