Interfacial strain engineering in ferroic nanomembranes can broaden the scope of ferroic nanomembrane assembly as well as facilitate the engineering of multiferroic-based devices with enhanced functionalities. Geometrical engineering in these material systems enables the realization of 3-D architectures with unconventional physical properties. Here, 3-D multiferroic architectures are introduced by incorporating barium titanate (BaTiO₃, BTO) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄, CFO) bilayer nanomembranes. Using photolithography and substrate etching techniques, complex 3-D microarchitectures including helices, arcs, and kirigami-inspired frames are developed. These 3-D architectures exhibit remarkable mechanical deformation capabilities, which can be attributed to the superelastic behavior of the membranes and geometric configurations. It is also demonstrated that dynamic shape reconfiguration of these nanomembrane architectures under electron beam exposure showcases their potential as electrically actuated microgrippers and for other micromechanical applications. This research highlights the versatility and promise of multi-dimensional ferroic nanomembrane architectures in the fields of micro actuation, soft robotics, and adaptive structures, paving the way for incorporating these architectures into stimulus-responsive materials and devices.

M. Kim, D. Kim, M. Mirjolet, N. A. Shepelin, T. Lippert, H. Choi, J. Puigmartí-Luis, B. J. Nelson, X.-Z. Chen, S. Pané, Shape-Morphing in Oxide Ceramic Kirigami Nanomembranes. Adv. Mater. 2024, 2404825. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202404825

Magnetic navigation systems are used to precisely manipulate magnetically responsive materials enabling the realization of new minimally invasive procedures using magnetic medical devices. Their widespread applicability has been constrained by high infrastructure demands and costs. The study reports on a portable electromagnetic navigation system, the Navion, which is capable of generating a large magnetic field over a large workspace. The system is easy to install in hospital operating rooms and transportable through health care facilities, aiding in the widespread adoption of magnetically responsive medical devices. First, the design and implementation approach for the system are introduced and its performance is characterized. Next, in vitro navigation of different microrobot structures is demonstrated using magnetic field gradients and rotating magnetic fields. Spherical permanent magnets, electroplated cylindrical microrobots, microparticle swarms, and magnetic composite bacteria-inspired helical structures are investigated. The navigation of magnetic catheters is also demonstrated in two challenging endovascular tasks: 1) an angiography procedure and 2) deep navigation within the circle of Willis. Catheter navigation is demonstrated in a porcine model in vivo to perform an angiography under magnetic guidance.

S. Gervasoni, N. Pedrini, T. Rifai, C. Fischer, F. C. Landers, M. Mattmann, R. Dreyfus, S. Viviani, A. Veciana, E. Masina, B. Aktas, J. Puigmartí-Luis, C. Chautems, S. Pané, Q. Boehler, P. Gruber, B. J. Nelson, A Human-Scale Clinically Ready Electromagnetic Navigation System for Magnetically Responsive Biomaterials and Medical Devices. Adv. Mater. 2024, 2310701 https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202310701

Soft materials play a crucial role in small-scale robotic applications by closely mimicking the complex motion and morphing behavior of organisms. However, conventional fabrication methods face challenges in creating highly integrated small-scale soft devices. In this study, microfluidics is leveraged to precisely control reaction-diffusion (RD) processes to generate multifunctional and compartmentalized calcium-cross-linkable alginate-based microfibers. Under RD conditions, sophisticated alginate-based fibers are produced for magnetic soft continuum robotics applications with customizable features, such as geometry (compact or hollow), degree of cross-linking, and the precise localization of magnetic nanoparticles (inside the core, surrounding the fiber, or on one side). This fine control allows for tuning the stiffness and magnetic responsiveness of the microfibers. Additionally, chemically cleavable regions within the fibers enable disassembly into smaller robotic units or roll-up structures under a rotating magnetic field. These findings demonstrate the versatility of microfluidics in processing highly integrated small-scale devices.

L. Hertle, S. Sevim, J. Zhu, V. Pustovalov, A. Veciana, J. Llacer-Wintle, F. C. Landers, H. Ye, X.-Z. Chen, H. Vogler, U. Grossniklaus, J. Puigmartí-Luis, B. J. Nelson, S. Pané, A Naturally Inspired Extrusion-Based Microfluidic Approach for Manufacturing Tailorable Magnetic Soft Continuum Microrobotic Devices. Adv. Mater. 2024, 36, 2402309. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202402309

