In future, milli-spinners could help treat blood clots.
Now, a Canadian research team has turned its attention to kidney stones. The research team’s soft robot, made from gelatine, contains magnetic particles and the enzyme urease.
Once the 1mm thin, 12mm long robot strip has entered the urinary tract via a catheter, it can be moved into place in the renal pelvis using ultrasound images and an exterior magnet.
The enzyme helps break down the kidney stones and is effective for 3 months. Any waste is removed through the catheter bag. Tests on a 3D-printed kidney model with artificial urine showed a substantial reduction of kidney stones was possible within 5 days.
Magnetic robots can also inspect tiny bronchial tubes.
