Researchers at the University of Basel have built a modular nanorobot whose two reusable parts self-assemble on their own and, in lab tests, slashed the viability of human cancer cells to just 16 percent within 72 hours.
A nanoscale 'lunar rocket'
Described in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, the nanorobot resembles a tiny multi-stage rocket. A magnetic propulsion module steers the device, while a separate payload capsule carries enzymes or therapeutic agents to a target. Unlike most nanorobots, which are purpose-built for a single job, the Basel system can be reconfigured for medicine, industrial catalysis or environmental cleanup simply by swapping its payload.
DNA 'Velcro' and a targeted attack
The two modules clip together using complementary DNA strands, a programmable "molecular Velcro" that keeps the propulsion unit and the payload capsule stably coupled. The capsule holds four enzyme-loaded polymer vesicles and extra biomolecules that let the robot dock onto specific cells. Tested against HeLa cancer cells, the nanorobots accumulated on the cell surface and produced an anticancer drug locally, cutting cell viability to 16 percent, according to first author Dr. Voichita Mihali.
Reusable by design
Because the propulsion module is magnetic, the robots can be retrieved and reused after a task; the team refilled payload capsules and recombined them with propulsion units. Human use remains a long-term goal, but the modular design signals a more flexible path for nanomedicine. The work joins a fast-moving field that includes magnetically powered spiky nanorobots that cut tumor growth and a broader surge in precision oncology tools such as single-port surgical robots and surgical-robot AI models.
Reporting based on coverage from Nanowerk and the University of Basel.