Micromotors assisted in vivo dopamine polymerization for anti-tumor therapy

Abstract

Constructing non-invasive microsystems for targeted in vivo polymerization remains challenging. In this study, we engineered a micromotor with natural microalgae as templates for loading magnetic nanoparticles and dopamine. These motors reach target tumor under magnetic field guidance, where external ultrasound actuation subsequently induces dopamine in vivo polymerization, forming a polydopamine coating that encapsulates the tumor. This encapsulation blocks interaction with the external environment and induces tumor apoptosis. This approach not only proposes micromotor loading endogenous dopamine ink for targeted and localized polymerization, circumventing the toxicity issues typically related to monomer ink diffusion, but also demonstrates in vivo polymerization effectiveness within the tumor microenvironment. Natural algae exhibit favorable biodegradability in vivo, ensuring that the micromotors safely degrade after their therapeutic function is completed. In summary, the wirelessly controlled micromotors induced in vivo polymerization represents a safe and effective therapeutic option for malignant tumors.