Nanotech-based drug basically relates to nanotechnology in drug delivery. This medicine formulation allows the drug to be transported freely and effectively throughout the body and the target cells. Recently, researchers have discovered that it is possible to induce drug's therapeutic value through a nanoparticle.
The study was pioneered by Steven Lenhert, FSU associate professor of biological science. Lenhert and his team conducted series of experiments to understand nanotech-based drug and how nanoparticles can be best used to deliver drugs to target cells.
According to Lab Manager, the research team has found a way to enhance target cells in taking up the nanotech-based drug making the drugs more potent. Lenhert and his team from the University of Toronto and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have utilized encapsulated silicon nanoparticles in liposomes.
The initial goal of the study regarding the nanotech-based drug was to test the toxicity of the silicon nanoparticles and grasp its biological activity. The property of nanoparticles changes as their size also changes, as stated by Lenhert. The team then examined how shape and size affects the toxicity of silicon.
Understanding Nano stated that researchers are also continuing to look for more effective procedures to target nanoparticles transporting drugs directly to diseased cells. An example of these is how nanotech-based drugs are potently targeting tumors using two types of nanoparticles. The first nanoparticle locates the cancer cells while the other carries the therapeutic drug.
In the current study, the scientists discovered that 10 out of 18 nanoparticles ranging from 1.5 to 6 nanometers are significantly more toxic than the crude mixtures of the material. Furthermore, the study has also discovered that the toxicity of silicon particles is directly related to enhance cellular uptake. This information is very essential to the development of nanotech-based drugs.
Moreover, Lenhert stated that the study is essential in the discovery of novel nanotech-based drugs. Through nanotechnology, opening of new therapeutics have a great potential but several tests are to be conducted first.
