Engineers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), have made a significant breakthrough in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using cutting-edge technology involving microscopic robots and green algae. The innovative treatment, successfully tested in mice, marks a promising step forward in medical science.

Led by professors Liangfang Zhang and Joseph Wang from UCSD’s Department of Chemical and Nanoengineering, the team developed biohybrid microrobots dubbed algae-MΦNP-robots. These tiny robots consist of nanoparticles coated with macrophage cell membranes, attached to green algae cells. Once ingested, these algae cells navigate the colon, dispersing nanoparticles that target and neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines—key culprits in IBD.

Dr. Zhang highlights the novelty of their approach, emphasizing its drug-free nature: «The beauty of this approach is that it’s drug-free—we just leverage the natural cell membrane to absorb and neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines.»

The nanoparticles, crafted from biodegradable polymers, mimic macrophages to act as decoys. They bind to excessive cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-⍺ and interleukin-6, without stimulating further cytokine production—a crucial mechanism in controlling inflammation in IBD.

Safety is paramount in medical innovations, and the team ensured their microrobots meet rigorous standards. They employed biocompatible materials and FDA-approved green algae cells, conducting comprehensive safety tests in mice with reassuring results.

The delivery system is equally sophisticated: microrobots are housed in pH-responsive capsules, protecting them from stomach acids until they reach the colon, where they disperse precisely at the target site. This approach minimizes toxicity and ensures efficacy by delivering treatment directly where it’s needed most.

In animal trials, mice treated with these microrobots showed notable improvements—reduced bleeding, improved stool consistency, weight gain, and decreased colon inflammation—indicative of potential efficacy in humans.

Looking ahead, the researchers envision broad clinical applications beyond IBD. Their system’s scalability and robust performance make it suitable for addressing other conditions linked to pro-inflammatory cytokines. This versatility positions the technology as a promising candidate for future clinical translation, potentially revolutionizing treatment options for various inflammatory disorders.

Article written by Gen News

27/06/2024

Source:

Gen News

https://www.genengnews.com/topics/translational-medicine/biodegradable-microrobots-deliver-therapies-to-treat-inflammatory-bowel-disease-in-mice/