Milli, micro and nanomotors: Novel analytical tools for real-world applications

Self-propelled artificial milli, micro and nanomotors offer considerable promise to solve analytical challenges. Herein we will review recent advances in the use of these vanguard analytical tools for real-time in situ analyte (bio-)sensing and isolation. We will describe first the shape-design, fabrication pathways and propulsion mechanism of the most relevant milli, micro and nanomotors. Next, the main relevant analytical (bio) sensing and isolation applications will be discussed towards selected and relevant works. We will also discuss future outlook and main challenges of this new exciting area of analytical nano science and nanotechnology.