by
Lynn Shapiro, Writer | October 15, 2008
In control experiments, where the drug was present but without the nanodiamonds, virtually all of the drug was released within one day. By
adding the drug-laden nanodiamonds to the device, drug release was instantly lengthened to the months-long timescale.
"The nanodiamonds are quite economical and have already been mass-produced as lubrication components for automobiles and for use in electronics," added Robert Lam, a graduate student in Ho's research group and the article's lead author.
In the area of localized chemotherapy, the team hopes that this technology will bring new levels of treatment efficacy that can complement injected chemotherapy to reduce dosages and decrease devastating side effects.
Researchers are now conducting pre-clinical trials of the nanodiamond-embedded parylene.
Full Caption:
Nanodiamond-embedded devices could be used to deliver a broad range of therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammation and for regenerative medicine. The extremely thin and flexible devices also can be customized to any shape and thickness. (The device shown is 30 microns thick.)
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