A team of researchers from Finland and China has created a new nanomedicine that could improve the delivery and efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. The nanomedicine uses exosomes, which are natural vesicles produced by cells, as carriers of synthetic nanoparticles that contain the drugs. The exosomes help the nanoparticles to reach the tumor cells more efficiently and safely.
Exosomes are tiny sacs that carry various molecules, such as proteins and RNA, from one cell to another. They play an important role in cell communication and regulation. The researchers, led by Hélder A. Santos, an associate professor at the University of Helsinki, Finland, used exosomes to coat porous silicon nanoparticles that were loaded with anti-cancer drugs. The exosomes protect the nanoparticles from being degraded or cleared by the immune system, and also enhance their ability to cross blood vessels and penetrate deep into the tumor tissue.
“This study highlights the importance of cell-based nanomedicines,” Santos said. “We have shown that exosomes can be used as effective drug carriers to improve the anticancer drug efficacy.”
Date: 13 Sep, 2023
Source: https://www.labmanager.com/novel-anti-cancer-nanomedicine-for-efficient-chemotherapy-962