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 The balloon could then be deflated and withdrawn.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
'/>"/>
| Contact: Matt Shipman matt_shipman@ncsu.edu 919-515-6386 North Carolina State University Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Researchers identify a new gene with a key role in obesity and diabetes
2. GW researchers find variation in foot strike patterns in predominantly barefoot runners
3. Joslin researchers identify important factor in fat storage and energy metabolism
4. UCSB researchers perform pioneering research on Type 2 diabetes
5. Researchers develop tool to evaluate genome sequencing method
6. Jackson Laboratory researchers provide definitive proof for receptors role in synapse development
7. Researchers discover genetic basis for eczema, new avenue to therapies
8. Thomas Jefferson University researchers discover new pathways that drive metastatic prostate cancer
9. Carin Görings remains identified by researchers at Uppsala University
10. CNIO researchers develop new databases for understanding the human genome
11. 3 Johns Hopkins researchers named AAAS Fellows
 |
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |