# Microwave‐Activated Bacterial Biorobot for Multimodal Cancer Therapy

## TL;DR

A microwave-activated bacterial biorobot is developed to target and destroy cancer cells through multiple mechanisms, offering a safe and precise cancer treatment.

## Contribution

A bacterial biorobot is engineered for localized microwave activation to enable multimodal cancer therapy.

## Key findings

- Microwave activation triggers glucose depletion and hydrogen peroxide generation at tumor sites.
- Cu2O nanoparticles catalyze reactive oxygen species production, inducing apoptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis.
- Transcriptomic analysis shows disrupted glucose metabolism and strong antitumor immune responses.

## Abstract

Advances in synthetic biology have enabled innovative strategies for cancer therapy, yet precise control of therapeutic expression and biosafety remain critical challenges. To address these issues, a bacterial hybrid biorobot is developed using Escherichia coli (MG1655) engineered for localized activation by microwaves. Upon activation, the biorobot expresses glucose oxidase (GOx) at tumor sites, leading to glucose depletion and hydrogen peroxide generation. Surface‐attached Cu2O nanoparticles catalyze this hydrogen peroxide through a Fenton‐like reaction, producing reactive oxygen species that drive multiple forms of tumor cell death, including apoptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies confirm the efficacy of this approach, while transcriptomic analysis reveals disruption of glucose metabolism and robust activation of antitumor immune responses. This work demonstrates the potential of this engineered bacterial platform as a safe and versatile tool for precise, multimodal cancer treatment.

An Escherichia coli bacterial biorobot is engineered for localized microwave activation in cancer therapy. Upon activation at tumor sites, the biorobot releases glucose oxidase, inducing tumor cell death via glucose depletion and H2O2 generation catalyzed by Cu2O. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate disrupted glucose metabolism and potent antitumor immune responses, establishing a versatile and safe cancer treatment tool.