‘Nano’ medicine developed for gene therapy
In a boost to the fast emerging field of gene therapy, city scientists have successfully synthesised orally administered next-generation nanoparticles to deliver biomaterials like DNA and RNA to cure certain diseases. Scientists at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology have developed the nanoparticles from organic materials, which they say are useful for delivery of small regulatory RNA or siRNA and DNA as therapeutic materials. They also serve as novel material or cargoes for molecular diagnostics, since the nanoparticles are self-fluorescent.
These nanoparticles show no side-effect to surrounding tissues and are eliminated from the body after performing their function. The IICT scientists have successfully demonstrated both in laboratory and on animal models how effective delivery of specific siRNA would silence the target gene to treat health problems related to genetics.
Dr Manika Pal Bhadra, who led the research, was awarded National Academy of Sciences India-Reliance Industries Platinum Jubilee Award on Thursday. To accomplish oral delivery of siRNA, adult Drosophila (fruit fly) were fed with these nanoparticles. Nanoparticles feeding caused no impairment of their sex, egg-laying capacity or survivality proving the non-toxic nature of the synthesised particles.
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