Magnetic hyperthermia-induced hydrogen therapy for cancer treatment using PEG-coated Mg–Ni Degradable microrobots

Abstract

Hydrogen therapy using magnesium-based micromotors offers a promising strategy for treating diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s, which are associated with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, their clinical application is limited by uncontrollable motion and high reactivity in physiological environments. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a polymer-coated, magnetically guided magnesium (Mg) microrobot that integrates hydrogen therapy with magnetic hyperthermia. The polymer coating ensures stability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), while the microrobot achieves a velocity of 18.63 ± 0.85 μm/s under a 15 mT, 10 Hz rotating magnetic field. Mild magnetic heating (∼43 °C) partially melts the polymeric shell, triggering hydrogen release. In vitro studies with HCT 116 cells demonstrated a significant reduction in ROS at 3 mg/mL following magnetic hyperthermia. In vivo experiments in mice showed that the microrobot alleviated oxidative stress and significantly decreased tumor volume. These results indicated that Mg-based microrobots represent a controllable and effective therapeutic platform for ROS-related diseases. © 2026 .