Self-propelled nano- and micromachines have immense potential as autonomous seek-and-act devices in biomedical applications. In this study, we present microrobots constructed with inherently biocompatible materials and propulsion systems tailored to skin-related applications. Addressing the significant treatment challenge posed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin infections, we demonstrate that photocatalytic titanium dioxide microrobots decorated with silver or platinum can effectively and rapidly eradicate MRSA biofilms grown on skin-mimicking membranes and porcine skin tissues. These microrobots are powered by hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet light─agents considered toxic in high concentrations but commonly used in controlled amounts for skin disinfection and naturally encountered by the skin. By examining the effects of different metal coatings on the propulsion abilities of the microrobots, we show that these chemically propelled devices can eliminate biofilms without causing significant damage to the surrounding skin tissues, as confirmed by histological analysis. This work paves the way for the use of microrobots in skin-related biomedical applications, particularly in cases where traditional antibiotics are ineffective.

Advanced Nanorobots and Multiscale Robotics Laboratory Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science VSB─Technical University of Ostrava 17 listopadu 2172 15 70800 Ostrava Czech Republic

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Yonsei University 50 Yonsei ro Seodaemun gu 03722 Seoul Korea

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Mendel University in Brno Zemedelska 1 CZ 61300 Brno Czech Republic

Department of Medical Research China Medical University Hospital China Medical University No 91 Hsueh Shih Road 40402 Taichung Taiwan

Future Energy and Innovation Laboratory Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology Purkynova 123 61200 Brno Czech Republic

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