Remarkable evolution of drug-loaded microrobots has aroused growing interest in targeted therapy. However, existing microrobots encounter a number of challenges including maneuverability, biodegradability, and drug sustained release capabilities in medical applications. Designed double-layer drug-loaded microrobots (TDMs) were made of outer layer calcium alginate hydrogel and inner layer magnetic chitosan microspheres (mCSs). TDMs precisely deliver drug-loaded mCSs following the expected route towards the predefined destinations under a vision-guided magnetic driving system. In acidic conditions the outer layer of TDMs can protect mCSs, while in alkaline conditions calcium alginate hydrogel dissolves at an appropriate rate to render mCSs be continuously released. The mCSs fulfill drug sustained release tasks in vitro. The new designed low-cost microrobots will be competent for intestinal cancer targeted therapy after oral administration and bridge the gap between scientific research and market demand.

载药微型机器人的显着发展引起了人们对靶向治疗的兴趣。但是，现有的微型机器人在医疗应用中遇到了许多挑战，包括机动性，生物降解性和药物缓释能力。设计的双层载药微型机器人（TDM）由外层藻酸钙水凝胶和内层磁性壳聚糖微球（mCSs）制成。TDM在视觉引导的磁驱动系统下，按照预期的路线将载有药物的mCS精确地传递到预定的目的地。在酸性条件下，TDM的外层可以保护mCS，而在碱性条件下，藻酸钙水凝胶以适当的速率溶解，从而使mCS不断释放。mCS在体外完成药物缓释任务。新设计的低成本微型机器人在口服后可胜任肠癌靶向治疗，并弥合科学研究与市场需求之间的差距。