Patented research at the University of ֱ at Lafayette may help doctors deliver medicine – like those that fight cancer – directly to a tumor using magnetic fields.
Dr. Devesh Misra, Director of the Center for Structural and Functional Materials and Stuller Endowed Chair and Professor of Chemical Engineering, developed the research, which was recently patented.
“ Using nanotechnology, we can get the drugs right inside the cells,” said Misra. “With this method, we can deliver high concentration of medicines to the appropriate area without the medicine having to travel all over the body.”
Nanotechnology refers to a technological field, which deals with matter on an atomic and molecular scale.
Misra’s research uses magnetic nanocrystals (much like salt crystals) coated with a polymer or binding agent that helps the medicine attach to the tumor. The nanocrystals are non-toxic and biodegradable, so they are no harm to the body.
They travel directly to the tumor once a magnetic field is established outside of the body and around the tumor.
“ The medicine wouldn’t have to go all over the body and possibly kill healthy cells,” said Misra.
When the magnetic field is released, the nanocrystals would be flushed from the body naturally.
“ The payoff for the doctors and patients include lower drug toxicity, effective treatment and reduced costs,” said Misra.
A second facet of his patented research includes wound protection using magnetic properties.
“ Magnetic nanoparticles can be encapsulated with a sprayable catalyst like titania that can not only keep wounds clean of bacteria, but also be easily removed with a magnet after treatment,” he explained.
Misra’s patent is one of 10 patents established or pending at UL Lafayette. “This is an extremely important component for the university and is part of a cycle that we envision,” said Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, assistant vice president for Research and Graduate Studies.
“ We have professors doing valuable research that is then patented and commercialized, generating revenues for the university and its researchers. This research is an investment in our future – as a university and as a society.”