An article has been published in the Magnetochemistry journal, describing the development by scientists from the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine (ICBFM) of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, carried out in collaboration with scientists from Guangzhou Medical University. The researchers have created nanocapsules for drug delivery to tumors.
We obtained magnetic nanoparticles, stabilized them with nylon, and then dissolved the magnetic particle inside this composite with acid treatment. As a result, we were left with just the nylon shell with a void inside. In aqueous conditions, this capsule swells and substances get inside. The paper shows that it has a large enough capacity for loading a drug inside.
Head of the Biomedical Chemistry Laboratory at ICBFM SB RAS Elena Dmitrienko
A biodegradable and non-toxic nylon-6 (capron) polymer was used to work with nanoparticles. The nylon coating not only stabilizes the particles but also allows additional compounds to be attached to them. For example, a ligand can be attached - a molecule that will ensure the targeted delivery of nanocapsules directly to cancer cells.
We plan to assemble the foundation and when it is shown that the carrier, the drug, and the targeted component are presented in one set that is stable and non-toxic, we can start in vivo studies.
Elena Dmitrienko