Friday, 28th April 2006 (4680 views)

Researchers in Massachusetts have developed a technique that could revolutionise nanotechnology, using gold nanoparticles as DNA "taxis" to allow nucleic acid used as a "drug" to cure genetic ailments to be transported into living cells.

Until now, gene therapy has relied on using dead viruses to transport a "drug" but these have frequently had unexpected consequences for health and are considered a volatile option.

By using positively charged gold spheres to carry the DNA, the scientists discovered that the 'neutral' nature of gold, rather than a dead virus, was more effective and more easily manipulated.

Vincent Rotello and his team made the discovery when it was found that the gold particles could pick up and drop DNA by being either positively or negatively charged through the use of ultraviolet light.

When irradiated with UV at a certain wavelength, the positively charged fragments of the gold, which effectively "gripped" the negatively charged DNA to be used in the genetic cure, could be released into the required cell.

The scientists believe that, with further research, the process can be made to target specific cells, or even parts of cells and may make it possible to steer interactions with other biomolecules, such as proteins or pharmaceutical agents.

 

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