Nanocapsules used for drug delivery
PITTSBURGH - University of Pittsburgh scientists say they have created nanoscale devices for drug or imaging agent de- livery and to enhance oxygen sensors. In a report published online in the journal Advanced Materials, a team led by chem- istry Professors Alexander Star and Stephane Petoud describe the creation of nanosized capsules that are universally com- patible with a range of substances, particularly related to medicine and energy. When applied to medicine, the tiny ves- sels can potentially carry a sizable "cargo" of anti-cancer drugs or medical imaging agents. That study included grad- uate students Brett Allen, Chad Shade and Adrienne Yingling.
In a separate paper appearing online in Nature Chemistry another team headed by Star and Petoud developed a highly sensitive, fluorescent oxygen sensor that can detect minute amounts of the gas. The researchers said such oxygen detec- tors are important safety devices in mines, aircraft, sub- marines and o
ther confined spaces. In both studies the sci- entists said they used carbon nanomaterials to create en- hanced versions of existing technologies. "For decades, re- searchers have been searching for an optimal vessel for storing and transporting a variety of cargo to specified locations," Star said. "Our devices have the potential to be universal delivery vehicles for a range of materials. Our next steps will focus on controlling how and when the nano- capsules open by using different stimuli such as pH, light, and chemical agents."
In a separate paper appearing online in Nature Chemistry another team headed by Star and Petoud developed a highly sensitive, fluorescent oxygen sensor that can detect minute amounts of the gas. The researchers said such oxygen detec- tors are important safety devices in mines, aircraft, sub- marines and o
ther confined spaces. In both studies the sci- entists said they used carbon nanomaterials to create en- hanced versions of existing technologies. "For decades, re- searchers have been searching for an optimal vessel for storing and transporting a variety of cargo to specified locations," Star said. "Our devices have the potential to be universal delivery vehicles for a range of materials. Our next steps will focus on controlling how and when the nano- capsules open by using different stimuli such as pH, light, and chemical agents."
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