Introduction

A robot is a machine-driven agent, that is guided by a computer program, when it is at or close to the a microscopic scale of nanometers, it is called nanorobotics^[1].

The nanorobotic theory says that they are microscopic in size, it would be necessary for a very large number of them to work together to perform both microscopic and macroscopic errands” ^[2,3].

Approaches For Nanorobots

Binary approaches were suggested for manufacturing nanorobots: organic and inorganic.  Organic nanorobots are bio-nanorobots that are established on the progression of adenosine triphosphate and deoxyribonucleic acid to attain actuation for nanorobots. Inorganic nanorobots are based on either diamondoid materials or fullerenes^[4,5,6].

Morphology Of Nanorobots

Dental nanorobots are spider like structures that help in completing their tasks promptly. They are fabricated from diamondoid structures, disposed into nanotubes, as the super-sleek surfaces should reduce to a merest chances of activating the defense mechanism of the host ^[2,6,7,8,9].[Fig.1]

Figure 1: Dental Nanorobot Click here to View figure

Components Of Nanorobots

The dental nanorobot will have a nanocomputer on board which will stock and perform planned errands, will pocket and process signals and external stimuli, will interact with other nanocomputers and will acknowledge to external authority devices. A navigational network installed in the body, provide high topographical accuracy to all circulating nanorobots and keep track of the various devices in the body. A camera which gives the exact location of the nanorobots present within the body. Assembling nanorobots involve actuators, sensors, power, control, communications and interfacial signals across spatial scales and between organic and inorganic systems ^[6,7]. [Fig-2]

Figure 2: Components of A Nanorobot Click here to View figure

Mechanism of Action

Once inside the human body, nanorobots reaches the target sites as it was preprogrammed in the nanocomputer on board, by utilizing the internal sources (the energy liberated by the radioactive fragments attached to the nanorobot body ), but also the external sources (such as the host’s body heat or the electrolytes and the metabolism of the glucose in the blood flow) of energy.

When the target of the nanorobot is achieved, they are retrieved by granting their exit via the usual human excretory channels. They may also be cleared away by active scavenger systems called nano-terminators^[1,2,10].

Biomedical Applications

Its application in nanomedicine was to recognize cancer cells and demolish them. Nanorobots can be practiced in chemotherapy to combat cancer through exact chemical dosage administration and a comparable approach could be taken to enable nanorobots to hand over anti-HIV drugs. Such drug distributing nanorobots have been termed “Pharmacytes”^[11].

To cure dermatological diseases, a paste containing nanorobots is used. It removes the exact amount of dead skin, removes surplus oils, adds lacking oils and achieves deep pore cleansing ^[6].[Fig-3]

Figure 3: Skin Care- Deep Pore Cleansing By Nanorobots Click here to View figure

Medical nanorobots invigilate diabetes by restricting nutrient concentrations in the human body, including blood glucose level in diabetic patient ^[2].

Nanorobots are also used to deliver drugs, they expel the medication directly to the target location and become active only after reaching the target, so other parts of the body remain unaffected ^[12,13].[Fig-4]

Figure 4: Nanorobots In Drug Delivery Click here to View figure

Nanorobots facilitate in diagnosis and biopsy. They circulate in the bloodstream or tissue throughout the body looking out for any abnormalities. When nanorobots spot any unwanted deposits or damaged organs, they take steps to remove those deposits and repair damaged organs^[2].

Dental Applications

Inducing Local Anesthesia

 A suspension of anesthetic dental nanorobots is imported into the area where anesthesia is required. Upon stimulation by the dentist, these robots will block the sensory nerves from transferring pain sensation. After the dental procedure is completed, the devices can be directed to unblock the nerves and de-activate them ^[2,9,14].[Fig-5]

Figure 5: Nanorobotic Anesthesia Click here to View figure

Treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity

Another pathology we commonly come across in dental practice is the dentine hypersensitivity, these dental nanorobots will selectively clog specific dentinal tubes in a few minutes, using bio-friendly ingredients and offers the patient an immediate solution to treat hypersensitivity ^[1,10,13].

Cavity preparation and restoration                                                                   

Multiple nanorobots work in unison, invisible to the naked eye, also help in cavity preparation and restoration of teeth. The cavity preparation is restricted to the demineralized enamel and dentin, thus conserving the sound tooth structure ^[3,15,16,17].

Maintenance of Oral Hygiene

Dentifrobots play a crucial role in preventing cavities. Their daily application is by the means of mouthwash or toothpaste. They can easily reach places a tooth brush can’t reach, dentifrobots will pin point and destruct pathogen bacteria in the sub-occlusal area while permitting the harmless bacterial flora to grow undisturbed^[18,19,20].

Orthodontic Treatment

The orthodontic nanorobots, alter the periodontal tissues, including gums, periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone, allowing a rapid and painless straightening, rotating or vertical positioning ^[2,15,18].[Fig-6]

Figure 6: Orthodontic Nanorobots Click here to View figure

Conclusion

Nanorobotics has strong potential to revolutionize dentistry with improved accuracy, predictability, safety, quality of care and speed of diagnosis and treatment ^[21]. Although research into nanorobots is still in its primitive stages, the scope for such technology is tremendous!

References

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