Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English en
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Material–Structure Synergistic Design for High-Speed Magnetically Actuated Helical Microrobots

Objective

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality, with over 90% of drug candidates failing clinical translation, often due to systemic toxicity from non-specific delivery. Magnetic helical microrobots (H-MMRs) offer a promising solution by enabling remote-controlled, minimally invasive navigation and localized drug release. However, their clinical translation is severely limited by speed: current H-MMRs achieve locomotion comparable to E. coli (~5–10 body lengths/s), far below high-performing microorganisms (~200–500 bl/s), and are unable to navigate millimetre-scale vessels under physiologically relevant blood flow (>10 cm/s). This speed limitation stems from the step-out frequency (ω_step-out), beyond which hydrodynamic drag overwhelms magnetic torque, leading to loss of synchronization.This project aims to overcome this barrier by establishing a material–structure synergistic design paradigm for high-speed H-MMRs (Hi-HMRs). Specifically, I will (i) enhance magnetic torque via 3D nanopatterning of biocompatible Fe-based soft magnetic alloys, exploiting focused electron beam-induced deposition (FEBID) for sub-100 nm precision; (ii) investigate nanoscale 3D spin textures in helical structures using advanced magneto-optical and synchrotron-based techniques (3D-MOKE, XMCD-PEEM) combined with micromagnetic simulations to optimize torque generation; and (iii) develop a novel magneto–fluid–structure interaction (MFSI) framework that integrates 3D magnetic topology with fluidic drag modelling, enabling rational co-design of helical geometry and material properties.By pushing the operational limits of H-MMRs beyond current step-out constraints, this research will deliver fundamental insights into high-speed microscale propulsion, while laying the technological foundation for their use in targeted intravascular therapies. The project addresses key MSCA priorities by advancing interdisciplinary science, fostering innovation, and contributing to biomedical technologies.

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.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Keywords

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.

Topic(s)

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.

Funding Scheme

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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 230 184,72
Address
KARLSPLATZ 13
1040 Wien
Austria

See on map

Region
Ostösterreich Wien Wien
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Partners (1)

My booklet 0 0