Abstract
Medical micro- and nano-bots (MMBs and MNBs) have attracted a lot of attention owing to their precise motion for accessing difficult-to-reach areas in the body. These emerging tools offer the promise of non-invasive diagnostics and therapeutics for a wide range of ailments. Here, it is highlighted how MMBs and MNBs can revolutionize infection management. The latest applications of MMBs and MNBs are explored for infection prevention, including their use as accurate, minimally invasive surgeons and diagnosis, where they function as sensitive and rapid biosensors or carriers for contrast agents for real-time imaging of infected tissue. Further, the applications are outlined in treatment serving as anti-biofilm agents and smart carriers for antibiotics and anti-infective biologics. The current challenges in designing MMBs and MNBs are highlighted for overcoming immune barriers, moving to deep infected tissue, and swimming in low Reynolds numbers and discuss mitigating strategies. Finally, as a future perspective, the potential advantages of multi-drive propulsion, bioinspired, and artificial-intelligence-trained MMBs and MNBs are discussed, with a special focus on challenges and opportunities for their commercialization.