Home > News > Cell 'organs' get plastic upgrades
June 6th, 2008
Cell 'organs' get plastic upgrades
Abstract:
Human cells could have their metabolisms upgraded without altering their genes by inserting tiny plastic packages of enzymes, Swiss researchers have shown. They hope the technique could allow advanced cancer therapies, or even upgrade a person's metabolism.
The cells of multi-cellular organisms and some advanced single-celled organisms have internal compartments called organelles to carry out specialised metabolic functions. Researchers at University of Basel, Switzerland, used artificial polymer organelles to upgrade live human cells in a lab dish.
Meier and colleagues coated their polymer vesicles in a chemical that encouraged human white blood cells called macrophages to engulf them. The small capsules contained enzymes, just like natural organelles. The enzymes chosen produced fluorescent chemicals, signalling they were working without problems inside their new host.
The artificial organelle's membrane can be chemically tuned to control which chemicals can pass through it and regulate the reactions inside, according to Wolfgang Meier, one of the researchers. "We call it a 'nanoreactor'," he says.
At 200 nanometres across, the organelles are 400 times smaller in width than a human hair.
Source:
technology.newscientist.com
Bookmark:
News and information
Xmark Media announces the 2013 Vacuum Expo & Vacuum Symposium, Ricoh Arena - Coventry 16-17 October May 21st, 2013
INSCX™ exchange announces substantial increase in capital designated to provide Trade Finance for registered Nanomaterial Producers May 21st, 2013
JPK reports on single molecule research at IISER Pune in India using AFM and CellHesion techniques May 21st, 2013
Imec and GLOBALFOUNDRIES collaborate to advance high-density memory technology: STT-MRAM offers enhanced performance and scalability for embedded and standalone applications May 21st, 2013
Nanomedicine
Nanoparticle Delivers Large Protein Complex to Cancer Cell Nucleus May 20th, 2013
Protein 'Passport' Helps Nanoparticles Get Past Immune System 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
Rice unveils method for tailoring optical processors: Arranging nanoparticles in geometric patterns allows for control of light with light May 21st, 2013
Nanoparticle Delivers Large Protein Complex to Cancer Cell Nucleus May 20th, 2013
Protein 'Passport' Helps Nanoparticles Get Past Immune System May 20th, 2013
Researchers Perform Fastest Measurements Ever Made of Ion Channel Proteins May 20th, 2013
Announcements
JPK reports on single molecule research at IISER Pune in India using AFM and CellHesion techniques May 21st, 2013
Imec and GLOBALFOUNDRIES collaborate to advance high-density memory technology: STT-MRAM offers enhanced performance and scalability for embedded and standalone applications May 21st, 2013
International survey supports need for built-in water protection on smartphones and tablets May 21st, 2013
Rice unveils method for tailoring optical processors: Arranging nanoparticles in geometric patterns allows for control of light with light May 21st, 2013