Biodegradable Nanomaterials Provide Ultrasound Imaging While Delivering Medication
|
By HospiMedica International staff writers Posted on 27 Jun 2022 |
|
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), more commonly known as either atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, is a condition commonly found in the elderly. It affects more than 200 million people worldwide and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Now, a team of researchers aims to develop novel biodegradable nanoparticles to deliver therapeutic agents that specifically protect cells under stress conditions, facilitate the formation of blood vessels under hypoxia and allow noninvasive multimodal imaging methods.
Bioengineers at The University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX, USA) are working on a project to develop biodegradable nanomaterials that will take pictures and deliver medicine to combat PAD. One impact of the research is to use these new nanoparticle platforms to deliver any therapeutics locally, treat the disease effectively and monitor the treatment noninvasively by imaging. The overall goal is to reduce complications and improve the quality of life for PAD patients.
“What’s important in this project is that the technology carries fluorescent and ultrasound imaging capabilities, which will provide patients and doctors with more detailed information,” said Kytai Nguyen, a UT Arlington bioengineering professor and the principal investigator in the four-year, USD 2.1 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant. “It also gives patients more targeted medicine, making it more efficient.”
“This cutting-edge technology has a chance to change our protocols on how to deal with atherosclerosis,” said Michael Cho, chair of the UT Arlington Bioengineering Department, who believes Nguyen’s innovative research could greatly help those who live with PAD. “When you are able to target localized lesions for treatment, that is so much better for the patients and much less invasive than current treatment.”
Related Links:
The University of Texas at Arlington
Latest Critical Care News
- Automated IV Labeling Solution Improves Infusion Safety and Efficiency
- First-Of-Its-Kind AI Tool Detects Pulmonary Hypertension from Standard ECGs
- 4D Digital Twin Heart Model Improves CRT Outcomes
- AI Turns Glucose Data Into Actionable Insights for Diabetes Care
- Microscale Wireless Implant Tracks Brain Activity Over Time
- Smart Mask Delivers Continuous, Battery-Free Breath Monitoring
- Routine Blood Pressure Readings May Identify Risk of Future Cognitive Decline
- CGM-Based Algorithm Enhances Insulin Dose Adjustment in Type 2 Diabetes
- Fish Scale–Based Implants Offer New Approach to Corneal Repair
- Dual-Function Wound Patch Combines Infection Sensing and Treatment
- Smartwatch Signals and Blood Tests Team Up for Early Warning on Insulin Resistance
- Smart Fabric Technology Aims to Prevent Pressure Injuries in Hospital Care
- Standardized Treatment Algorithm Improves Blood Pressure Control
- Combined Infection Control Strategy Limits Drug-Resistant Outbreak in NICU
- AI Helps Predict Which Heart-Failure Patients Will Worsen Within a Year
- Algorithm Allows Paramedics to Predict Brain Damage Risk After Cardiac Arrest
Channels
Artificial Intelligence
view channel
Machine Learning Approach Enhances Liver Cancer Risk Stratification
Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of primary liver cancer, is often detected late despite targeted surveillance programs. Current screening guidelines emphasize patients with known cirrhosis,... Read more
New AI Approach Monitors Brain Health Using Passive Wearable Data
Brain health spans cognitive and emotional functions and can fluctuate even in adults without diagnosed disease. Detecting early changes remains difficult in routine care and burdens specialty services... Read more
Surgical Techniques
view channel
Continuous Monitoring with Wearables Enhances Postoperative Patient Safety
Postoperative hypoxemia on general surgical wards is common and often missed by intermittent vital sign checks. Undetected low oxygen levels can delay recovery and raise the risk of complications that... Read more
New Approach Enables Customized Muscle Tissue Without Biomaterial Scaffolds
Volumetric muscle loss is a traumatic loss of skeletal muscle that often leads to permanent functional impairment and limited reconstructive options. Current experimental strategies struggle to deliver... Read more
Patient Care
view channel
Wearable Sleep Data Predict Adherence to Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disorder that makes breathing difficult and often disturbs sleep, reducing energy for daily activities. Limited engagement in pulmonary... Read more
Revolutionary Automatic IV-Line Flushing Device to Enhance Infusion Care
More than 80% of in-hospital patients receive intravenous (IV) therapy. Every dose of IV medicine delivered in a small volume (<250 mL) infusion bag should be followed by subsequent flushing to ensure... Read more
Health IT
view channel
EMR-Based Tool Predicts Graft Failure After Kidney Transplant
Kidney transplantation offers patients with end-stage kidney disease longer survival and better quality of life than dialysis, yet graft failure remains a major challenge. Although a successful transplant... Read more
Printable Molecule-Selective Nanoparticles Enable Mass Production of Wearable Biosensors
The future of medicine is likely to focus on the personalization of healthcare—understanding exactly what an individual requires and delivering the appropriate combination of nutrients, metabolites, and... Read more
Business
view channel
GE HealthCare Leads Major European Initiative to Advance Cardio-Oncology Care
Cardiovascular complications are increasingly recognized among people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, driven by pre‑existing disease and the cardiotoxic effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy,... Read more
