This photo taken on March 10, 2024 shows a sample of an intelligent DNA nanodevice on display in Nanjing, the capital of eastern China’s Jiangsu province. Researchers from Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications have developed an intelligent DNA nanodevice for thrombolytic therapy. The device can automatically detect blood clots and achieve accurate drug delivery. (Data via Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications/Xinhua)
NANJING, March 10 (Xinhua) — Researchers from Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications have developed an intelligent DNA nanodevice for thrombolytic therapy that can automatically find blood clots and achieve precise drug delivery.
The research team used DNA origami technology to integrate DNA nanosheets with pre-engineered tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) binding sites and thrombin-responsive DNA fasteners. This fastener is an interlocking DNA triplex that acts as a thrombin recognizer, threshold controller, and open/close switch.
“Thrombolytic drugs are a double-edged sword and can be dangerous if not used properly. The drugs indiscriminately dissolve fibrin in normal wounds, causing abnormalities in clotting function and, in severe cases, The wound may open and bleed,” Wang Lianhui said. Research team members.
However, this nanodevice can determine whether it is near a blood clot or wound based on the concentration of thrombin. If the concentration is high, it suggests there is a blood clot in the area, and the device releases the drug.
The device can be degraded and metabolized within the human body, the researchers said, adding that it is expected to provide new solutions in the treatment of diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
The study was published online in the journal Nature Materials.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
