|Articles|September 7, 2007

Protein-Coated Nanowires Developed for Drug Delivery

A team of researchers from the University of Idaho and Seoul National University have designed a potential drug delivery system by coating silica nanowires with the protein fibronectin.

Moscow, ID (Sept. 4)-A team of researchers from the University of Idaho and Seoul National University have designed a potential drug delivery system by coating silica nanowires with the protein fibronectin. Their study found that the protein coating enabled the nanowires to enter cultured human cells and deliver a lethal dose of toxin (called StxA1).

The nanowires reportedly could be coated with antibodies or other materials to deliver low doses of drug to targeted cells without compromising healthy cells.

The study is scheduled for publication in the Sept. 12 issue of Nano Letters by the American Chemical Society.


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