Polymer containers could deliver enzymes to human cells

New Scientist reports on 200 nanometer polymer spheres that can get placed into living cells Nextbigfuture assumes that they could change the size to bigger to place larger amounts of material into cells. Human cells are about 20 microns across. Mitocondria are 1–10 micrometers across.

Aubrey de Grey has indicated :
if this works in vivo. It could certainly be used to deliver the microbial enzymes [of the SENS plan]. The SENS projects are working to identify what will break down indigestible junk inside cells which cause atherosclerosis and other diseases.

Lysosens project: identification of microbial enzymes capable of removing the recalcitrant wastes of damaged cellular components that our cells can’t break down and recycle on their own (cellular “junk”), and delivering these enzymes to the cellular “incinerator” (the lysosome).

So the polymer containers could be used to deliver identified enzymes to the cell.

The Mitichondria (Mitosens) project is making progress and there is alternative work from mainstream sources. The Sirtris molecule is 1,000 times more potent than resveratrol, and could lead to solutions for diseases of aging including cancer and diabetes, according to an article published in the journal Nature. Calorie restriction may operate via improving mitochondria function.

2 thoughts on “Polymer containers could deliver enzymes to human cells”

  1. I also think that using of solar power will have success soon, and after scientists discover a way of effective using, it will be a great discovery for mankind!

  2. It is a fascinating idea. I wonder though if NASA and potential developers would look at ideas like these and think that for the foreseeable future it will always make sense to wait until there is a slightly cheaper or slightly lighter or slightly more powerful solar cell or wait until a slightly cheaper rocket is available or wait until someone else does the proof of concept to stimulate investment interest. The same argument seems to apply to all expensive space program projects and it is quite a politically and effective point.

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