Micro-Subs Deliver Drugs with Bubble-Power

May-31-19 A micro-submarine self-powered by bubbles could one day be used to deliver drugs within the body.

While targeted drug delivery remains a promising technology, powering the delivery devices safely remains a challenge. The micro-submarines developed by a team from the University of New South Wales offer a novel option inspired by how submarines sink and rise. The tiny subs are made up of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that contain a bioactive enzyme as well as the cargo of drugs. The enzyme with react with the pH level in the blood, creating gas bubbles that the micro-sub can capture or release to rise or fall and navigate to the target.

Although the micro-subs will require more development before they can be tested in the body, the team believes their ability to move in 3D could also help them navigate towards cancer cells, which tend to be more acidic.

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[NEWATLAS.COM]
[NEWSROOM.UNSW.EDU.AU]

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