Nano-bubbles triggered by X-rays can target cancer – LIFE



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Scientists have developed nano-bubbles capable of delivering drugs into the body when they are triggered by standard X-rays and which could pave the way for a new range of cancer treatments.

Small bubbles, known as liposomes, are commonly used in pharmacology to encapsulate drugs, making them more effective in treating the disease.

The researchers were able to design these liposomes to unload their drug cargo on demand, once activated by standard X-rays. "The development and application of various models of nanomaterials for drug delivery is currently a key area in nanomedicine," said Wei Deng, a scientist at Macquarie University. in Australia. "Liposomes are already well established as an extremely effective drug delivery system," Ms. Deng said.

"Made from similar materials to cell membranes, these" bubbles "are relatively simple to prepare, can be filled with appropriate drugs and then injected into specific parts of the body," she said. however, is to control the rapid release of the drug from the liposome, "she added." We have ensured that the liposomes release the drug load exactly at the right time and in the right place to provide the treatment. the most effective, "said Ms. Deng.

Delivery Times

" Our X-ray-releasable liposomes allow this release of drug on demand, "she added," the approach we adopted was to incorporate gold nanoparticles and the photo-sensitive molecule into the liposome wall. "

Radiation radiation causes the reaction of verteporfin and produces highly reactive singlet oxygen which then destabilizes the liposomal membrane, causing the release of the drug, according to the researchers

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