Nano-robotic Agents Open the Blood-brain Barrier

Research conducted by scientists at the University of Montreal, Polytechnique Montréal, and CHU Sainte-Justine recently found that magnetic nanoparticles can open the blood-brain barrier and deliver molecules directly to the brain. Currently, 98 percent of therapeutic molecules are unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. “The barrier is temporary opened at a desired location for approximately 2 hours by a small elevation of the temperature generated by the nanoparticles when exposed to a radio-frequency field,” explained first author of the study and co-inventor of the technology. “Our tests revealed that this technique is not associated with any inflammation of the brain. This new result could lead to a breakthrough in the way nanoparticles are used in the treatment and diagnosis of brain diseases.” Although the technology was developed using murine models, and has not yet been tested in humans, researchers are confident that future research will enable its use in people. To read more about this study, click here.