The remit of nanomedicine is the utilization of biocompatible nanomaterials with tailored properties designed for targeted delivery and controlled release of drugs or to induce cell stimulation in-vivo. The exploitation of the chemical and physical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) constitutes one option in achieving this therapeutic goal. CNTs can be engineered and integrated into biological systems as sensors, scaffolds, or employed for intracellular delivery of therapeutics. Here we demonstrate the use of the "antenna" properties of multi- walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for wireless cell permeabilisation by microwave energy both in eukaryotic cell cultures and in-vivo experiments following stereotactic injection in the cerebral motor cortex of mice. This wireless application has the potential for CNT based electro-stimulation therapies and targeted intracellular drug delivery.
CNT-mediated wireless cell permeabilisation: drug and gene uptake
Lisa Gherardini;Mario Costa;
2011
Abstract
The remit of nanomedicine is the utilization of biocompatible nanomaterials with tailored properties designed for targeted delivery and controlled release of drugs or to induce cell stimulation in-vivo. The exploitation of the chemical and physical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) constitutes one option in achieving this therapeutic goal. CNTs can be engineered and integrated into biological systems as sensors, scaffolds, or employed for intracellular delivery of therapeutics. Here we demonstrate the use of the "antenna" properties of multi- walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for wireless cell permeabilisation by microwave energy both in eukaryotic cell cultures and in-vivo experiments following stereotactic injection in the cerebral motor cortex of mice. This wireless application has the potential for CNT based electro-stimulation therapies and targeted intracellular drug delivery.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
