Researchers create flexible, nanoscale 'bed of nails' for possible drug delivery
 |
| Anatoli Melechko, North Carolina State University |
Researchers
at North Carolina State University have come up with a technique to embed
needle-like carbon nanofibers in an elastic membrane, creating a flexible
"bed of nails" on the nanoscale that opens the door to development of
new drug-delivery systems. The research community is interested in finding new
ways to deliver precise doses of drugs to specific targets, such as regions of
the brain. One idea is to create balloons embedded with nanoscale spikes that
are coated with the relevant drug. Theoretically, the deflated balloon could be
inserted into the target area and then inflated, allowing the spikes on the
balloon's surface to pierce the surrounding cell walls and deliver the drug.
The balloon could then be deflated and withdrawn.
But to test this concept, researchers first needed to develop an
elastic material that is embedded with these aligned, nanoscale needles. That's
where the NC State research team came in.
"We have now developed a way of embedding carbon nanofibers
in an elastic silicone membrane and ensuring that the nanofibers are both
perpendicular to the membrane's surface and sturdy enough to impale
cells," says Dr. Anatoli Melechko, an associate professor of materials
science and engineering at NC State and co-author of a paper on the work.
The researchers first "grew" the nanofibers on an
aluminum bed, or substrate. They then added a drop of liquid silicone polymer.
The polymer, nanofibers and substrate were then spun, so that centrifugal force
spread the liquid polymer in a thin layer between the nanofibers -- allowing
the nanofibers to stick out above the surface. The polymer was then
"cured," turning the liquid polymer into a solid, elastic membrane.
Researchers then dissolved the aluminum substrate, leaving the membrane embedded
with the carbon nanofibers "needles."
"This technique is relatively easy and inexpensive,"
says Melechko, "so we are hoping this development will facilitate new
research on targeted drug-delivery methods."
The research was supported by the National Science Foundation
and the Department of Defense, Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
Researchers
at North Carolina State University have come up with a technique to embed
needle-like carbon nanofibers in an elastic membrane, creating a flexible
"bed of nails" on the nanoscale that opens the door to development of
new drug-delivery systems. The research community is interested in finding new
ways to deliver precise doses of drugs to specific targets, such as regions of
the brain. One idea is to create balloons embedded with nanoscale spikes that
are coated with the relevant drug. Theoretically, the deflated balloon could be
inserted into the target area and then inflated, allowing the spikes on the
balloon's surface to pierce the surrounding cell walls and deliver the drug.
The balloon could then be deflated and withdrawn.
But to test this concept, researchers first needed to develop an
elastic material that is embedded with these aligned, nanoscale needles. That's
where the NC State research team came in.
"We have now developed a way of embedding carbon nanofibers
in an elastic silicone membrane and ensuring that the nanofibers are both
perpendicular to the membrane's surface and sturdy enough to impale
cells," says Dr. Anatoli Melechko, an associate professor of materials
science and engineering at NC State and co-author of a paper on the work.
The researchers first "grew" the nanofibers on an
aluminum bed, or substrate. They then added a drop of liquid silicone polymer.
The polymer, nanofibers and substrate were then spun, so that centrifugal force
spread the liquid polymer in a thin layer between the nanofibers -- allowing
the nanofibers to stick out above the surface. The polymer was then
"cured," turning the liquid polymer into a solid, elastic membrane.
Researchers then dissolved the aluminum substrate, leaving the membrane embedded
with the carbon nanofibers "needles."
"This technique is relatively easy and inexpensive,"
says Melechko, "so we are hoping this development will facilitate new
research on targeted drug-delivery methods."
The research was supported by the National Science Foundation
and the Department of Defense, Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
Researchers
at North Carolina State University have come up with a technique to embed
needle-like carbon nanofibers in an elastic membrane, creating a flexible
"bed of nails" on the nanoscale that opens the door to development of
new drug-delivery systems. The research community is interested in finding new
ways to deliver precise doses of drugs to specific targets, such as regions of
the brain. One idea is to create balloons embedded with nanoscale spikes that
are coated with the relevant drug. Theoretically, the deflated balloon could be
inserted into the target area and then inflated, allowing the spikes on the
balloon's surface to pierce the surrounding cell walls and deliver the drug.
The balloon could then be deflated and withdrawn.
But to test this concept, researchers first needed to develop an
elastic material that is embedded with these aligned, nanoscale needles. That's
where the NC State research team came in.
"We have now developed a way of embedding carbon nanofibers
in an elastic silicone membrane and ensuring that the nanofibers are both
perpendicular to the membrane's surface and sturdy enough to impale
cells," says Dr. Anatoli Melechko, an associate professor of materials
science and engineering at NC State and co-author of a paper on the work.
The researchers first "grew" the nanofibers on an
aluminum bed, or substrate. They then added a drop of liquid silicone polymer.
The polymer, nanofibers and substrate were then spun, so that centrifugal force
spread the liquid polymer in a thin layer between the nanofibers -- allowing
the nanofibers to stick out above the surface. The polymer was then
"cured," turning the liquid polymer into a solid, elastic membrane.
Researchers then dissolved the aluminum substrate, leaving the membrane embedded
with the carbon nanofibers "needles."
"This technique is relatively easy and inexpensive,"
says Melechko, "so we are hoping this development will facilitate new
research on targeted drug-delivery methods."
The research was supported by the National Science Foundation
and the Department of Defense, Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
Source: North Carolina State University
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