A new method uses magnetism for the administration of targeted drugs

Researchers have shown that microscopic drug administration containers can be magnetically directed to their targets. For example, progressing the development of precision medicine for the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

A multi-university team led by Jie Feng. Therefore, professor of mechanical sciences and engineering at the Graining College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has shown that magnetic particles encapsulated in lipid vesicles can be used to direct vesicles through fluids.

This work. Therefore, published in the Royal Society of Chemistry Journal On a nanometric scaleBases on previous results showing that lipid vesicles can be designed to release medication when lit with laser light. Meanwhile, The resulting system, combining the two results, is a complete prototype for precision and targeted administration of drugs.

“The attraction of lipid vesicles new method uses magnetism administration for the administration of drugs is that their structure is similar to a cell. Therefore, so that they can be made to interact only with particular types of cells – a significant advantage for the treatment of cancer. However, One of the challenges of making such vehicles is how to direct them to the correct site. Similarly, We have shown how to do this using magnetic fields, solving the last big problem before starting the excivo manifestations. Nevertheless, »»

Jie Feng, Professor, Science and Mechanical Engineering, The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Feng noted that existing medical technologies such as MRI could be reused to direct medication delivery vehicles with their magnetic fields, especially since these fields are designed to penetrate the human body. However, This can be done by encapsulating a superparamagnetic particle in the drug administration vehicle. For example, it new method uses magnetism administration therefore interacts with the magnetic field controlled outside.

The first step in the creation of magnetically adjustable lipid vesicles was to develop a reliable method to encapsulate. magnetic particles in vesicles. Vinit Malik. a student graduated in the Graining Illinois genius in the Feng laboratory and the main study of the study, used the “reverse” method, in which magnetic particles are added to a solution of dissolved lipids, leading to lipid droplets which are formed around the particles.

“It was not easy what would be the best way to encapsulate the lipid particles. so there was a great search for literature and some trials and errors,” said Malik. “We had to determine the best size of magnetic particles. then we had to understand that the inverted emulsion method has the highest yields for the encapsulated particles. »»

Then the researchers demonstrated that the magnetic fields could direct lipid vesicles. Malik new method uses magnetism administration has developed a 3D printed platform to mount the magnets safely under the microscope. to place the vesicles in a solution between the magnets. By observing the resulting movement. the researchers observed how the speed varied with the ratio of the size of the magnetic particles to the size of the vesicles. They also confirmed that the vesicles only release their cargo when they are illuminated with a laser light after. moving at the end of the microfluidic channel.

Although these experiences have shown that lipid vesicles move as planned in magnetic fields. it was also necessary to understand how the magnetic particle pushes the vesicle from the inside to understand the behavior of the whole device.

Illinois researchers have teamed up with investigators from the University of Santa Clara to study by calculating the internal. dynamics of the vesicle to predict movement speed. Using the Boltzmann method of the new method uses magnetism administration network. they observed how the magnetic particle drags all the vesicle when moving in a magnetic field.

“This allowed us to extend our experiences. because it is otherwise difficult to observe or predict the response of such a vesicles system,” said Malik. “It gives us a predictive power that will improve design guidelines. allow us to understand the physical mechanisms governing movement. »»

Armed with experimental demonstrations for the release of medication induced by light. magnetic direction, the FENGS laboratory now aims to start in vitro studies demonstrating that lipid vesicles can be magnetically directed towards specific locations through fluids such as human blood.

“Our combined results throw the basis of a complete precision medication administration system. and we are ready to explore potential use of treatment,” said Feng. “We are working on the next step: use a real medication. carry out an in vitro study in a microfluidic system new method uses magnetism administration that simulates the characteristics of organic environments. »»