Investing in Xenobots: Emerging Opportunities Not to Be Missed
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By Eden Djanashvili, Deeptech Expert
What is going on?
Xenobots are tiny robots made from living cells, specifically frog cells. Scientists engineer these cells to create small, self-propelled robots with unique abilities. Unlike traditional robots, xenobots are alive, allowing them to perform tasks like moving and carrying small objects.
Where to invest?
With advancements in xenobot functionalities, there is a growing interest in potential applications, spanning from biomedical uses such as targeted drug delivery and tissue repair to environmental roles in pollution detection and cleanup:
Biomedical Applications: Drug Delivery: They could be used for targeted drug delivery within the human body. Tissue Repair: They may assist in repairing damaged tissues or organs.
Environmental Cleanup: Xenobots might be employed to detect and remove environmental pollutants.
Biological Computing: They could be used for processing information at the cellular level, contributing to advancements in biological computing.
Search and Rescue Operations: Xenobots may have applications in search and rescue missions, especially in environments that are challenging for traditional robots to navigate.
Microsurgery: Due to their small size, xenobots could potentially assist in microsurgical procedures, offering precision in delicate operations.
Targeted Therapies: They might be utilised to deliver therapies directly to specific cells or tissues, minimizing side effects.
Education and Research: Xenobots offer a unique platform for studying and understanding biological and robotic interactions, serving as educational tools and research models.
Biological Sensors: These tiny robots could be engineered to function as biological sensors, responding to changes in their environment and providing valuable data.
Nanoengineering: Xenobots could be applied for tasks at the nano-scale, such as assembling tiny structures or manipulating materials.
Human-Machine Integration: Exploring the integration of xenobots with human tissues for potential therapeutic applications.
Materials Science: Developing materials compatible with living cells and suitable for the construction of xenobotic structures is vital. Materials science plays a role in ensuring biocompatibility and functionality.
Microscopy and Imaging: Advanced microscopy and imaging techniques are crucial for observing and studying the behavior of xenobots at the cellular and subcellular levels.
3D Printing: 3D printing can be utilised for constructing structures that hold living cells, providing a controlled environment for the xenobots to operate.
Microfabrication and Microengineering: Techniques from microfabrication and microengineering are employed to create and manipulate tiny robotic structures. These technologies enable precision at the microscale which are crucial for working with living cells.
Ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks demand careful attention in each application domain, especially when seeking investments and generating new business models.
How to invest?
Currently there are various research institutions and universities that have been at the forefront of xenobot development. It's essential to keep in mind that the field is rapidly evolving. Here are some institutions that have played significant roles in the xenobot research:
Tufts University in collaboration with other institutions, was among the pioneers in developing xenobots using frog cells.
University of Vermont collaborated with Tufts University in the creation and research of xenobots.
Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering (Harvard University) has been a prominent institution involved in bioinspired robotos and researchers associated with the institute have contributed to the xenobot advancements.
These institutions have been instrumental in the early exploration and development of xenobots. While xenobots show great potential, the technology is still in its early stages, and practical applications may evolve with ongoing research and development. Pay special attention on the convergence of biology, technology, and robotics when thinking about future investments decisions.
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