Transformative Potentials of Magnetic Micro- and Nanobots Using Programmable Electromagnetic Platforms for Next-Generation Therapeutics and Sensing

Programmable electromagnetic platforms have significantly enhanced the capabilities of magnetic micro- and nanobots by enabling precise remote control of autonomous movement, thereby transforming their roles in biomedical diagnostics, targeted therapies, and environmental remediation. These electromagnetic setups using Helmholtz, Maxwell, and gradient coil arrays generate dynamic magnetic fields to remotely control magnetic micro- and nanobots. Programmed modulation of magnetic field direction, magnitude, and gradients enables coordinated swarm behavior, including alignment, aggregation, dispersion, and pattern formation, thereby achieving submicrometer spatial precision and real-time adaptive navigation in confined microvascular environments. This capability facilitates single-cell biosensing, multiplexed biomarker detection, and targeted therapeutic delivery with up to 95% efficiency. Smart feedback loops seamlessly integrate sensing with magnetic actuation, enabling these bots to possess autonomous, self-regulating diagnostic and therapeutic functions tailored to changing biological microenvironments. Their functionality extends to environmental remediation, achieving over 90% pollutant degradation and up to 98% heavy metal removal as well as swarm-intelligent, real-time water-quality monitoring at industrial and agricultural sites. This review provides the use of advanced magnetic field setups for below-micrometer precision control of magnetic micro- and nanobots in complex environment. It discusses high-performance magnetic nanomaterial surface engineering and integration of real-time closed-loop feedback systems to maintain accurate robot navigation. Together, these strategies enable breakthrough applications in targeted therapy, biosensing, and environmental remediation.