Drug delivery researchers have developed a device that can potentially improve gene therapy for patients with inherited lung disease.
According to Phys Org, the researchers at Oregon State University had demonstrated a new technique for aerosolization of inhalable nanoparticles that can help to carry messenger RNA, the technology underpinning COVID-19 vaccines, to the lungs of the patients.
The researchers believed that the findings are important because the current nebulization method for nanoparticles subjects them to shear stress, hindering their ability to encapsulate the genetic material and causing them to aggregate in certain areas of the lung rather than spreading evenly.
The lead researcher of the study and professor of pharmaceutical sciences, Gaurav Sahay, said, “We utilized a novel microfluidic chip that helps in the generation of plumes that carry nanoparticles and does not cause any shear stress.”
He noted, “This device is based on the similar idea of an ink-jet cartridge that generates plumes to print words on paper."
Sahay explained, “The device does not let the nanoparticles aggregate and can deliver mRNA with higher precision than existing tech. The additional cool thing is that this device can be digitally controlled, and Rare Air is developing prototypes for human use."
Sahay further suggested, “This study demonstrates a marriage between new devices and formulation science that might hugely impact human health."
