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An effective strategy for the targeted delivery of new antimalarials

Xavier Fernàndez Busquets’ joint IBEC-ISGlobal Nanomalaria group has moved a step closer to the validation of immunoliposomes as a vehicle for antimalarial drugs by showing that they increase the efficacy of lipohilic (poorly soluble) compounds in a mouse model of malaria.

The results, published in Biomaterials, suggest that this strategy could be used for the treatment of severe malaria.

Most antimalarial drugs currently in the pipeline are poorly soluble in water, and high amounts are needed to ensure their efficacy, particularly in cases of severe malaria.

Presenting IBEC’s 3D bioprinting capabilities at the second IN(3D)USTRY event

This week IBEC is attending the second edition of “IN(3D)USTRY: From Needs to Solutions”, the international meeting devoted to 3D printing.

The institute has a stand in the exhibition area, where Head of Technology Transfer Xavier Rubies, Technology Transfer manager Xavier Puñet and Nanotechnology Platform Coordinator Mateu Pla are welcoming visitors interested in finding out more about IBEC’s 3D bioprinting capabilities.

Yesterday lunchtime IBEC director Josep Samitier gave a talk about the challenges and possibilities of 3D bioprinting, where he outlined some of IBEC’s relevant projects including the cardiac regeneration research by Nuria Montserrat’s group and the bioreactors being developed by Elena Martinez.

IBEC at active ageing festival in the UK

Yesterday and today IBEC has been exhibiting at the Coventry Life Festival in the UK, a celebration of active ageing which is taking place in the university town not far from Birmingham.

Sunday saw more than 1000 middle-aged and elderly residents and their families flock to the city for the Vitality Marketplace, a showcase of resources and information about healthy and active ageing.

Supported by EIT health, IBEC’s stand is demonstrating the 3D bioprinting techniques being optimised in the institute to tackle age-related disease by creating biomaterials to aid the regeneration of organs such as the heart, as well as giving out information about the institute to potential masters and PhD students.

Samuel breaks own record for smallest jet engine

Samuel Sanchez has broken his own Guinness World Record for the smallest jet engine.

The ultimate authority in record-breaking achievements has recognized his and Xing Ma’s nanotube, 220nm or 0.00022 millimeters in size, as the world’s tiniest jet engine. Previously, Samuel and his collaborators from IFW Dresden held the record until this year, with a 600nm tube.

The tubular ‘engine’ is powered by an enzyme-triggered biocatalytic reaction using urea as fuel. The reaction creates an internal flow that extends out into the surrounding fluid through one of the cavities, causing a flux of fluid that results in thrust, propelling the nanotube along.