Revolutionary Smart Gel by Cambridge Scientists: A Potential End to Arthritis Pain
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a groundbreaking development in the field of smart materials. They have created a gel-like substance that can sense chemical changes in the body and release drugs exactly when and where needed.
The smart gel responds to increased acidity, a common occurrence during arthritis flare-ups, by becoming softer and releasing encapsulated anti-inflammatory medications. This is a stark contrast to traditional drug delivery systems that require external triggers like heat or light. Instead, this innovative material is powered by the body’s own chemistry.
The research, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, reveals that the material released substantially more drug cargo at acidity levels typical of arthritic joints compared to healthy tissue.
The team, led by Professor Oren Scherman from Cambridge’s Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, designed the material to mimic cartilage while delivering targeted treatment. This could potentially revolutionize care for arthritis sufferers.
- It offers a more responsive treatment approach.
- It could significantly reduce side effects.
- It has the potential to benefit the 10 million people with arthritis in the UK alone.
For more information about this revolutionary research, visit the original article on ScienceDaily.
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