Microscopic dynamics of cytobots

Abstract

Conventional intracellular micromanipulation, for light microscopy, necessitates invasive measures of examination. This can cause disruption, and hence, concomitant damage, to cell membranes and residing subcellular structures. In this paper, we explore less disruptive, and more maneuverable, intracellular robotic micro-manipulators (IRMs) that we call cytobots - the synthesis of which depends on modern techniques of nanobiology and nanotechnology. These innate devices could be introduced into a living cell a priori by injection, ingestion (phagocytosis), or, even ballistics, and contain in situ moving actuators or other tools. Utilizing techniques originally developed for magnetic cell rheology, recent advances in 3D magneto-optical force microscopy offers the potential to affect cytobot motility and tracking. Furthermore, functional actuation and manipulation for cytobot deployment are considered via biomimetics and biogenics. This effort overviews the engineering practice and dynamic modeling essential to the realization of cytobots.