Magnetic Microswimmers: Navigating the Future of Targeted Cargo Delivery

Abstract Recent progress in nanotechnology has enabled innovative biomedical applications with targeted drug and cargo delivery emerging as a key area of focus. One of the notable advancements in nanotechnology is the development of microswimmers, which are micro- and nanoscale systems powered by magnetic, chemical, or biological actuation mechanisms. They demonstrate exceptional precision, maneuverability, and responsiveness within complex physiological environments. These stimuli-guided systems allow for the controlled release of therapeutic agents and offer significant advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. Diverse designs ranging from helical and tubular architectures to biohybrid and soft microswimmers have been developed by using biocompatible and stimuli-responsive materials to enhance safety, stability, and functionality. Among their diverse applications, targeted drug delivery for cancer treatment has garnered significant attention as microswimmers can precisely localize drug administration at tumor sites, thereby minimizing systemic toxicity. Among different actuation mechanisms, recent research has focused on magnetically triggered microswimmers, particularly since this driving force allows for controlled navigation, site-specific drug release, and real-time imaging integration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in the design, fabrication, and actuation of magnetic microswimmers for biomedical use, emphasizing their potential in precise, minimally invasive, and targeted cancer treatment. The review also discusses limitations and future perspectives toward the clinical translation of these smart, magnetically guided microsystems for next-generation precision medicine.