Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41671395›Full record

ReviewAdvanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)2026

Photocatalytic Micro/Nanomotors Functioning in the Near-Infrared Window for Biomedical Applications.

Yufen Chen, João Marcos Gonçalves, Katherine Villa

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Yufen ChenInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Tarragona, Spain.
João Marcos GonçalvesInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Tarragona, Spain.
Katherine VillaInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Tarragona, Spain.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1917-0299

Funding

European Union 101076680European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programmeMinistry of Science, Innovation and Universities PID2022-136886OA-I00
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Near-infrared (NIR) light-driven photocatalytic micro- and nanomotors are emerging as a new class of self-propelled micro/nanodevices for minimally invasive biomedical applications. By operating within the biological transparency window, they enable autonomous motion and light-induced redox reactions under biocompatible illumination conditions. Yet, the low photon energy of NIR light imposes fundamental constraints on photocatalytic efficiency and propulsion, requiring innovative materials design. This review systematically discusses recent progress in materials strategies for achieving NIR responsiveness, including heterostructure formation, upconversion coupling, defect modulation, and photosensitization via dyes or plasmonic nanostructures. The relationships between material composition, optical absorption, charge separation, and motion behavior are analyzed, with emphasis on photocatalytic propulsion. Particular attention is given to their potential application in photodynamic therapy, neural stimulation, and redox-based treatments, while discussing remaining challenges related to fuel-free propulsion, ionic tolerance, and immune system evasion. Finally, key design principles and future research directions are outlined, positioning NIR-responsive photocatalytic micro/nanomotors as a versatile platform for minimally invasive therapeutic treatments and remote-controlled catalysis.

Indexed as

Infrared RaysNanostructuresPhotochemotherapyAnimalsCatalysisHumansbio‐applicationdefect engineeringheterojunctionsNIR lightphotocatalytic micro/nanomotorsupconversion nanoparticles

Identifiers

PMID41671395
PMCPMC13042889

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.