Nanotech Living-Cell Treatment Medicine Tested In Rats

Brian Wang writes: "Precursors of the nanotech medical cures are being tested in rats. Mem capsules with 7 nm holes let out insulin from cells inside the capsule. The holes allow nutrients in to keep the cells alive but keep out the immune system cells to keep the cells alive. Since the cells and the capsules last basically the lifetime of the person, they are effectively a cure. They will take some years to go through long term small animal trials and then to monkey and finally to human trials. The technique can be applied to other diseases. Parkisons, hemophilia etc ..."

Comments

Re:Wow... just curious...

[Man of E]

The diameter of the pores in these capsules is about 7nm. Insulin molecules are about 5nm, whereas antibodies are larger, more complicated proteins (10-30nm, usually). Antibodies can't recognize the foreign cells inside the nanoparticle because they can't get through the membrane shielding it from the outside.

Concerning your second question, I think the way blood sugar levels are naturally monitored is in the pancreas, by this same kind of cells. So I assume the cells inside the nanoparticle would maintain insulin levels at a constant rate, adjusting for fluctuating diets, just like a nondiabetic's pancreas. You wouldn't run out of insulin, because it's produced inside those cells; that is, once injected, you're cured for life.