DNA Nanorobot programmed to seek and destroy cells. Researchers at Harvard University’s Wyss Insitute have created a barrel shaped structure out of DNA, which is capable of carrying a payload through the body and opening to release it when it finds certain types of cells. Using the DNA origami method, in which complex three-dimensional shapes and objects are constructed by folding strands of DNA, the barrel is held shut by special DNA latches that can recognize and seek out combinations of cell-surface proteins, including disease markers. When the latches find their targets, they reconfigure, causing the two halves of the barrel to swing open and expose its contents, or payload. The container can hold various types of payloads, including specific molecules with encoded instructions that can interact with specific cell surface signaling receptors. The work is a described as a “major breakthrough in the field of nanobiotechnology”, as it will be able to “meet a real-world challenge, namely killing cancer cells with high specificity”. By using biocompatible DNA nanotechnology, the system will be able to naturally dissolve in the body, lessening the side effects compared to traditional drugs. Because it is able to target specific cells, far smaller doses of drugs will be able to be given, while still increasing their effectiveness.

DNA Nanorobot programmed to seek and destroy cells.

Researchers at Harvard University’s Wyss Insitute have created a barrel shaped structure out of DNA, which is capable of carrying a payload through the body and opening to release it when it finds certain types of cells.

Using the DNA origami method, in which complex three-dimensional shapes and objects are constructed by folding strands of DNA, the barrel is held shut by special DNA latches that can recognize and seek out combinations of cell-surface proteins, including disease markers. When the latches find their targets, they reconfigure, causing the two halves of the barrel to swing open and expose its contents, or payload. The container can hold various types of payloads, including specific molecules with encoded instructions that can interact with specific cell surface signaling receptors.

The work is a described as a “major breakthrough in the field of nanobiotechnology”, as it will be able to “meet a real-world challenge, namely killing cancer cells with high specificity”. By using biocompatible DNA nanotechnology, the system will be able to naturally dissolve in the body, lessening the side effects compared to traditional drugs. Because it is able to target specific cells, far smaller doses of drugs will be able to be given, while still increasing their effectiveness.

wyss.harvard.edu

140 notes

Show

  1. godwatorco reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  2. elfennerji reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  3. acc-dent reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  4. jmwftw reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  5. tearaindrops reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  6. whaleboyslifeininstagram reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  7. b-dubbz reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  8. jtokid reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  9. realitybound reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  10. sonya-nba reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  11. atthedarkendofthestreet reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  12. cursedluck reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  13. the-pursuit-of-rupees reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  14. indefinition reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  15. ozmosis reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  16. kixtine reblogged this from trantastical
  17. attentiontodisorder reblogged this from 8bitfuture and added:
    yeah. medicine rules.
  18. luv4wub reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  19. topazwoods reblogged this from project-argus
  20. icanrantaboutanythingatall reblogged this from koda-the-kobold and added:
    Seek and destroy specific cells? Oh my god, people. If this gets serious we might have some incredible medical miracles...
  21. koda-the-kobold reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  22. chefbastard reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  23. the-ic0n0clast reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  24. noodlyapendages reblogged this from 8bitfuture
  25. life-is-nothing-but-an-illusion reblogged this from 8bitfuture

Blog comments powered by Disqus

TECHNOLOGY


SCIENCE


SPACE


GAMES


8 BIT


HEALTHCARE


COMPUTERS


INTERNET