Abstract: Automated devices for detecting and removing dental biofilms are described herein. In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter includes a device for administering a suspension comprising iron oxide nanoparticles to teeth to chemically treat and mechanically remove dental biofilms. In some embodiments, disclosed subject matter includes a device for administering a suspension comprising iron oxide nanoparticles and hydrogen peroxide to teeth to kill bacteria within a biofilm matrix and degrade the biofilm matrix and assembling the iron oxide nanoparticles into autonomous magnetic bristles or antimicrobial robots to mechanically remove biofilm. Devices and methods for real-time detection of dental plaque and monitoring of removal of dental plaque are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for eradicating biofilms by killing bacteria within a biofilm, degrading the matrix and removing biofilm debris are disclosed herein. The disclosed subject matter provides techniques for administering a suspension of H2O2 and iron oxide nanoparticles to substantially eradicate bacteria within a biofilm matrix and degrade the bio film matrix, actuating the iron oxide nanoparticles for assembly into biohybrid robots suitable for removal of biofilm debris, and moving the biohybrid robots to remove the bio film debris from accessible or enclosed surfaces. In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter can include embedding iron oxide nanoparticles in a hydrogel to form a soft robotic structure, administering the soft robotic structure to a biofilm-covered location, and magnetizing the soft robot structure to substantially eradicate bacteria within a biofilm matrix, degrade the biofilm matrix, and remove biofilm debris from enclosed surfaces.

Abstract: Provided are devices comprising one or more nanoscale pores for use in, inter alia, analyzing various biological molecules. Also provided are methods for the fabrication of nanoscale pores in solid-state substrates, methods for functionalizing nanopores in solid-state substrates, and methods for sequencing polymers using devices containing nanoscale pores.