Molecules with molecular size can transport drugs to specific cells

Today one can create microscopic 'pills' about the size of a virus containing drugs and other substances. In this way, the efficiency in transporting drugs and other substances to predetermined cells can reach 100%.

According to Cornell's new study, this technique could one day be used to transport vaccines, drugs or genetic data to treat cancer and immune disorders and blood sugar disorders. The study was published in Gene Thepary magazine.

The study's lead author Zhong Huang, formerly a research fellow at Cornell University and is currently a professor at Shenzhen University, China. Michael King, biochemical engineering professor, co-author of the study, said: 'This study expands the range of treatments. By this method, we can apply to any drug or genetic material as long as they can be encapsulated. After that, they are transported to any targeted traffic. '

This image shows that after 36 hours, almost all targeted cells (gray spheres) absorb one nanocapsule (small-interfering RNA) (red). . (Photo: Zhong Huang / Cornel University)

This technique is carried out as follows: filling the 'barrels' containing tiny lipids or microscopic capsules with desired substances. Covering these capsules with adhesive proteins is called selectins. (This binding protein helps to bind to targeted cells.) A circuit covered by this capsule is then attached between a vein and an artery. So this 'capsule' of this selectin coating binds to predetermined cells in blood sugar.

After moving along the vascular wall, these cells separate from the vascular wall while the 'capsule' is still conjoined and infused into necessary substances.

This technique simulates a natural immune reaction that occurs when the body is infected. Then, the cells on the vascular wall are stimulated to release selectin. The white blood cells then adhere to selectin and move along the blood vessel walls before leaving the bloodstream to fight disease or infection.

Selectin proteins can be used to target specific nuclei in blood sugar.

Research indicates that only when cells are targeted to absorb substances in microcapsules can this technique significantly reduce the unwanted side effects caused by the drug.

In an earlier study, King showed how metastatic cancer cells move in blood sugar can adhere to selectin-coated devices - these devices contain a second protein that can cause Cancer cells destroy themselves.

King said: 'We have found a way to disable the function of cancer cells without affecting the immune system.' This is a difficult problem with direct therapy against other metastases.

Current research demonstrates that genetic material can be transported to targeted cells to destroy certain genes and intervene in pathogenesis. The researchers filled the microcapsules with small RNAs (small-interfering RNA) and targeted certain circulating cells. When cells are targeted to absorb capsules, siRNA destroys a gene that produces enzymes that erode cartilage in arthritis.

King said that, in the same way, this method could also be used to transport chemotherapy drugs, vaccine antigens to white blood cells, or specific molecules. Thus, immune disorders can be mitigated.

Refer:

Huang et al.An immobilized nanoparticle-based platform for efficient knockdown gene of targeted cells in the circulation.Gene Therapy, Online June 25, 2009;DOI: 10.1038 / gt.2009.76