The specially synthesized biodegradable nanoparticles have the potential to deliver the therapeutic agents to silence the cancer genes whereas the drugs act directly on the cancer cells and attack them. But the nanoparticles while carrying the drugs to specific target sites are associated with common drug toxicity. To overcome this problem of drug toxicity, a team of scientists of the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) led by its director, has designed and synthesized orally deliverable, biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles to deliver the small molecules and nucleic acids that includes both DNA and small RNA.
Advantages of Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment:
The nanoparticles that are employed in the treatment of cancer are tubular shaped, nano sized structures and provide triple advantages.
The main advantage of these nanoparticles are they are non toxic in nature.
They do not accumulate in the body.
They help in monitering the distribution to various organs of the body due to their fluorescent nature.
How was the research conducted?
The studies were carried out initially by orally feeding the live Drosophila larvae. The result was that there was no impairment in the normal development of Drosophila, or in its egg laying capacity. The particles of the drug also have total clearance after a certain period of time from the living organism.
The preliminary results of the ongoing studies on mice have shown that 80% of the targeted cancer related genes have been silenced as said by the scientists of IICT.
The studies on mice have almost came to an end within a few months and the researchers are planning to conduct the pre-clinical trials.
Different types of nanoparticles are being synthesized all over the world for drug delivery ranging from biological substances like albumin to various chemicals. The chemical substances include various polymers and soild metal containing nano-materials. But most of the present structures like carbon nano tubes and polymers get accumulated in the body and cause high toxicity. This project is being funded by the Department of Biotechnology and will be extended for the next three years.