How Nanomaterial Morphology is Revolutionizing Drug Delivery
In the quest to deliver drugs more effectively to their oral targets, scientists are turning to nanomaterials as innovative vectors. These tiny carriers ensure the transport of active substances within the living body, but their morphology—shape and structure—plays a pivotal role in determining their behavior, residence time, and overall effectiveness. Recent research from Paristech/PSL University sheds light on how different nanomaterial shapes influence drug delivery,particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
the Role of Hyaluronan in Nanomaterials
The study focused on hyaluronan, also known as hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in human tissues. Known for its ability to retain water,modulate inflammation,promote healing,and structure tissues,hyaluronan is a cornerstone of human biology. researchers designed a family of nanomaterials using hyaluronan, each with distinct morphologies: spherical, ellipsoidal, and hexagonal nanoplaquettes.
To track their behavior, these nanomaterials were marked with a fluorescent dye and administered orally to rats. Using real-time imaging and ex vivo analysis, scientists monitored their distribution in the gastrointestinal tract. Additional in vitro tests on human intestinal cells assessed cytotoxicity and internalization mechanisms, while histological analysis evaluated tissue integrity and inflammatory potential.
Morphology Matters: Key Findings
the results,published in Biomaterials Science,revealed that nanomaterial morphology significantly impacts their behavior. Hexagonal nanoplaquettes demonstrated prolonged retention in the gastrointestinal tract compared to their spherical and ellipsoidal counterparts. Their unique geometry enhances adhesion to the intestinal mucus layer, leading to better bioadhesion and faster diffusion of active substances.
Moreover,the nanoplaquettes showed no notable toxicity in both in vitro and in vivo tests. Surprisingly, they even exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, making them a promising candidate for therapeutic applications.
| Nanomaterial Morphology | retention Time | Bioadhesion | Toxicity | Anti-Inflammatory Activity |
|—————————–|——————–|—————–|————–|——————————-|
| Spherical | Short | Low | None | None |
| Ellipsoidal | moderate | Moderate | None | None |
| Hexagonal Nanoplaquettes | Prolonged | High | None | Yes |
Applications and Future Prospects
This groundbreaking research opens the door to numerous applications in drug delivery.For instance, hexagonal nanoplaquettes could optimize the release of active substances, particularly for therapies requiring prolonged or targeted delivery in the gastrointestinal tract. Their anti-inflammatory properties also suggest potential use in treating inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
As the field of nanomedicine continues to evolve, understanding the influence of nanomaterial morphology will be crucial for developing more effective and targeted therapies.
What’s next? Researchers are now exploring how these findings can be applied to other therapeutic areas, such as cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting frontier in science!
Writer: CCDM
