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Development of a novel carbon nanomaterial 'pot'

Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a novel, pot-shaped carbon nanomaterial with a deeper orifice than any previously produced hollow carbon nanostructure. The material's unique characteristic enables it to gradually release substances contained within, making it suitable for applications such as drug delivery systems.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Materials Research·DateAug 4, 2016

Proteins assemble and disassemble on command

Researchers at Duke University have deciphered the genetic code that instructs proteins to assemble or disassemble in response to environmental stimuli. This discovery provides a new platform for designer proteins and investigations into nanotechnology, biotechnology, and medical treatments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 21, 2015

On the road to needle-free medicine

Alternative drug-delivery systems are being explored to overcome syringe injection drawbacks, including ointments, dissolvable tablets and micro-needle skin patches. Several promising results have been shown in animal testing, but widespread adoption will require changing the mindset of pharmaceutical companies and regulators.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 17, 2015

New non-invasive technique controls size of molecules penetrating the blood-brain barrier

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new non-invasive technique using acoustic pressure to control the size of molecules penetrating the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough may help improve localized brain drug delivery for treatment of central nervous system diseases like Par...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateAug 14, 2014

Tiny bottles and melting corks: Temperature regulates new delivery system for drugs and fragrances

Researchers have developed a new temperature-regulated delivery system that can release drugs or fragrances in response to body heat, offering greater control over delivery. The system uses microscopic bottle-like structures with melting corks made of fatty acids, which can be tailored to specific temperatures.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 18, 2013

Slow-release 'jelly' delivers drugs better

Duke University engineers developed a novel delivery system that overcomes the limitations of peptide drugs, which are used to treat diseases like diabetes and cancer. The new system, called POD, uses a fusion protein that releases the drug slowly and steadily, reducing side effects.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013

A 24-karat gold key to unlock the immune system

Researchers at Tel Aviv University create gold nanoparticles that trigger an immune response when coated with specific chemical residues, revealing a key link between hydrophobicity and immune system activation. This breakthrough has the potential to improve drug delivery systems and lead to more effective medications and vaccinations.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 26, 2012

How biological capsules respond under stress

Researchers developed a new statistical method to assess the bending elasticity of biological membranes, improving accuracy by up to 80%. The method uses Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution and has potential applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 28, 2011

Basis for battery-powered skin patch for wider range of protein-based medicines

Scientists have developed a battery-powered skin patch that can deliver medication for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and healing stubborn skin ulcers and burns. The patch uses transdermal iontophoresis to deliver fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), larger proteins that were previously ineffective when given by mouth or injected, result...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateAug 3, 2011

Duke develops nano-scale drug delivery for chemotherapy

Researchers at Duke University have developed a simple and inexpensive method for loading cancer drugs into nano-scale delivery vehicles. The new formulation showed promising results in animal models, eliminating tumors after a single treatment while reducing side effects associated with systematic chemotherapy.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 1, 2009

Cancer drug delivery research at Case Western Reserve University cuts time from days to hours

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a technique that can deliver cancer-fighting drugs to diseased areas within hours, reducing the current delivery time from two days. The system uses gold nanoparticle vectors to deliver photodynamic therapy (PDT) drugs through the bloodstream.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 22, 2008