Neuronal membrane-functionalized biohybrid microrobots for active decontamination of neurotoxins in aqueous environments

Summary

This study addresses the removal of tetrodotoxin (TTX), a potent neurotoxin, from aquatic environments. The researchers developed a biohybrid microrobot by coating the motile green alga Micromonas pusilla with neuronal membranes that contain TTX-binding sodium channels. The resulting 'algae-NNP-robot' actively swims through water and captures TTX on-the-fly, achieving up to 95.83% neutralization in buffer within 12 hours. It also effectively penetrates and detoxifies confined 3D porous networks simulating riverbeds and seabeds, where passive methods fail. Performance remains robust across a wide range of pH (5–9), temperature (5–35 °C), and dissolved oxygen levels. The work demonstrates that combining biological propulsion with receptor-mediated binding enables efficient, selective, and adaptable neurotoxin decontamination, though field-scale deployment, ecological safety, and long-term stability remain to be addressed.