We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




New Nano Technique Rapidly Inserts Nucleic Acids into Cells

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 27 Apr 2015
Print article
Image: Optical micrograph of human cells (green) impaled on the nanoneedles (orange). The nanoneedles have injected DNA into the cells’ nuclei (blue) (Photo courtesy of Imperial College London).
Image: Optical micrograph of human cells (green) impaled on the nanoneedles (orange). The nanoneedles have injected DNA into the cells’ nuclei (blue) (Photo courtesy of Imperial College London).
Researchers have unveiled a novel technique for inserting nucleic acids into cells that is based on biodegradable silicon-based "nanoneedles."

The porous nanoneedles act like a sponge to transport nucleic acids significantly better than similarly sized solid structures. The needles deliver their load by penetrating the cell's outer membrane without harming or killing the cell. The nanoneedles are made from biodegradable silicon that degrades in about two days, leaving behind only a negligible amount of nontoxic orthosilicic acid.

Investigators at Imperial College London (United Kingdom) and Houston Methodist Research Institute (TX, USA) used nanoneedle technology to deliver DNA and siRNA into human cells growing in culture and into the back muscles of mice. They reported in the March 30, 2015, online edition of the journal Nature Materials that seven days following insertion of the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-165 gene into the mouse back muscles there was a six-fold increase in the formation of new blood vessels, and blood vessels continued to form over a 14 day period. The technique did not seem to cause inflammation or other apparent harmful side effects.

"This is a quantum leap compared to existing technologies for the delivery of genetic material to cells and tissues," said senior author Dr. Ennio Tasciotti, professor of nanomedicine at Houston Methodist Research. "By gaining direct access to the cytoplasm of the cell we have achieved genetic reprogramming at an incredible high efficiency. This will let us personalize treatments for each patient, giving us endless possibilities in sensing, diagnosis and therapy. And all of this thanks to tiny structures that are up to 1,000 times smaller than a human hair."

Contributing author Dr. Molly Stevens, professor of bioengineering at Imperial College London, said, "It is still very early days in our research, but we are pleased that the nanoneedles have been successful in this trial in mice. There are a number of hurdles to overcome and we have not yet trialled the nanoneedles in humans, but we think they have enormous potential for helping the body to repair itself."

Related Links:

Imperial College London
Houston Methodist Research Institute


Gold Member
Troponin T QC
Troponin T Quality Control
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
Laboratory Electric Thermostat
DNP-9025A
New
Flow Cytometer
BF – 710

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The bowel cancer breakthrough could result in better treatment outcomes (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New RNA Molecules Can Help Predict Bowel Cancer Return Recurrence

Colorectal cancer accounts for 10% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide and was ranked as the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States in 2022. Currently, clinicians face diagnostic... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.