Use of Nanopores for Drug Delivery

            Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a new method to assist in drug delivery with their use of a biological nanopore. Their idea stemmed from the known function of the cell membrane and how it regulates what moves in and out of the cell. With this in mind, the researchers first took advantage of those membrane proteins that can be used as a “weapon” by making a hole in the cell membrane. This hole, or nanopore, would then incorporate what the researchers called a, “’…selective DNA revolving door…’” above the nanopore. Certain DNA sequences would be able to attach to this door and be moved into the cell. Once inside the cell, another “DNA key” allows for the DNA sequence to be released and the revolving door to be reset to its original position. This specificity in which a particular DNA sequence is allowed to attach to the door enables the nanopore to regulate which DNA molecules can move into the cell.

            Using this idea provides a mechanism for selective drug delivery and other transport systems. In drug delivery, this nanopore would allow for a more direct and efficient way to deliver the medicine to the target cells. Another example in which this mechanism is believed to prove beneficial is in gene therapy. With this example, the particular genetic material that is needed to re-program a degenerative cell can get into its target cell with more success by utilizing the specificity of the nanopore.

            I chose this article because I liked that the article dealt with topics, such cell membranes and membrane channels, which we have talked about in detail in class. I always find it cool to see information we have learned about integrated into real-life examples and innovations. Also, drug delivery is another topic within biomedical engineering that I find fascinating and am looking to pursue in the future.   

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131023090540.htm