Nanobots for Kidney Stone Removal Enter Clinical Trials

Zhejiang University First Hospital announced on January 4 that its urology team has completed the world's first nanobot-assisted kidney stone removal procedures. Twelve kidney stone patients received the innovative treatment.

The nanobots, developed by the CAS Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, measure approximately 200 nanometers in diameter with surfaces coated in urease and calcium oxalate binding proteins. Guided by external magnetic fields, the nanobots can precisely reach stone locations and dissolve primary stone components through enzymatic reactions.

Results from the first 12 patients showed a complete stone clearance rate of 83% (10/12), with the remaining two patients experiencing over 70% stone volume reduction. The entire treatment requires no surgery—only intravenous nanobot injection combined with external magnetic field guidance.

Project lead Professor Xie Liping, director of urology at Zhejiang University First Hospital, said compared to traditional extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, the nanobot approach has virtually zero trauma, reducing recovery time from an average of seven days to one day.

The clinical trial plans to enroll 120 patients with expected completion by end of 2028. The team is simultaneously developing nanobot versions for gallstone treatment.