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Wednesday, 29th April 2009 (1068 views)

A nanoneedle coated in gold that can be used to deliver molecules into living cells has been developed by scientists in the US, it has emerged.

Researchers at the University of Illinois have used the precious metal as a coating for the boron-nitrate nanotube, with 'linker' molecules being used to attach the cargo to the needle.

According to professor of mechanical science Ning Wang, the tool, which measures approximately 40 nanometers in diameter, can be used to observe and manipulate individual molecules.

"The nanoneedle provides a mechanism by which we can quantitatively examine biological processes occurring within a cell's nucleus or cytoplasm," molecular and integrative physiology professor Yang Xiang added, noting that the development will lead to further understanding of how cells function.

In related news today, researchers at the University of Alabama have ascertained that encasing gold nanoparticles in carbon shells can boost their stability and lead to improved functionality.

 

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