Nanotechnology devices for controlled release of molecules

CAUERHFF A.; CASTRO GUILLERMO R.

Trivandrum

Congreso; 8th Annual Convention of The Biotech Research Society, India; 2011

National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), CSIR.

p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; } Nanotechnologies are bringing new horizons in all over the material arena. Particularly, applications in food and medical areas in where controlled release technologies are expecting to reduce famines, improve health and enhance life quality. The main strategy in the Bio/fields is known as self assembly and based on the creation of new functional structures produced by the interaction of two or more molecules, which are showing different physicochemical and biological properties. In that field, biological molecules are palying a crucial role because their regio-, enantio- and stereo-selectivity, which allows to get a myriad of structures and functions. Amongst them, biopolymers and enzymes could cover many different function and roles in the development of new controlled release devices. Smart biopolymers can be used to reach different portions of the intestine for the delivery of therapeutic labile molecules, e.g. antibiotics, cytostatics to protect them from enzymatic degradation and the harsh enviromental condition of the stomach. Likewise, patches based on biopolymers to slowly release hormones, enzymes and/or antimicotic drugs over the skin. Nanotechnology-functionalized foods can add high nutritional value by incorporating unstable molecules (like antioxidants, pro-vitamins) to enhance food flavor and taste which specially relevant in elderly people, newborns and children.