Picoeukaryote-based biohybrid microrobots for active delivery in the kidney

Summary

This study explores whether tiny motile picoeukaryotes (Micromonas pusilla) can serve as self-propelled cargo carriers for active drug delivery in confined biological spaces, particularly the kidney. The biohybrid microrobots maintained strong motility through narrow 2D channels and complex 3D porous networks in vitro. In vivo, after injection into mouse kidneys, they achieved deep tissue penetration, uniform distribution, and retention for over 48 hours while resisting blood flow shear and immune clearance, with no evident toxicity. The findings establish a proof of concept for using picoeukaryote-based microrobots for sustained, active delivery in the kidney and potentially other hard-to-access microenvironments.