Human-Derived Anthrobots Demonstrate Self-Assembly and Neural Wound Healing Capabilities

Researchers have successfully engineered microscopic biological robots, dubbed Anthrobots, from adult human tracheal cells, showcasing their ability to self-assemble, move, and remarkably, promote neural tissue regeneration. This breakthrough, originating from the laboratories of Michael Levin at Tufts University, challenges conventional understanding of cellular plasticity and offers new avenues for regenerative medicine. The findings were a key topic in a recent conversation between Michael Levin and Lex Fridman, shared on social media.

"Here's my conversation with Michael Levin (@drmichaellevin) about the nature of intelligence in biological systems, including unconventional & alien intelligence, agency, memory, consciousness, and life in all its forms here on Earth and beyond," Lex Fridman stated in his tweet, highlighting the broad scope of the discussion.

The Anthrobots, ranging from 30 to 500 micrometers in size, are created from human lung epithelial cells that naturally possess cilia. These hair-like structures, typically used to clear airways, are repurposed to propel the Anthrobots. Unlike their predecessors, Xenobots (derived from frog embryonic cells), Anthrobots self-assemble without manual sculpting, offering a scalable method for production.

A significant discovery is the Anthrobots' capacity for wound healing. When placed on a scratched layer of human neurons in a lab dish, these cellular constructs were observed to move across the damaged area and encourage the neurons beneath them to regrow, effectively bridging the gap. This regenerative property was observed with unmodified cells, suggesting an inherent, untapped healing potential.

Michael Levin's research extends beyond these biobots, exploring the fundamental nature of biological intelligence. He defines intelligence as the ability to achieve goals in multiple ways, applying this concept to individual cells and cellular collectives. This perspective underpins the work on Anthrobots, which demonstrate collective problem-solving by forming novel structures and behaviors not seen in their original tissue context.

The implications of Anthrobot technology are vast, with potential applications in personalized medicine. As they are derived from a patient's own cells, they could perform therapeutic tasks, such as clearing arterial plaque, repairing spinal cord damage, or delivering targeted drugs, without triggering an immune response. The Anthrobots naturally biodegrade after a few weeks, further enhancing their safety profile for future in-vivo use.