Australian researchers are working on ways to improve the passage of high-tech nano-particles through the body. 

A new study has looked at ways to send ‘friendly’ nano-particles into a patient’s bloodstream.By modifying the surface of these potential drug, vaccine or cancer treatment delivery objects, experts say they can encourage the best result.

Working with Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, local researchers are testing the body’s responses to various surface treatments to nanomaterials.

The novel approach, called ‘plasma polymer deposition’, shows the potential to tailor the physiological responses to nanomaterials by engineering their surface chemical composition to suit a particular application.

In tests so far, two chemistries have been shown to induce very different responses: one triggered anti-inflammatory response, which means the nano-carrier could go unnoticed by the body and let it circulate to its intended destination. 

The other led to an inflammatory response, indicating this type of nanoparticle would stimulate the immune system and be suited for vaccine purposes.

“The future of safer, more effective vaccines, drug delivery and even cancer and other disease diagnostics and treatments could be closer with further investigations using this technique,” adds Associate Professor Melanie MacGregor.

“This method can also be used to modify other objects, large or small, to suit a specific application – from the biomedical field to other purposes such as waterproofing, antimicrobial, high lubrication, and so on,” she says.