Nanokooien: ‘the chemist dream’
Nanocages In nature, catalysis – the acceleration of a chemical reaction – takes place continuously. That’s what enzymes do that consist of a cavity – a kind of lock – into which the molecules they convert fit like a key. Due to the complex structure of the cavity, enzymes are able to carry out very selective reactions under mild conditions. ‘Truly the chemist’s dream,’ says Bobylev. It is no coincidence that this principle closely resembles a nanocage, as nanocages are an attempt to replicate these enzymes in nature, a HIMS research programme.
In theory, many genetic diseases can be treated with this. But we are not there yet. The main hurdle is to deliver the RNA into the cells. This requires a messenger – called a vector in biology – to carry the RNA into the cell. Viruses or nanofat globules are often used, although they are not always selective enough for different cell types: they deliver their ‘package’ to all cells and not just the specific cells that need the RNA.
Nanocages do have that selectivity, published the researchers in the journal at the end of April Chem. For this research, the UvA chemists enlisted the help of Professor of Supramolecular Chemistry Alexander Kros at Leiden University. There, Bobylev’s two types of nanocages were added to two different human cell lines.
Something special happened there. Bobylev: ‘The surprising thing was that both nanocages reacted differently. The platinum nanocage actually delivered a lot of RNA to one cell type, but little to the other. For the nanocage with palladium, it was vice versa. And that while a commercially available vector showed no differences in release between the two cell types. That’s not always convenient, because you want the RNA to be delivered only where it’s needed.’
2023-05-12 11:16:44
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