This magnetically-triggered drug delivery platform can deliver a wide array of nano-medicines to targeted cells in the body. Nanotechnology is a growing science that is useful in targeting and treating cancerous cells and other harmful agents. The global market for nanoparticles in life sciences is estimated at over $30 billion. While a variety of available nano-medicines allow for encapsulation and delivery of drugs, the mechanism for release is either passive or requires a response to environmental stimuli; most of these approaches do not allow for externally controlled drug release. These magnetically-triggered drug delivery vehicles would respond to an applied alternating magnetic field by releasing a drug, enabling an unprecedented level of control over the spatial and temporal distribution of a drug. This provides clinicians with alternatives to maximize drug efficacy while minimizing side effects.
Magnetically-triggered drug delivery platform for precise encapsulation and externally controlled, targeted delivery of therapeutics
University of Florida researchers have developed a magnetically-triggered drug delivery platform comprising magnetic nanoparticles coated with a biocompatible polymer and conjugated to therapeutic agents through a thermally labile bond. Upon application of an alternating magnetic field, the magnetic nanoparticles release thermal energy, breaking the bonds and actuating the release of the drug. In the absence of the magnetic field, the drug remains encapsulated in the biocompatible polymer shell. The design of these magnetically-triggered drug delivery vehicles is general enough to make this platform nanotechnology attractive for the delivery of a wide array of therapeutic agents, such as small molecule drugs, peptides, and genetic material. In addition, the vehicles could co-deliver multiple therapeutic agents.
