Advanced Imaging Strategies Based on Intelligent Micro/Nanomotors
Dang Zhang, Lin Liang, Chao Deng, Mohamed Syazwan Osman, Paul E. D. Soto Rodriguez, Fei Han, Mingyu Li, Lei Wang
Abstract
Biological imaging has revolutionized tissue analysis by revealing morphological and physiological dynamics, yet faces inherent limitations in penetration depth and resolution. Micro/nanomotors (MNMs), with autonomous propulsion and spatiotemporal control, offer transformative solutions to traditional static imaging paradigms. These dynamic contrast agents enhance detection sensitivity in ultrasound, fluorescence, photoacoustic, and magnetic resonance imaging via motion-amplified signal modulation, enabling real-time tracking of subcellular events and microenvironmental changes. While MNMs-enhanced bioimaging has advanced rapidly, systematic analysis of their mechanisms and challenges remains limited. Based on our research experience in this field, this paper first summarizes the signal-enhancing mechanisms of MNMs in single-modal imaging. It then explores multimodal applications through MNMs-probe design and discusses artificial intelligence-driven intelligent MNMs for precision imaging. Finally, challenges and outlook are outlined, aiming to provide a theoretical framework and research roadmap for MNMs-mediated bioimaging technologies.