The center sphere represents a comparison of drug delivery systems. Left: A representative ‘traditional’ drug delivery system with multiple carrier components may have toxic effects on the body and may not be approved for use during the development process. Right: A novel Metal–Biomolecule Network (MBN) drug delivery system, featuring simplified components. The biomolecules or organic drugs (represented by the rods) are assembled and stabilized by metal ions (orange spheres). (Credit: University of Melbourne)

A team of researchers has created an innovative drug-delivery system with potential to improve drug development. The drug-delivery system is a coordination network composed of only metal ions and biomolecules, known as metal–biomolecule network (MBN). This system eliminates the need for complicated drug carriers, making it potentially more useful in a range of applications.

The MBN nanoparticles are formed by combining non-toxic metal ions (such as those absorbed through diet, like calcium or iron) with phosphonate biomolecules (such as DNA, which is the building block of life). The MBN nanoparticles are chemically and metabolically stable and have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

The team had to overcome the challenge that ‘free’ biomolecular cargoes often cannot reach their target cells to achieve the required biological function. Over the two-year project, they were able to minimize the use of extra, non-functional components and create a simpler material system with greater potential for success, without compromising performance.

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Topics:
Drug Delivery Medical Nanotechnology

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