Soon, a nanoparticle tattoo

A temporary tattoo made of antioxidant nanoparticles to help control a chronic disease maybe on the anvil, according to scientists at the Baylor College of Medicine, U.S. Their study in the journal, Scientific Reports, shows that nanoparticles modified with polyethylene glycol can be made to behave like T and B cells, the main kinds of cells in the immune system, and employed to fight disease. Administering the nanoparticles like a tattoo could also ensure that these foreign bodies don’t stay in contact with the body longer than required. That could be a plus for patients with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. T and B lymphocyte cells and macrophages are key components of the immune system. But a drawback is that they frequently destroy even healthy cells. These could lead to unexpected infections and delayed recovery. Using soluble nanoparticles could help T cells sift the harmful from neutral cells......................Read more

Source: The Hindu