SAN FRANCISCO, May 22 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have created nanotubes that can hold proteins or drugs, delivering the agents in a controlled manner precisely where needed in the body.
The researchers at the University of California-San Francisco said the fabrication strategies they developed are flexible in terms of controlling the diameter and length of the tubes. By changing those physical parameters, the nanotubes can precisely control the dosage and deliver drugs at physiological rates for desired durations of time.
In the case of orthopedic implants with nanotubes on the implant surfaces, drugs such as antibiotics can be loaded into the tubes and released at the site of implantation. That method, which targets the drug where it is needed, avoids the side effects caused by high dosages normally given patients. Further, in cases where a very long treatment regimen is needed, nanotubes might provide superior performance, the scientists said.
The research was presented this week in Santa Clara, Calif., during the Nano Science and Technology Institute's Nanotech 2007 conference.
