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HKUST Engineering researchers develop groundbreaking platform for one-step production of sperm-like micro-robots to enhance precise drug delivery

Researchers from HKUST developed a novel magnetic actuation platform enabling the efficient production of sperm-like micro-robots, which demonstrate excellent motility and precision in targeted drug delivery. The Vortex Turbulence-Assisted Microfluidics (VTAM) platform streamlines the production process, paving the way for promising bi...

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2024

Penn pioneers a 'one-pot platform' to promptly produce mRNA delivery particles

The University of Pennsylvania team has pioneered a novel 'one-pot platform' to produce mRNA delivery particles, accelerating the synthesis process and enabling precise targeting of specific organs. The approach leverages click-like chemistry to create lipid nanoparticles with biodegradable components, enhancing mRNA delivery into cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

First in-human investigator-initiated clinical trial to launch for refractory prostate cancer patients: Novel alpha therapy targets prostate-specific membrane antigen

A new alpha-ray therapeutic agent ([At-211] PSMA-5) has been developed to target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in refractory prostate cancer patients. The therapy has shown efficacy in animal models and is now being tested in a first-in-human clinical trial.

SourceOsaka University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 27, 2024

Insights into functions of micronutrient transporters may pave way for new treatments for neurological diseases

Scientists have discovered the transporters responsible for delivering essential nutrients choline and ethanolamine to human cells. The study sheds light on the atomic structure of these transporters and their role in distributing micronutrients throughout the body, providing a foundation for new therapeutic approaches.

Body’s ‘message in a bottle’ delivers targeted cancer treatment

A new study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering shows that targeted cancer treatment using antibody-displaying extracellular vesicles reduces tumour growth and improves survival in mice. The treatment has the potential to be used against other diseases and cancer types, offering a more effective and fewer side effects compared t...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2024

Next-generation treatments hitch a ride into cancer cells

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a way to deliver antisense oligonucleotides to their targets inside cancer cells by opening specific calcium permeable channels. The new compound, L687, promotes efficient uptake of ASO into cancer cells, suppressing target gene activity and enhancing ASO efficacy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

A moonshot for obesity: New molecules, inspired by space shuttles, advance lipid nanoparticle delivery for weight control

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have invented a new way to synthesize key components of lipid nanoparticles, simplifying their manufacture while boosting efficacy. The new method involves combining three chemicals to create branched lipidoids that promote mRNA delivery to target c...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Nanoparticles containing natural substance treat visceral leishmaniasis with scant side effects

Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a novel technique using lipid nanoparticles to administer lupeol, killing Leishmania protozoan parasites. The therapy eliminated parasites from organs in animal tests, reducing spleen and liver parasite numbers by 99.9% with minimal side effects.

Enhanced treatment of liver carcinoma with a drug-eluting hydrogel

Scientists have developed a drug-eluting hydrogel that provides sustained, pH-dependent drug co-delivery and promotes anti-tumor immune responses, reducing tumor cell proliferation and growth. The treatment shows promise in treating hepatocellular carcinoma, with enhanced efficacy compared to traditional methods.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

‘Plug and play’ nanoparticles could make it easier to tackle various biological targets

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have created modular nanoparticles that can be tailored for various applications, including targeted drug delivery and neutralizing biological agents. By leveraging a plug-and-play approach, scientists can rapidly modify functional biological nanoparticles with ease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 30, 2023

Scaling up the power of nanotechnology

The team created a proof-of-concept nanocapsule capable of delivering specific payloads to targeted locations, with potential applications in drug delivery, nutrient transport, and other fields. By using calcium metal ions as building blocks, they can generate identical reservoirs for different substances.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChemical Science·DateSep 21, 2023

Effective as a collective: Researchers investigate the swarming behavior of microrobots

A team of researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz studied the collective behavior of small robots and found that they can solve tasks that a single machine cannot. The study uses statistical physics to analyze how the robots interact and move, revealing potential applications in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 26, 2023

A 21st-century remedy for missed meds

Researchers at Rice University have created a new technology called PULSED that can deliver time-released drugs and vaccines for extended periods. The technology uses high-resolution 3D printing and soft lithography to produce microcylinders made of biodegradable polymers, which can be loaded with drugs and release them over time.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

HKUMed develops a nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery system for treatment of obesity and atherosclerosis

A research team from HKUMed developed thyroid hormone (TH)-encapsulated nanoparticles that selectively target adipose tissues, reducing obesity-related metabolic complications and atherosclerosis. The treatment converts 'bad' white fat to 'good' brown fat, burning calories and alleviating hypercholesterolemia.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2023

Immunotherapy before surgery significantly improves outcomes of patients with melanoma

Researchers found that adding immunotherapy before surgical removal of stage III-IV melanoma significantly improved event-free survival compared to standard-of-care treatment. The study showed that neoadjuvant therapy is superior to the same therapy given in the adjuvant setting.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 1, 2023

Nanosatellite shows the way to RNA medicine of the future

Scientists at Aarhus University and Berkeley Laboratory developed a method called RNA origami to design artificial RNA nanostructures. The technique allowed for the discovery of rules and mechanisms for RNA folding that will make it possible to build more ideal RNA particles for use in RNA-based medicine.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Gene-delivering viruses reach the brain in step toward gene therapy for neurological diseases

Researchers have engineered a family of adeno-associated viral vectors that can deliver cargo to the primate brain, offering a safer and more efficient way to treat genetic diseases. The PAL family of AAVs has been shown to be three times better at delivering their cargo into the brain than current leading AAV delivery vehicle AAV9.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalMed·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022

Brain cancer research draws support

Kevin McHugh, a Rice bioengineer, has received the Distinguished Scientist Award from The Sontag Foundation for his work on gene editing to defeat glioblastoma multiforme. His approach involves delivering gene therapy agents directly to tumor cells, aiming to improve survival and reduce side effects.