Monday, 23rd October 2006 (4307 views)

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology have found a way to send antibiotics straight to cells using gold nanoparticles in a discovery that could improve the efficacy of drug administration.

Using what they describe as a core shell system, the team were able to trap antibiotics within silica shells which were grown on the surface of gold nanoparticles.

The gold nanoparticles were removed using a patented method, leaving behind a nanobubble, inside which the antibiotic was trapped.

These nanobubbles provide a stable environment for the trapped antibiotics and protect them from unwelcome chemical reactions. This allows the drugs to be administered directly to the cells that need them.

Thalappil Pradeep, who led the study, explained: "As the porosity of the shells is controllable, controlled release of drugs can be achieved.

"Furthermore, stability, ease of synthesis and bio-compatibility of silica shells make this system a better choice in comparison to other chemical analogues."

Gold nanoparticles have proven to be extremely effective in medical research. Last year scientists found they could be used to detect cancer cells in the body, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

 

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