Nanotechnology Now

Our NanoNews Digest Sponsors







Heifer International

Wikipedia Affiliate Button


Home > News > Carbon nanohorns as potential intracellular delivery vehicle

April 30th, 2007

Carbon nanohorns as potential intracellular delivery vehicle

Abstract:
Currently, the most common carrier vehicles to deliver therapeutic drugs, genes or proteins to a patient's target cells are viruses that have been genetically altered to carry the desired payload. These viruses infect cells, deposit their payloads, and take over the cells' machinery to produce the desirable proteins. One problem with this method is that the human body has developed a very effective immune system that protects it from viral infections and another problem is that viral-based delivery vehicles may integrate into the host genome. Thanks to advances in nanotechnology fabrication techniques, the development of nonviral nanocarriers for gene and drug delivery has become possible. Besides viruses, polymeric systems and various inorganic nanomaterials are under intensive investigation as nonviral delivery vehicles. Finding new candidates for vehicles is still of great interest because most existing synthetic vehicles exhibit intrinsic cytotoxicity and show relatively low delivery efficiency. Enter the carbon nanohorn (CNH). This recently recognized member of the fullerene family has a unique dahlia flower-like structure, huge surface areas and can be fabricated with high purity. Researchers believe that CNHs may have potential advantages over normal nanoparticles, nanorods and nanotubes as synthetic intracellular delivery vehicles.

Source:
nanowerk.com

Bookmark:
Delicious Digg Newsvine Google Yahoo Reddit Magnoliacom Furl Facebook

Related News Press

Nanomedicine

Nanoparticle Harnesses Powerful Radiation Therapy for Cancer May 20th, 2013

Microneedle-Delivered Nanoparticles Boost Antitumor Vaccines May 20th, 2013

New Nanopore Sensor Simplifies Analysis of Methylated DNA May 20th, 2013

Elsevier Business Intelligence (EBI) to Host 'IN3 Medical Device 360 Boston,' June 24-26, 2013 May 20th, 2013

Discoveries

Nanoparticle Delivers Large Protein Complex to Cancer Cell Nucleus May 20th, 2013

Protein 'Passport' Helps Nanoparticles Get Past Immune System May 20th, 2013

Nanoparticle Harnesses Powerful Radiation Therapy for Cancer May 20th, 2013

Microneedle-Delivered Nanoparticles Boost Antitumor Vaccines May 20th, 2013

Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals

Nanoparticle Delivers Large Protein Complex to Cancer Cell Nucleus May 20th, 2013

Protein 'Passport' Helps Nanoparticles Get Past Immune System May 20th, 2013

Nanoparticle Harnesses Powerful Radiation Therapy for Cancer May 20th, 2013

Microneedle-Delivered Nanoparticles Boost Antitumor Vaccines May 20th, 2013

NanoNews-Digest
The latest news from around the world, FREE





  Premium Products
NanoNews-Custom
Only the news you want to read!
 Learn More
NanoTech-Transfer
University Technology Transfer & Patents
 Learn More
NanoStrategies
Full-service, expert consulting
 Learn More












ASP
Nanotechnology Now Featured Books




NNN

The Hunger Project








abbigliamento uomo
Computer Accessories
© Copyright 1999-2013 7th Wave, Inc. All Rights Reserved PRIVACY POLICY :: CONTACT US :: STATS :: SITE MAP :: ADVERTISE