HONG KONG — Scientists have transformed an algae commonly used as a dietary supplement into a cancer-eliminating robot. <br /> <br />Details of the research were published this month in the journal, Science Robotics. <br /> <br />Researchers coated spirulina microalgae in iron nanoparticles before inserting it inside a rat's stomach. The iron coating combined with the natural shape of spirulina, allowed scientists to control the and direct microalgae with magnets. <br /> <br />Spirulina emits a compound toxic only to cancer cells. Researchers found it eliminated 90% of cancerous cells inside lab dish after two days. <br /> <br />The biodegradability of robot depends on the thickness of iron nanoparticle coating. The thicker this is, the longer the robot can operate inside a subject. <br /> <br />Lead researcher Dr So Li Zhang told Science it's not ready for doctors to use, reckons it might be ready for use in about ten years.
