By Adrienne Sylver
A unique nanogel developed by researchers at the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine shows great promise in its ability to precisely deliver drugs that inhibit the growth of HIV cells and prevent diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
The nanogel compound, for which FIU has received a patent in the United States, could have a worldwide impact. Because it is non-toxic, organic and inexpensive to produce, it could offer a safe and affordable solution for developing nations that do not have access to or resources for cutting-edge treatments.
"It seems that the nanogel will have many applications," said Distinguished University Professor Madhavan Nair, founding chair of the college's Department of Immunology and NanoMedicine. An internationally renowned expert in nanotechnology and HIV research, Nair is also associate dean of biomedical research, associate vice president of nanomedicine and director of FIU's Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology. The nanogel is one of 15 patents issued to Nair as an inventor.
The growth of nanotechnology, particularly in medicine, has exploded in recent years. With 25.4 million nanometers in an inch, nanogel particles are so tiny that they can only be seen with high-powered microscopes. Medical applications range from expanding imaging and diagnostic techniques, to bone and neural tissue engineering, to the highly targeted delivery of drugs. This area of research involves attaching nanoparticles onto drugs or liposomes to increase specific localization. Since different cell types have unique properties, nanotechnology can be used to "recognize" cells of interest.
As investigators in FIU's Department of Immunology & NanoMedicine explored the molecular mechanism of viruses and diseases, they knew they needed new materials and approaches to combat illnesses. The synthesized nanogel is one of the products of their research.
"We are very optimistic and hopeful that this not only leads to better treatments but that it also can be used prophylactically to prevent diseases altogether," said Nair, who leads the project's investigative team that includes lead researchers Arti Vashist and virologist Andrea Raymond.
