Previous research has shown that Anisakis simplex, a nematode that usually lives in marine environments, but can
Researchers coated nematodes tocreate a gel-like layer throughout their body to protect the worms themselves from the drugs they are supposed to tolerate. As a result, the nematodes were equipped with a suit approximately 0.01 mm thick. The entire coating process took only 20 minutes.
“Naked” and hydrogel-coated nematodes. Image: Shinji Sakai, Osaka University
Tests have shown that the created shells do notinterfered with the worms' survival and were flexible enough to support their mobility and natural ability to seek out attractive odors and chemical cues. However, when coated with anti-cancer agents, the worms successfully found targets and delivered drugs to kill cancer cells in vitro.
Given the adaptability of hydrogel shells,this worm-based delivery system not only holds promise for delivering anti-cancer drugs to tumor cells in patients, but also has potential applications in other areas, such as delivering beneficial bacteria to plant roots.
Vildan Mubarok, co-author of the study from Osaka University
Scientists note that additionalresearch before applying a new solution in medicine. The point is that many people don't need parasitic worms in their systems. In addition, it is not yet fully understood how to control beings after they are introduced into the human body.
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