Fabrication of the device takes the nano tablet directly to the tumor

Scientists working at Oxford University and the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin Madison, USA have teamed up to develop miniature transportable devices (distribution). Nano pills directly to the tumor (cancer) without any other intervention.

"A device that conducts drugs (capable of automatically finding the path) to the target (tumors) can be managed as a conventional drug without any additional intervention , " according to Dr. Stephen Ebbens, University of Sheffield.

The results of this study will significantly reduce the cost of treatment for cancer patients.

"Currently, the distribution of drugs using magnetic fields requires two magnets (a magnet is integrated at the nano tablet and another magnet is placed near the target) by implant, or by how to apply external magnetic fields, and force patients to go to the hospital to do so, ' explains Dr Stephen Ebbens.

However, the success of this drug guide will depend on the ability to find its way through a multitude of fluid environments in the body, which this drug guide will encounter on the way to the blocks. u (target) to distribute drugs.

For this reason, researchers are designing a drug guide device that can change shape according to the environment.

Ebbens proposed a drug device made of hydrogel material, capable of assembling and changing itself by the presence of specific chemicals.

"The ultimate goal is to use a material that can respond to a specific protein or biomarker created by a tumor. The drug guide will then identify the biomarker itself. " breadcrumbs " this to reach the tumor" , according to Dr. Stephen Ebbens.

After approaching the tumor (target), this drug guide will be activated to release the drug, when it detects the concentration of a molecule signaling exceeding the threshold.

Determining the tumor (target) with signaling chemicals that provide an ideal treatment, Ebbens said: "This is the first time, we have studied the change in the shape of materials to counteract. This change in shape can be used to release drugs from the surface of this drug guide device, for example, by opening air holes or causing other physical peels in when shipping ".

Ebbens stressed that: This study began in September 2011 and received funding worth £ 896,741, currently being implemented at a basic level.

Promising revenue from business "miniature devices (magnet-coated) can transport (distribute) nano pills directly to tumors (cancer) without the need for environmental intervention outside " , will reach about US $ 2650 million (ie £ 1653 million) before 2015.