Swarms of robots could go up your nose, melt the mucus and clean your sinuses

Summary

AI-generated image. Having your nose clogged is one of the most annoying feelings ever. People would go to great lengths to be able to breathe normally again. But would you have a team of microrobots get up there and fix the job? A team of researchers from China and Hong Kong are betting you would. They’ve developed a swarm of robots that can be injected up the sinus cavity, through the nostril. They’re guided by electromagnetism and can create chemical reactions that wipe out bacterial infections and clear the sinuses. But would people do it? Breathe in the robots Nasal congestion, or a blocked nose, is a very common ailment. It’s typically caused by inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages. It can be triggered by a bunch of different things, from infections (like the common cold or flu) to allergies and pollution. Some people can have structural problems in the nose or nasal polyps as well. But not all nasal congestion is alike. Sinus and other deep-mucosal infections often form dense, glue-like pus and biofilms that neither sprays nor systemic antibiotics can easily penetrate. Researchers from the Chinese University in Hong Kong, and universities in Guangxi, Shenzhen, Jiangsu, Yangzhou and Macau, want to address that. Previous research teams have created microbots that go up the nose, and even further. But existing microbots usually carry antibiotics. In this case, the team opted for a drug-free, catalytic approach instead. This means the material they’re made from acts as a catalyst: when you shine light on it, it triggers chemical reactions right on the robot’s surface that create bacteria-killing molecules (reactive oxygen species) and heat. So, the weapon is generated on-site by the robot itself, not packed inside it as a drug payload. Think of it less like chemical warfare and more like mini flamethrowers that destroy the bacteria. “Our proposed micro-robotic therapeutic platform offers the advantages of non-invasiveness, minimal resistance, and drug-...