Development of Nano Robotic Manipulator for In-situ Molecular Level Biomedical Investigations

The multi-disciplinary research team consisting of researchers with expertise in robotics and automation, and biomedical and clinical research is proposing to develop a nano robotic manipulation system to conduct in-situ investigations of cell membrane receptors that are directly related to hypertension. The proposed nano robotic system will enable us to directly manipulate and sense cells in a nano and physiological environment. Results from this effort will be an invaluable resource for biomedical and clinical research, and generate a wealth of important insights/knowledge of biological relevance that will lead to the development of novel drug targets/drugs and therapies for the hypertension and other disease indications.The research and development of robotic and automation technologies are facing great challenges presently in discovering new directions to move beyond half a century successful development. It is apparent that nano robots, especially bio-nano robots are in a competitive edge to break new grounds and operational innovations in the development of robotic and automation technologies. In addition, the highly-regulated and fast-paced pharmaceutical industry has been challenged with increasing demands for development of new innovative health care products, drugs and therapies for both humans and animals on a reduced cost base. The long term objectives of this proposed research directly address these demands by: (i) developing robotic tools with capabilities of visual and haptic display, chemical, physical and biological sensing and manipulation in nano biological environment; and (ii) using such robotic tools for the investigation of dynamic and complex interactions between membrane proteins at the single molecular level. The results of this effort will cast profound scientific impact on the development of new robotics and automation technologies which would enable us to sense, manipulate and assemble in nano and biological environment. Furthermore it will provide "game-changing" technologies to revolutionize biomedical research and drug discovery via innovations.This proposed research is built upon existing collaborations between the team members and the recent advances in atomic force microscopy, robotics, computer, nanotechnology, and biomedical sciences. Upon successful completion and execution of this proposed research, we will be uniquely and competitively positioned to achieve our long term objectives. The development of bio-nano robotic and automation technologies will advance biomedical research, leading to development of drugs that target therapies for unmet disease indications. This will in turn mark a leap forward in biomedical research, and ultimately improve the health and life quality of mankind.