Magnetic Nanoparticles Provide Targeted Drug Release
For patients with conditions like cancer, diabetes and chronic pain, taking drugs orally is often insufficient; a more precise and flexible on/off dosing schedule controlled by an implanted device can provide better treatment based on day-to-day--or minute-by-minute--conditions. While various methods for regulating drug-dispensing implants exist (including implanted heat sources and electronic chips), a new device with a membrane of magnetic nanoparticles can be controlled simply by applying a magnetic field. Researchers led by Daniel Kohane, MD, PhD of Children's Hospital Boston, funded by the National Institutes of Health, have created an implantable device that envelops medication in a membrane laced with nanoparticles composed of magnetite (a naturally magnetic mineral). The nanoparticles heat up when activated by a magnetic field outside of the body which warms the membrane and causes its gels to temporarily collapse, allowing the drugs to pass through into the body. The membrane...