Empa researching nanomedicines for use in pregnancy

(CONNECT) Researchers from the Nanomaterials in Health laboratory at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) in St.Gallen have collaborated with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH), the Cantonal Hospital of St.Gallen and the Chinese Zhejiang University from Hangzhou on the development of the nanozymes. These are made up of a nanostructured core of metal atoms or metal oxides.  As was explained in a press release, these synthetic compounds with enzyme-like properties will enable the development of medication for the safe treatment of pregnancy complications. These novel medicines could reportedly be used against widespread infections, pregnancy poisoning, diabetes or the threat of premature birth, when traditional medication is either ineffective or too risky for mother and child.

The research focuses on illnesses that can arise from oxidative stress, which is often triggered by the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Until now, investigations have examined the use of nanozymes in cancer treatment and other medical fields, with results published in a study. Now, researchers will use established models that faithfully reproduce what happens in the placenta and in the organism of both mother and child. “The structure, metabolism and interaction of maternal and fetal tissue are unique in humans,” says team leader Tina Bürki from Empa's Nanomaterials in Health laboratory in the press release. “Only thanks to human placental tissue can we obtain meaningful results on the transport and effect of the nanozymes.”

The experiments have shown that nanozymes do not impair the placental barrier. The hope is that the medication will have no negative effects on the embryo. Next, the team will analyze the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of the nanozymes. ce/ww