Nanoparticles hitchhike on red blood cells: a potential new method for drug delivery

BIOBOSS submitted, created time 1 year 6 months (www.eurekalert.org)

Polymeric nanoparticles are excellent carriers for delivering drugs. However, they are quickly removed from the blood, sometimes in minutes, rendering them ineffective in delivering drugs. This study reports that nanoparticles can be forced to remain in circulation by attaching to red blood cells. Prolonged circulation of nanoparticles in the blood may potentially open new opportunities for the treatment of conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

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