About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Efficacy of Emerging Nano-medicine Therapies Linked to Shape

by Rajashri on August 7, 2008 at 3:03 PM
 Efficacy of Emerging Nano-medicine Therapies Linked to Shape

Tiny particles behave differently within cells depending upon their shapes, sizes, and surface chemistry, according to nanotechnology researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Published in the online edition of the journal PNAS, their findings may be helpful in developing effective nanomedicines for cancer.

Advertisement

Dr. Joseph DeSimone, Chancellor's Eminent Professor of Chemistry in UNC's College of Arts and Sciences, has revealed that his research team used a special technique to make particles with specific shapes, sizes, and surface charges for their study.

He said that their purpose was to optimise particle attributes for specific therapeutic objectives.

"This would mean that we could deliver lower dosages of drugs to specific cells and tissues in the body and actually be more effective in treating the cancer," he said.
Advertisement

Having created particles of different dimensions, he added, the group changed one variable at a time, and experimented with different surface chemistries.

Dr. DeSimone says that the different particles were later incubated with human cervical carcinoma epithelial (HeLa) cells, and the group monitored each type to see which ones the cells absorbed most effectively.

He said that the long, rod-shaped particles were found to be internalised by cells about four times faster than lower aspect ratio particles.

Such particles also travelled significantly further into the cell, he added.

Stephanie Gratton, a graduate student in DeSimone's lab, said that the same phenomenon is found in natural organisms.

"If we can design particles that rely on the same mechanisms that nature has perfected for bacteria, we may unlock the key for delivering therapeutics more efficiently and effectively to treat and cure disease," she said.

Liquidia Technologies, a UNC spin-off company, is developing engineered nanoparticles for delivery of nucleic acids and small molecule therapeutics.

The company's chief executive officer, Neal Fowler, said that the new findings could prove of interest to the biopharmaceutical industry.

"We are delighted to contribute to the important work that Professor DeSimone and his students are undertaking in the field of nanomedicine. This work answers key questions about the role of particle shape and size that industry leaders have been asking for some time," Fowler said.

Source: ANI
RAS/L
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Research News

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Link to Traumatic Brain Injury and Dementia?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are detected in approximately 1-3% of adults who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
Astrocyte Activation Through Optogenetics: A New Hope in the Fight Against Alzheimer's
The optogenetic activation of hippocampal astrocytes can be viewed as a novel therapeutic avenue for addressing Alzheimer's disease.
Link Between Cholesterol and Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease Identified
In Alzheimer's disease condition, the control and adjustment of ABCA7 levels in response to inflammation and the decrease in the availability of cholesterol.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Atopic Dermatitis Share Common Links
Atopic dermatitis (AD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to alterations in the microbiome, and disruptions in the skin and gut barrier.
Vitiligo-Associated Autoimmunity Linked to Lower Health Risks
Gaining insights into mortality risks among vitiligo patients will enhance patient counseling, healthcare monitoring, and overall patient management strategies.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Efficacy of Emerging Nano-medicine Therapies Linked to Shape Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests