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Chen et al. Soft Sci. 2026, 6, 9 Page 23 of 36

glutathione, and further inducing immunological cascades such as macrophage polarization and T-cell
infiltration [120] . Moreover, they further reported a microwave-responsive transformable MLM nanorobots
that enabled pH-sensitive drug release, endosomal escape through microwave-induced shape transformation,
and MR imaging-guided synergistic chemo-thermotherapy, while also activating immune responses to
suppress tumor growth and metastasis [Figure 11B] [118] . Together, these studies highlight the potential of
MLM nanorobots to integrate imaging, thermal therapy, drug delivery, and immunomodulation for effective
cancer treatment.

Beyond oncotherapy, the less-than-10-μm MLM microrobots demonstrate remarkable functionality through
their dynamic shape adaptation and precise magnetically-driven control via magnetic nanoparticle assembly
and liquid-solid interactions [Figure 11C] [121] . Wu et al. demonstrated through both in vitro and in vivo
testing that these microrobots successfully crossed the blood-brain barrier and delivered mechanical
stimulation to neurons under magnetic guidance for wireless neuromodulation therapy .
[121]

In addition to their therapeutic applications in vivo, MLM particles have also been explored as a promising
next-generation antibacterial strategy. Under exposure to a low-intensity rotating magnetic field, these LM
microparticle robots undergo dynamic shape transformations, forming nano-sharp edges capable of
physically disrupting bacterial biofilms [Figure 11D] . The synergistic effect of magnetic manipulation and
[58]
sharp-edge mechanical forces effectively ruptures both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cells
while simultaneously degrading the biofilm matrix. Notably, this method achieved over 99% bacterial
eradication within just 90 min of treatment . This proof-of-concept study highlights the potential of
[58]
LM-based magneto-mechanical systems as innovative antimicrobial therapies that circumvent antibiotic
resistance by physically disrupting biofilms rather than relying on conventional chemical mechanisms.

Furthermore, MLM particle-based soft robots also demonstrate promising applications in environmental
engineering. For example, Wu et al. utilized the MLM microparticle robots to effectively address the growing
challenge of aquatic micro/nano plastic pollution [Figure 11E] . The MLM microrobots leverage a unique
[117]
combination of electrostatic interactions and Ga O -mediated adhesion mechanisms to achieve an
3
2
impressive 82.1% removal efficiency for plastic particulates. Their operation under low-intensity (3 mT)
magnetic fields allows for precise, targeted plastic capture while minimizing energy consumption. The MLM
microrobots can be recycled through sonication, which effectively overcomes the single-use limitation of
conventional remediation. In addition, Wang et al. coated noble metal nanoparticles (Au/Ag) on MLM
microrobots for catalytic activity, achieving remarkable efficiency in decomposing organic pollutants such as
p-nitrophenol and methylene blue [116] . Magnetic fields enabled precise spatial-temporal control, allowing
targeted pollutant degradation at predetermined locations while generating three-dimensional fluid
convection that significantly enhances reaction kinetics. Experimental results reveal impressive catalytic rate
constants and reduced reaction times, along with excellent recyclability through simple magnetic separation
and base treatment.

LM composite-based soft robots
MLMs and pure LMs can be further integrated with other soft materials to enable a more flexible design and
manipulation of soft robots. Typically, MLMs are encapsulated or dispersed within silicone elastomers to
achieve functionalities such as stiffness regulation [122] , magnetic reprogrammability , and energy
[79]
conversion [101] . In contrast, pure LMs are often shaped into coil-like structures embedded in elastomers,
serving as high-performance electromagnetic actuators that can exhibit fast response [123] , high operational
dimensionality [124] , and self-sensing capabilities [125] . The LM composite-based soft robots exhibit diverse
morphologies and tunable performance characteristics, demonstrating wide applications ranging from
flexible grasping to invasive medical treatment.