Recent advancements in intracellular protein delivery have paved the way for the developments in precision medicine. Researchers from Japan have introduced a new hybrid nanotube stamp system (HyNT). This marks a significant leap forward in targeted therapies for various diseases, especially cancer.
Historical Aspects
The hybrid nanotube stamp system (HyNT), was developed by Professor Takeo Miyake from Waseda University. He collaborated with the Mikawa Group at the RIKEN Institute. Further, this system is offering a method for delivering multiple proteins into target cells. Also, it boasts exceptional efficiency and cell viability rates.
Precision medicine and targeted therapies are gaining momentum. They tailor treatments to individual patients and minimize adverse effects. However, conventional delivery methods face limitations. Additionally, intracellular protein delivery is a promising alternative which ensures precise distribution of therapeutic agents without causing toxicity.
The research team’s innovative technique delivers diverse cargoes simultaneously. Moreover, these include calcein dye, lactate oxidase (LOx) enzyme, and ubiquitin (UQ) protein. They are delivered directly into adhesive cells for cancer treatment.
Key Features of the Hybrid Nanotube Stamp System
The Hybrid Nanotube Stamp Systems are synthesized through PEDOT polymerization onto Au nanotube membranes which is assembled with a glass tube to create a stamp capable of physically inserting HyNTs into cells, explained Professor Miyake. The key features include:
- Enables precise injection of therapeutic agents into target cells
- Simultaneously delivers multiple proteins with high efficiency
- Ensures high cell viability rates during intracellular delivery
- Bypasses issues such as silencing during transcription and translation
- Minimises the risk of undesirable mutations from DNA insertion
- Facilitates targeted and effective therapies for various diseases
The team’s exploration of delivering LOx enzyme using the Hybrid Nanotube Stamp System demonstrating significant potential for cancer treatment. While healthy mesenchymal stem cells remained unaffected by LOx treatment, cancerous HeLa cells experiences notable cell death over time, showcasing the system’s efficacy in targeting specific cell types.
Read more about this research on Waseda University’s website
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