Nanonauts

Nanonauts are hypothetical nanoscale agents designed to operate within other nanoscale environments, performing exploration, sensing, and manipulation at dimensions on the order of tens to hundreds of nanometers. The term combines the explorer imagery of astronauts with nanotechnology and is used in both science fiction and discussions of future nanorobotics. In scientific literature, related concepts include nanobots, nanomachines, and DNA-based nanodevices, which may be engineered to move, sense, or respond to their surroundings.

Design approaches under study encompass self-propelled nanomotors, magnetically guided nanoparticles, and programmable DNA origami machines. Propulsion strategies include chemical reactions, external fields (magnetic, electric, optical), and biomolecular motors. Operating in viscous fluids and inside biological tissues presents challenges for control, targeting, energy supply, cargo loading, and communication with external systems. Biocompatibility, immune recognition, and safety considerations are central to research and regulatory discussions.

Possible applications are envisioned in medical diagnostics and therapy (for example, targeted drug delivery, intracellular sensing, and minimally invasive imaging), environmental sensing, and materials science. At present, nanonauts remain largely at the concept or experimental prototype stage; no autonomous, clinically approved nanonauts are in widespread use. Research is ongoing into nanoscale propulsion, navigation, sensing, and ethical/regulatory frameworks to address potential risks as the field advances.