Newly Discovered Molecule to Deliver Drugs Directly to Cells

Kansas State University (Kansas, USA) researchers have discovered a molecule that may be capable of delivering drugs inside the body to treat diseases.  John M Tomich and colleagues have designed and created a membrane-bounded vesicle formed entirely of peptides -- molecules made up of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. The membrane could serve as a new drug delivery system to safely treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The peptides are a set of self-assembling branched molecules made up of naturally occurring amino acids. The chemical properties of a peptide create a vesicle that is comprised of a thin membrane and is hollow inside. Created in a water solution, the bubble is filled with water rather than air. The peptides -- or bubbles -- can be made in a solution containing a drug or other molecule that becomes encapsulated as the peptide assembles, yielding a trapped compound, much like a gelatin capsule holds over-the-counter oral remedies. The peptide vesicles could be delivered to appropriate cells in the body to treat diseases and minimize potential side effects.