Biodegradable Nanodrones Target Arterial Plaque

Mar-06-15 Researchers have created biodegradable nanodrones able to deliver drugs that treat arterial plague—opening the door to more effective heart attack-prevention treatments.

The nanodrones, up to 1000 times smaller than the tip of a human hair, are equipped with a specific "sticky" surface that helps them to accumulate within the plaque after they have been injected into the body. Once in place, they slowly release their payload of anti-inflammatory peptides, which helps to stabilize and heal the plaque. The nanodrones are built using biodegradable polymers, and will break down safely in the body once their task is complete.

Although trials on humans are still some time away, the technology has been successful in tests on mice, and represents "the first example of a targeted nanoparticle technology that reduces atherosclerosis in an animal model."

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[NEWSROOM.CUMC.COLUMBIA.EDU]

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