What are Anthrobots?

About Anthrobots

• These are constructed from human tracheal cells which are bio-robots that possess self-assembly capabilities.
• These are capable of both movement and healing neurons within a laboratory setting.
• They can spontaneously fuse together to form a larger structure called a superbot, which was able to encourage the growth of neurons.
• Size: They are measuring between the width of a human hair and the tip of a sharpened pencil.
• Structure: The anthrobots displayed diversity in structure and behavior. Some took on a spherical shape fully covered in cilia, while others resembled a football shape irregularly adorned with cilia.
• These anthrobots are different from Xenobots, which are created from embryonic stem cells of frog.
• Application
  • They hold promise for regenerative medicine, wound healing, and disease treatment.

What are Tracheal cells?

• These are from the lining of the bronchi/trachea, the network of tubes used to convey air to the lungs.
• They are responsible for producing lubricating mucus to keep the airways functional and they are a type of epithelial cell, a term used generally to refer to cells lining the inside or outside of the body.
• These cells generate mucus and a number of other compounds, which play an important role in respiration.

Q1) What are Xenobots?

Xenobots are computer-generated, programmable lifeforms made out of stem cells harvested from the African frog, Xenopus laevis.

Source: Anthrobots: Human Cell-Derived Tiny Robots Leave Scientists Surprised