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In an innovative leap forward, researchers have developed enzyme-powered “snot bots” capable of navigating through mucus barriers to deliver drugs more efficiently. Published in ACS Nano, the study demonstrates these tiny bots’ potential in improving treatment efficacy by overcoming the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
The Role of Mucus
Mucus, or snot, serves as a protective barrier across various parts of the body, including the lungs, stomach, intestines, and eyes. This slimy secretion traps pathogens and irritants, shielding cells from harm. However, its protective properties also present a significant challenge for locally administered drug treatments, as the sticky barrier often prevents drug molecules from reaching their targets.
The Innovation
Led by Samuel Sánchez, the research team sought to enhance drug delivery through mucus by developing nano-sized robots powered by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These “snot bots” are constructed from porous silica nanoparticles adorned with catalase enzymes. The pores within the nanoparticles can be loaded with drug molecules, allowing them to act as a Trojan horse, sneaking through the mucus defenses.
How It Works
The catalase enzymes attached to the nanoparticles break down H2O2 into oxygen and water, propelling the bots forward. This propulsion mechanism helps the bots navigate through the mucus barrier more effectively than passive diffusion or other mucus-disrupting strategies.
Experimental Success
The researchers tested the bots using a model of the intestinal mucus layer created from lab-grown human intestinal cells. The bots successfully passed through the mucus layer within 15 minutes without causing significant harm to the underlying cells. This quick passage is crucial, as mucus is typically regenerated every 10 minutes to 4.5 hours, reducing the risk of the bots being trapped and expelled.
Further testing in mouse colons confirmed the bots’ ability to traverse the mucus without damaging cells or tissues. Impressively, about 28% of the nanobots crossed the mucus barrier, a 60-fold improvement over passive diffusion methods. Previous approaches using different enzymes or mucus-disrupting drugs achieved only a 10-fold increase in diffusion.
Implications and Future Research
These findings position snot bots as promising candidates for drug delivery systems, particularly for treatments hindered by mucus barriers. The researchers are optimistic about the potential applications of their innovation in various medical fields.
Acknowledgements
The study received funding from several prestigious sources, including the European Research Council, the State Research Agency, “ERDF A way of making Europe,” the European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR (Bots4BB project), the CERCA program by the Government of Catalonia, the Ministry of Research and Universities, the Department of Business and Knowledge of the Government of Catalonia, and the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence.
Conclusion
The development of enzyme-powered snot bots marks a significant advancement in drug delivery technology. By efficiently navigating through mucus barriers, these nanobots hold promise for enhancing treatment efficacy and overcoming one of the body’s most formidable defense mechanisms.
