Laser remote control leads to success of transplanted cells
Researchers at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC) of the University of Coimbra (UC) have developed a nanoparticle formulation that allows the release of two molecules in the treatment of ischemic diseases through remote light control.
“The finding, published in the journal ACS Nano and resulting from a five-year study, contributes to increased survival and proliferation of transplanted progenitor endothelial cells (which play an important role in the recovery of ischemic diseases such as cerebral vascular accidents) “, UC maintains in a note today.
According to the source, “the possibility of activating nanoparticles (measuring one millionth of a millimeter) by remote control makes all the difference.”
He adds that “photocurable control in the release of more than one molecule allows to potentiate and model the cellular activity with greater precision – increasing the effectiveness of the treatment”.
“The nanoformulation presented by the CNC team functions as a ‘switch’ of biological circuits involved in the proliferation and survival of progenitor endothelial cells (whose transplantation contributes to the healing and vascularization of tissues affected by ischemic diseases),” explains UC.
In the now published study, “the working principle of nanoformulation has been demonstrated in the healing of skin wounds in mice”.
However, the possible clinical applications of this nanoparticle formulation can be extended to other organs and the treatment of diseases with combination therapies with multiple molecules, the statement said.
“This is the first paper describing a nanoparticle for controlled delivery of two molecules through a laser with near-infrared wavelength, which allows greater penetration into the tissues without toxic effects and enables the remote control of the nanoparticles,” describes Miguel Lino, the first author of the article published in “ACS Nano” quoted in the note.
The study of the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of the University of Coimbra was funded by the European Reseach Council and the aging ERA Chair.
It was coordinated by Lino Ferreira, leader of the research group on Biomaterials and Therapies Based on Stem Cells of the CNC and coordinating researcher of the Faculty of Medicine of the UC, and also had the participation of the researchers Susana Simões, Andreia Vilaça, Helena Antunes and Alessandra Zonari .
