| STUDY |
Micelles are known to carry drugs into cells. Now, details of where block copolymer micelles might unload their cargo may speed their eventual use as drug delivery vehicles. Authors use fluorescently labeled micelles made from poly(caprolactone) and poly(ethylene oxide) to determine the distribution of micelles within cells. They find that these fluorescent micelles distribute themselves within several cytoplasmic compartments, including the Golgi ap- paratus and mitochondria. "The key issue is that nothing goes into the nucleus. "This is different from other micelles, which have been used specifically to target the nucleus for gene delivery." Using a membrane-selective dye, they find that the micelles can alter the distribution of agents in a cell. By itself, the dye is confined to the plasma membrane or other membranes in the cell. But when the dye is in a micelle, it enters other cytoplasmic compartments. "If the dye is included in the micelle, the entire cell is practically swamped with it. "Much more of the dye can enter the cell when you have a nanodelivery system." Authors have started in vitro and in vivo experiments using therapeutic agents. One of the main things needed, she says, is new polymers that can provide active targeting to specific organelles. |
| UPDATE | 04.03 |
| AUTHOR | This data is not available for free |
| LITERATURE REF. | This data is not available for free |
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