Intelligent Magnetic Microrobots with Fluorescent Internal Memory for Monitoring Intragastric Acidity

• Published in: Advanced functional materials 2024-07, Vol.34 (29), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Senthilnathan, N., Oral, Cagatay M., Novobilsky, Adam, Pumera, Martin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological activity; Biomonitoring; fluorescence sensing; Fluorescent indicators; gastric pH monitoring; Gastrointestinal system; Iron oxides; magnetic microrobots; Medical imaging; Microparticles; Microrobots; pH response; Protonation; Switching
• ISSN: 1616-301X; 1616-3028
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202401463

This study investigates the dynamic fluctuations of pH caused by gastric acid secretion, a process of both biological and clinical significance, with microrobots. Abnormal patterns of acidity often indicate gastrointestinal diseases, underlying the importance of precise intragastric pH monitoring. Traditional methods using fluorescent probes face challenges due to their faint solid‐state fluorescence, limited target specificity, and accuracy. To overcome these obstacles, pH‐responsive fluorescent organic microparticles decorated with magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are engineered. These microrobots exhibit a unique fluorescence switching capability at a critical pH, enabling the monitoring of gastric acidity. The magnetic part of these microrobots ensures magnetic maneuverability to enable targeted navigation. The microrobots’ fluorescence switching mechanism is elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopy, microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analyses, revealing molecular‐level structural transformations upon interaction with gastric acid and antacids. These transformations, specifically protonation and deprotonation of the microrobots’ fluorescent components, prompt a distinct fluorescence response correlating with pH shifts. In vitro and ex vivo experiments, simulating stomach conditions, confirm the microrobots’ efficacy in pH‐responsive imaging. The results showcase the promising diagnostic potential of microrobots for gastrointestinal tract diseases, marking a significant advancement in imaging‐based medical diagnostics at targeted locations. Multi‐fluorescent pH‐sensitive molecular material‐based magnetic microrobots are developed to monitor pH variations in the stomach. Magnetically‐induced motion, collection, and navigation of the microrobots facilitate access to gastric fluid and enable pH monitoring at target locations. Additionally, fluorescence switching of the microrobots at different gastric fluid acidity enables real‐time monitoring of pH changes.