Electric fields guide nanoparticles through mazes

Electric fields steered nanoparticles through liquid mazes, improving drug delivery and purification systems.

Why it matters

  • New method controls nanoparticle movement using electric fields.
  • Potential for better drug delivery and purification systems.
  • Enables nanorobots for medical and environmental uses.

By the numbers

  • Study published in PNAS on Nov. 10, 2025.
  • Weak fields speed particles randomly; strong fields guide them directionally.

The big picture

  • Enhances DNA analysis and medical diagnostics.
  • Enables targeted drug delivery and environmental cleanup.
  • Part of broader nanoscale particle control research.

What they're saying

  • Study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Caveats

  • Full limits and particle size applicability still unknown.
  • Mechanism behind weak field speedup needs further study.

What’s next

  • Investigate size limits and biological applicability.
  • Understand weak field speedup mechanism.