Researchers in Pune, India, are working to make the existing TB drugs in nano form, which can increase the efficiency of a dose by 10 times. The aim is to lower the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and method of administration. The process involves coating the medicine on metal oxide nano particles by forming a colloidal suspension, resulting in a 30 nano-meter-thick coating on each nano particle of 40 nano meter diameter. According to Tejeshree Bhave, principal investigator at the Defense Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), they have patented the coating method. Also, by making the drug available in nano form, the surface to volume ratio is increased, which means more of the medicine is available for fighting the disease. The project is a multi-institutional initiative with DIAT, King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEM), and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). The scientists are also changing the method of administration from oral consumption by providing nano carriers, which can be injected or inhaled. As a result, the drug enters the bloodstream directly, increasing its effectiveness.
Indianexpress.com, www.indianexpress.com, August 8, 2010, by Pranav Kulkarni
No comments:
Post a Comment