Nanoparticles Enter Cells without Causing Cell Death

Filed in archive Biotech on June 13, 2008

Human cells are covered by a protective membrane. Generally speaking, if that membrane is penetrated, then the cell may rupture and die. However, scientists have created a nanoparticle that can enter a cell without killing it. What's the secret? Striped particle coatings. MIT researchers have synthesized gold nanoparticles coated with alternating bands of two different kinds of molecules. These synthetic nanoparticles can enter cells without causing cell death. This type of nanotechnology may revolutionize drug delivery techniques. Read more about this story in the July 11 issue of MIT Tech Talk. There are several other stories involving nanotechnology research.