Smart Drug Delivery for Targeted Therapeutics via Remotely Controlled Microdevices

Remotely controlled smart drug delivery systems represent a remarkable integration of materials science, physics, and biology. They offer precise control over drug delivery through tailored adjustments in shape, size, and material composition. Microdevices for targeted delivery can be manufactured using a wealth of techniques, like 3D printing or lithography, enabling accurate control at the microscale. Smart materials sensitive to external stimuli like temperature, pH and electric or magnetic field variations can be exploited to enable targeted drug delivery. This interdisciplinary approach aims at refining drug administration precision, minimizing side effects and maximizing therapeutic impact. The impact of these technologies is potentially groundbreaking, envisioning a future where medical treatments are not only more effective but also finely tuned to individual patient needs. This chapter aims to discuss the current literature on drug delivery microrobots, emphasizing the strategies employable to integrate smart delivery functionalities on remotely actuated microcarriers.