Advancements in Biobots: Carnegie Mellon University Develops AggreBots from Human Lung Cells

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University’s Ren lab have introduced a novel approach to creating "designer" biological robots, termed AggreBots, utilizing human lung cells. This innovation aims to enhance targeted drug delivery by enabling these microscale living robots to navigate complex bodily environments. The findings were published in the journal *Science Advances*.

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AggreBots are a type of biobot that operates through a unique mechanism involving cilia—tiny, hair-like structures that facilitate movement in various biological systems. Traditional biobots have relied on muscle fibers for movement, but the Ren lab's research focuses on controlling the motility of cilia-powered biobots, referred to as CiliaBots. The challenge has been achieving precise control over the shape and structure of these cilia to dictate their movement effectively.

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The Ren lab has developed a modular assembly strategy that allows for the spatially controlled aggregation of tissue spheroids derived from lung stem cells. This method enables the incorporation of stem cell spheroids with specific genetic mutations that render certain cilia nonfunctional, thereby allowing researchers to manipulate the distribution and functionality of cilia on the biobot's surface.

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The implications of AggreBots are significant. They can be engineered from a patient’s own cells, minimizing the risk of immune rejection and paving the way for personalized therapeutic delivery systems. The biodegradable and biocompatible nature of these biobots suggests they could be directly applied in medical settings, enhancing the efficacy of treatments.

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Xi (Charlie) Ren, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, emphasized the importance of motility in therapeutic delivery, stating, “Motility matters, because the body is a complex environment. Cellular delivery of therapeutics has great potential, but without a proper propulsion mechanism, cells can easily get stuck.” He expressed excitement about the potential uses of CiliaBots, which range from understanding environmental health impacts to facilitating in vivo therapeutic delivery.

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Victoria Webster-Wood, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, noted that the AggreBots approach introduces a new design dimension for biobots, allowing for the creation of robots with specific mobility patterns.

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The development of AggreBots represents a significant advancement in the field of bioengineering, with the potential to revolutionize drug delivery systems. As researchers continue to refine the control mechanisms for these biobots, their applications in personalized medicine and therapeutic interventions may become increasingly viable.

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• “We’re pushing forward an alternative method of powering biobot tissues with our AggreBots,” — Bhattaram, Researcher

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• “From helping us understand the health impact of environmental hazards to facilitating in vivo therapeutic delivery, CiliaBots have a swath of potential uses, and it’s exciting to be part of their evolution.” — Xi (Charlie) Ren, Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering

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• “The Aggrebots approach adds a new design dimension to these types of biobots and biohybrid robots,” — Victoria Webster-Wood, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

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