Biodegradable Acoustic Microrobots for Imaging-Guided Rapid Thrombotic Lesion Reperfusion

Thrombotic lesions are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, yet existing thrombolytic therapies suffer from limited efficacy and high risk of hemorrhagic complications. We present a biodegradable microrobotic system composed of hydroxyapatite nanoflower microrobots (HAp-MRs) designed for targeted drug delivery and recanalization via concurrent acoustic actuation and real-time optoacoustic imaging feedback. We demonstrate active steering and precise control of HAp-MRs in the murine brain vasculature in vivo via an open-loop control interface and achieve targeted drug delivery and improved clot dissolution within seconds potentially saving billions of synapses and millions of neurons. We further show successful image-guided navigation and acoustic trapping through a human skull bone ex vivo. These results establish a fully integrated microrobotic platform for minimally invasive neurovascular interventions, offering a potential adjunct to catheter-based thrombectomy for inaccessible or treatment-resistant thrombotic lesions.