New triggered-release mechanism could improve drug delivery, scientists find

Published: 19-Jan-2015

The method uses two parent nanoparticles designed to interact only when in proximity to each other

More efficient medical treatments could be developed thanks to a new method for triggering the rearrangement of chemical particles developed by scientists at the University of Warwick, UK.

The method uses two ‘parent’ nanoparticles designed to interact only when in proximity to each other and then triggering the release of drug molecules contained within both.

The release of the drug molecules from the ‘parent’ nanoparticles could subsequently form a third ‘daughter’ particle, which comprises molecules from both ‘parent’ nanoparticles.

The researchers, led by Professors Andrew Dove and Rachel O’Reilly, suggest that this new mechanism could potentially limit side-effects by only releasing the drug where required.

'We conceive that in the blood stream the particles would not be able to interact sufficiently to lead to release, only when they are taken into cells would the release be able to happen,' says Professor Dove. 'In this way, the drug can be targeted to release only where we want it to and therefore be more effective and reduce side effects.'

We’re planning to study this as a new treatment for cancer but the principle could potentially be applied to a wide range of diseases

The chemical composition of the two ‘parent’ nanoparticles is crucial to the new method. He explains: 'The two ‘parent’ nanoparticles used in the new mechanism are cylindrical in shape and are made from polymer chains that differ only by the way in which chemical bonds are directed within a part of the structure.

'When the two ‘parent’ nanoparticles are in close enough proximity the polymer chains are driven to come together to form a new ‘daughter’ nanoparticle by a phenomenon known as stereocomplexation.

'In the process of this rearrangement, we propose that any molecules, such as drug molecules, that are encapsulated within the parent particles will be released.'

The research, published in journal Nature Communications, could raise new possibilities in how we can administer medical treatments, adds Professor Dove.

'We’re planning to study this as a new treatment for cancer but the principle could potentially be applied to a wide range of diseases.'

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