Light Responsive Medication Delivery Could Replace Injections

Oct-23-13 Implants able to deliver medication in response to light could one day make life easier for people suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes.

The implants are made from a bio-compatible hydrogel that were filled will cells engineered to respond to light. In addition to delivering insulin, the implants can also function as toxin detectors.

To activate the insulin delivery system, which was tested on diabetic mice, the research team used an optical fiber to send blue light to the implant, causing the engineered cells to create a protein that stimulates insulin production. In their role as toxin detectors, the cells will emit a green light in the presence of heavy meals, shining more brightly as the toxin level increases.

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[DISCOVERY.COM]

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