Carbon Helical Nanorobots Capable of Cell Membrane Penetration for Single Cell Targeted SERS Bio-Sensing and Photothermal Cancer Therapy

Penetration of cell membrane at micro/nano-scale with untethered probe is of great scientific significance, yet still challenging. Here, a carbon nanocoil based magnetic nanorobot, which can precisely target single cell and perform cell membrane penetration, is reported. The nanorobots are as-synthesized by chemical vapor deposition with high yield, followed by physical deposition of Ni and Au nanofilms. Rotating electromagnetic fields are used to steer the nanorobots to navigate following any pre-designed path. The helical nanorobots can realize mechanical perforation of the plasma membrane and even nuclear envelope with precise position at the subcellular level. With the aid of the externally deposited Au nanofilm, surface enhanced Raman scattering bio-sensing signals can be collected from cellular plasma and nucleus. Furthermore, the nanorobots demonstrate capability of efficient photothermal therapy against targeted cancer cells and serve as an integrated theranostic platform, providing promising prospects in future precision medicine.