Project description
Multi-material 3D-nanoprinting for next-gen microbots
Microrobots could transform healthcare by performing delicate tasks inside the body, making treatments safer, more precise and less invasive. Their potential is currently constrained by today´s fabrication methods that limit their size, propulsion and functionality. The ERC-funded PRINTBOT project develops a general, multi-material nanoscale 3D-printing platform based on focused particle beams to fabricate <10 µm microbots that combine efficient propulsion with integrated functions. Designs include artificial cilia microbots and magnetic helical swimmers for efficient movement in liquid environments. The microbots are engineered to capture and release particles within a defined size window, as well as apply localised heating on demand. PRINTBOT will also prototype an 'ImmunoBot', an artificial immune-cell concept aimed at neutralising pathogens.
Objective
Microbots have the potential to revolutionize modern medicine by performing precise operations at microscopic scales, enabling safer and more efficient diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. However, breakthrough innovations required to significantly enhance patient care are currently hindered by challenges in manufacturing at the lowest microscale, particularly limitations in material versatility, nanoscale resolution, and design flexibility. These constraints result in inefficient propulsion and restricted functional capabilities in current microbots.
The PRINTBOT project aims to overcome these challenges by developing sub-10 µm microbots with highly efficient propulsion systems and advanced functionalities. Two propulsion concepts will be explored for operation in liquid environments: (1) artificial ciliary microbots – 20 times smaller than current models, and (2) magnetic helical swimmers with novel designs for efficient locomotion.
Beyond propulsion, PRINTBOT will introduce innovative functionalities, such as controlled cargo mechanisms and heating antennas that can be modularly attached to microbots. These features will allow the microbots to selectively capture / transport / release particles, and carry out localized hyperthermia treatments, such as targeted tumor cell inhibition.
The project will also create the ImmunoBot, an artificial immune cell designed to capture and neutralize pathogens through targeted heating, mimicking the body´s natural defense mechanisms.
These innovations will be enabled by PRINTBOT´s pioneering work in multi-material 3D-nanoprinting, allowing a seamless, modular integration of materials with various functionalities within a single 3D-structure, establishing new benchmarks in nanoscale additive manufacturing.
PRINTBOT´s outcomes are expected to drive progress not only in microrobotics but also to advance applications in Lab-on-a-Chip systems, sensors, and biomedical engineering, opening new horizons for healthcare innovations.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology other engineering and technologies microtechnology lab on a chip
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) ERC-2025-STG
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8010 Graz
Austria
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