Researchers have invented a non-invasive way for thousands of
nanometer-sized robots to perform tissue biopsies. Developed by
Professor David Gracias
at Johns Hopkins University, these starfish-shaped robots are able to
enter the body, collect a minuscule tissue sample, then be extracted by a
doctor.These tiny devices are made of materials that react to things like temperature, pH level, and even certain enzymes. Once this material comes into contact with its designated stimuli, it reacts and changes shape, essentially allowing the tiny robot to “grab” a small piece of tissue.
For example, thousands of robots made of a material that react to warm temperature could be inserted into the colon. These devices will eventually come into contact with warm tissue, and change shape in order to collect a tissue sample.
While not all of the robots will successfully take a sample, the researchers say that about one-third of them will successfully capture tissue, which is more than enough for an accurate sample.