Treating vascular diseases in the brain requires access to the affected region inside the body. This is usually accomplished through a minimally invasive technique that involves the use of long, thin devices, such as wires and tubes, that are manually maneuvered by a clinician within the bloodstream. By pushing, pulling, and twisting, these devices are navigated through the tortuous pathways of the blood vessels. The outcome of the procedure heavily relies on the clinician’s skill and the device’s ability to navigate to the affected target region in the bloodstream, which is often inhibited by tortuous blood vessels. Sharp turns require high flexibility, but this flexibility inhibits translation of proximal insertion to distal tip advancement. We present a highly dexterous, magnetically steered continuum robot that overcomes pushability limitations through rotation. A helical protrusion on the device’s surface engages with the vessel wall and translates rotation to forward motion at every point of contact. An articulating magnetic tip allows for active steerability, enabling navigation from the aortic arch to millimeter-sized arteries of the brain. The effectiveness of the magnetic continuum robot has been demonstrated through successful navigation in models of the human vasculature and in blood vessels of a live pig.

Dreyfus R, Boehler Q, Lyttle S, Gruber P, Lussi J, Chautems C, Gervasoni S, Berberat J, Seibold D, Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Reinehr M, Weisskopf M, Remonda L, Nelson BJ. Dexterous helical magnetic robot for improved endovascular access. 2024 Feb ETH Research Collection https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000659728

In modern athlete assessment, the integration of conventional biochemical and ergophysiologic monitoring with innovative methods like telomere analysis, genotyping/phenotypic profiling, and metabolomics has the potential to offer a comprehensive understanding of athletes’ performance and potential longevity. Telomeres provide insights into cellular functioning, aging, and adaptation and elucidate the effects of training on cellular health. Genotype/phenotype analysis explores genetic variations associated with athletic performance, injury predisposition, and recovery needs, enabling personalization of training plans and interventions. Metabolomics especially focusing on low-molecular weight metabolites, reveal metabolic pathways and responses to exercise. Biochemical tests assess key biomarkers related to energy metabolism, inflammation, and recovery. Essential elements depict the micronutrient status of the individual, which is critical for optimal performance. Echocardiography provides detailed monitoring of cardiac structure and function, while burnout testing evaluates psychological stress, fatigue, and readiness for optimal performance. By integrating this scientific testing battery, a multidimensional understanding of athlete health status can be achieved, leading to personalized interventions in training, nutrition, supplementation, injury prevention, and mental wellness support. This scientifically rigorous approach hereby presented holds significant potential for improving athletic performance and longevity through evidence-based, individualized interventions, contributing to advances in the field of sports performance optimization.

Spanakis Marios, Fragkiadaki Persefoni, Renieri Elisavet, Vakonaki Elena, Fragkiadoulaki Irene, Alegakis Athanasios, Kiriakakis Mixalis, Panagiotou Nikolaos, Ntoumou Eleni, Gratsias Ioannis, Zoubaneas Evangelos, Morozova Galina Dmitrievna, Ovchinnikova Marina Alekseevna, Tsitsimpikou Christina, Tsarouhas Konstantinos, Drakoulis Nikolaos, Skalny Anatoly Viktorovich, Tsatsakis Aristides, Advancing athletic assessment by integrating conventional methods with cutting-edge biomedical technologies for comprehensive performance, wellness, and longevity insights. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 2024 Jan;2024

DOI 10.3389/fspor.2023.1327792

Magnetic microrobots have been developed for navigating microscale environments by means of remote magnetic fields. However, limited propulsion speeds at small scales remain an issue in the maneuverability of these devices as magnetic force and torque are proportional to their magnetic volume. Here, a microrobotic superstructure is proposed, which, as analogous to a supramolecular system, consists of two or more microrobotic units that are interconnected and organized through a physical (transient) component (a polymeric frame or a thread). The superstructures consist of microfabricated magnetic helical micromachines interlocked by a magnetic gelatin nanocomposite containing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). While the microhelices enable the motion of the superstructure, the IONPs serve as heating transducers for dissolving the gelatin chassis via magnetic hyperthermia. In a practical demonstration, the superstructure’s motion with a gradient magnetic field in a large channel, the disassembly of the superstructure and release of the helical micromachines by a high-frequency alternating magnetic field, and the corkscrew locomotion of the released helices through a small channel via a rotating magnetic field, is showcased. This adaptable microrobotic superstructure reacts to different magnetic inputs, which can be used to perform complex delivery procedures within intricate regions of the human body.

F. C. Landers, V. Gantenbein, L. Hertle, A. Veciana, J. Llacer-Wintle, X.-Z. Chen, H. Ye, C. Franco, J. Puigmartí-Luis, M. Kim, B. J. Nelson, S. Pané, “On-Command Disassembly of Microrobotic Superstructures for Transport and Delivery of Magnetic Micromachines. Adv. Mater. 2023, 2310084. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202310084