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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: July 28, 2009
Summary Sentence:
A new microparticle-drug combination may be key to reducing infl
Full Summary:
Researchers believe that a number of anti-inflammatory drugs, if delivered directly into the heart following heart attack, could prevent permanent damage and prolong heart function. The challenge, however, is finding an effective way to deliver the drugs. Some drugs require such large doses that toxicity becomes a risk. Others must be injected daily. Certain drug delivery methods themselves can cause inflammation.
PulseAn Emory research team believes it has found the right recipe of ingredients to one day make safe, effective drug-laden microparticles for heart attack patients.
The team, led by biomedical engineer Michael E. Davis, found that injecting animal hearts with microparticles formulated with the polymer PCADK—poly(cyclohexane-1,4-diylacetone dimethylene ketone)—improved cardiac function after simulated heart attack. Unlike other “carrier” molecules, PCADK degrades into two benign substances: 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, an FDA-approved food additive, and acetone, an endogenous compound.
