Apr-01-15
Nanoneedles that deliver tissue-healing nucleic acids on-target could one day be injected into the body to help nerve and organs self-heal.
Nucleic acids (such as DNA) transmit genetic information, and are considered the building blocks of all living organisms. In order to direct the delivery of these powerful healers, the team embedded the acids within sponge-like nanoneedles made of a non-toxic, biodegradable silicon, The nanoneedles are able to pass through the outer membrane of the cell to deliver their payload of nucleic acids without damaging the cell, and the nanoneedles safely degrade within about two days.
Dr. Ciro Chiappini, first author of the study, believes the nanoneedles could eventually be incorporated into a bandage that could "reprogram the cells" to heal the tissue without forming a card. #nano #technologies #new