Spider silk gets a superpower: ITMO researchers create magnetic material for targeted healing.
Scientists from ITMO University have created a new magnetic material composed of silk from the Linothele fallax spider and a coating of magnetic nanoparticles. Combined, the elements promote tissue regeneration and can potentially be applied in targeted drug delivery.
How it works: researchers add liposomes – microscopic spheres made of the same molecules as cell membranes – to a biological sample, allowing them to penetrate cells easily. Medication is placed inside them and coated with nanoparticles. When exposed to an external magnetic field, the particles heat up and destroy liposomes, which causes medication to be released at the injury site; at the same time, silk threads facilitate directional growth and serve as a support system for cells.
Guest post by ITMO University
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Scientists from ITMO University have created a new magnetic material composed of silk from the Linothele fallax spider and a coating of magnetic nanoparticles. Combined, the elements promote tissue regeneration and can potentially be applied in targeted drug delivery.
How it works: researchers add liposomes – microscopic spheres made of the same molecules as cell membranes – to a biological sample, allowing them to penetrate cells easily. Medication is placed inside them and coated with nanoparticles. When exposed to an external magnetic field, the particles heat up and destroy liposomes, which causes medication to be released at the injury site; at the same time, silk threads facilitate directional growth and serve as a support system for cells.
Guest post by ITMO University
━━✧Infinity-ScienceX✧━━