Micro/Nanomotors Actively Penetrate Physiological Barriers: Basic Nanoarchitectonics to Practical Application

S Si Huang (GBRCE for Functional Molecular Engineering, LIFM, IGCME, School of Chemistry) B Bowen Liu (College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering) F Fei Peng (School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University) Y Yong Wang S Shuai Han (Key Laboratory for Renewable Energy, Beijing Key Laboratory for New Energy Materials and Devices, Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics) Y Yingfeng Tu (National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University)

Abstract

Abstract Micro/nano technology offers advantages such as higher adsorption efficiency and lower toxicity in drug delivery; however, passive systems that depend on passive distribution face challenges in penetrating physiological barriers. In contrast, micro/nanomotors (MNMs) with self‐propulsion capabilities powered by energy sources like chemical reactions and physical fields show great potential for enhancing barrier penetration. Their active motion facilitates stronger tissue interaction and improves efficiency in crossing strict physiological barriers designed to protect vital areas but hinder drug delivery under abnormal conditions. This manuscript provides a critical introduction to MNMs‐based drug delivery systems, reviews recent advances in overcoming physiological barriers and targeted drug delivery, and summarizes the challenges and future research priorities, aiming to offer guidelines for further development. With continuous innovation, MNMs represent a promising strategy to enhance targeted drug delivery efficiency across physiological barriers.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 6
Published January 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (6)

S

Si Huang

GBRCE for Functional Molecular Engineering, LIFM, IGCME, School of Chemistry

B

Bowen Liu

College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

F

Fei Peng

School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University

Y

Yong Wang

S

Shuai Han

Key Laboratory for Renewable Energy, Beijing Key Laboratory for New Energy Materials and Devices, Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics

Y

Yingfeng Tu

National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University