A new method in bionanotech has recently been developed to deliver anti-cancer drugs. Researchers at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina have created a bio-inspired “nano-cocoon” made solely of DNA. This specially designed system is not only effective in delivering drugs, but it is also completely bio-compatible.
Similar to what Dr. Paul Rothemund originally discovered in DNA origami, this DNA nano-cocoon is completely self-assembled. Each capsule is only made of one strand of DNA that then rolls up and folds into a ball-like shape through various DNA folding techniques. The ball that is formed measures around 150 nanometers across. Within the capsule, the scientists placed the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) as well as a protein called DNase. The DNase is also protected by a thin polymer so that the enzyme will not cut up the DNA that makes up the capsule. Furthermore, the nano-cocoon has multiple folic acid ligands spread throughout its surface. The ligands are used to bind to receptors on the surface of a cancer cell so that the cell will automatically suck in the DNA nano-cocoon. Ultimately, the acidic environment within the cancer cell causes the polymer to break down and release the DNase. This causes the nano-cocoon to then break apart leading to a massive dose of the drug DOX.
North Carolina State News: Bio-Inspired ‘Nano-Cocoons’ Offer Targeted Drug Delivery Against Cancer Cells…
Study in Journal of the American Chemical Society: Cocoon-Like Self-Degradable DNA Nanoclew…
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