Selene Nanorobotics is developing microrobotic technology for active intervention in hard-to-reach biological environments, starting with endodontics.
An early-stage biotechnology company building single-use, catalytic microrobotic kits to eliminate persistent bacterial biofilm inside human root canals.
Operating out of the San Diego ecosystem, our current mission is to address the $1 billion annual economic burden of root canal treatment failures in the United States. By introducing console-free, disposable micro-automation into existing syringe-based irrigation workflows, we provide endodontists with surgical-grade precision at a disposable price point. Founded by Babak Tousifar, the team includes engineers and scientists working across bioengineering, robotics, and computational science.
Six design principles behind Selene's microrobotic platform.
Mechanical disruption paired with localized reactive oxygen species — a payload-ready platform built to carry future active agents.
Chemical propulsion with magnetic steering, designed for precise navigation through the root canal system.
No high-pressure irrigation or aggressive instrumentation required.
Engineered to penetrate dentinal tubules and clear the smear layer and biofilm underneath.
A single-use kit designed for adoption in general dental practices, not just specialist clinics.
Biocompatible, self-degrading materials, with optional magnetic retrieval built into the design.
Our platform leverages titanium dioxide/platinum (TiO₂/Pt) micro-engines. In published laboratory dental-biofilm models (Villa et al., 2020), this catalytic mechanism achieved up to 95% bacterial killing within a five-minute window.
Read the studySelene holds temporary rights and a commercial-license negotiation framework via an executed Evaluation License Agreement (ELA) with UC San Diego, covering the membrane-template microtube-engine patent family.
Programs, funding, and awards Selene has been selected for.
In fall 2026, Selene was accepted into the Life Science Founders Program, presented by The Brink and sponsored by Procopio, a peer forum for life science CEOs on fundraising strategy.
In fall 2026, Selene was accepted into the FAST program at California Life Sciences, a mentorship cohort connecting early-stage life sciences companies with industry advisors.
In fall 2025, Selene was accepted into the MedTech Accelerator at UC San Diego's Institute for the Global Entrepreneur, connecting UCSD startups with industry mentors and investors.
Customer interviews completed through NSF I-Corps Regional, part of the 2025 UCSD MedTech Accelerator Stage 1 program.
Letters of support and collaboration from clinical, regulatory, and vendor partners across Selene's growing ecosystem.
Interested in what we're building, or want to join the team? Reach out on LinkedIn or by email.